My Deep Cleaning Rotation

Keeping things organized is just part of my nature. Always has been. Keeping things clean… not so much. I’ve never cared as much about cleanliness as I have about edited and simplified spaces, but as a mom with three little ones and a big dog running around creating messes all day long, clean is a higher priority now.

Of course we have our daily cleaning routines — running the dishwasher, doing a load of laundry, sweeping, wiping down surfaces. Other tasks I’ll do as needed - vacuuming, cleaning toilets, etc. But when it’s time for a deep clean – when I want things to feel CLEAN clean, I’ll set aside a bigger chunk of time. I’d rather clean a space from top to bottom all the way than doing a little bit here and there.

I was inspired by Francie Outlaw to create a set of deep cleaning lists for our home. When she first shared hers, admittedly, I didn’t get the hype. I thought “Who needs a checklist for cleaning? Just clean!” But the more she shared them, I got on board and appreciated having a checklist for each area of our home to make sure I’m really being thorough and not forgetting anything.

While she has physical notecards, I realized I prefer the lists as a Note/checklist on my phone, so I can mark things off as I go, easily add a notation for when that particular deep clean was last done, and I don’t have to worry about cards getting dirty. Plus, I can edit the lists as needed, as our kids grow and things look different, and as the items in our home change. So far it’s worked great!

For my lists, I grouped certain spaces if it made sense to knock them out together. From start to finish, each area takes about 1-2 hours and I’ll complete them as needed. I’ve made it a goal to get through the entire list a few times a year: early summer, pre-holidays, and hopefully once more. Feel free to copy these lists and tweak to make your own set!

MASTER BATH

  • clean sink + bar keepers friend

  • clean window + lights + mirror + decor

  • clean shower

  • clean toilet

  • disinfect tub

  • disinfect counters 

  • wipe down cabinets

  • wipe out drawers

  • baseboards

  • empty trash + clean trash can

  • sweep + mop

  • wash bath mat

  • wash linens

  • refill soap

  • inventory

MASTER BEDROOM + CLOSET

  • wash sheets + pillowcases + duvet cover

  • all dirty clothes in hampers

  • dust furniture + fan + shoe shelves

  • wipe down decor + TV + mirror

  • clean windows

  • clean under furniture

  • vacuum curtains

  • baseboards

  • tidy dresser + nightstand drawers

  • make bed

  • sweep + mop

LAUNDRY ROOM + HALF BATH

  • dust shelf + decor

  • tidy cabinets + inventory

  • wipe down washer + dryer

  • clean inside washer + lint trap

  • clean window

  • clean toilet + stool

  • clean sink + bar keepers friend

  • refill soap

  • wipe counters + decor + mirror

  • baseboards

  • empty trash

  • sweep + mop

  • iron clothes

KITCHEN + DINING

  • clean appliances inside + out

  • purge + wipe out fridge

  • dust all lights

  • clean + disinfect sink

  • soak silverware

  • wipe down coffee area + refill machine

  • refill canisters

  • refill soaps + clean soap dispenser

  • refill centerpiece candles

  • clean windows + blinds

  • clean trashcans

  • wipe out drawers + cabinets

  • wipe down cabinets + backsplash

  • tidy + disinfect countertops

  • wipe down table, chairs, buffet + decor

  • disinfect booster seats

  • wipe pantry shelves + inventory

  • wash linens

  • baseboards

  • sweep + mop

LIVING ROOM + Stairs

  • tidy + rotate toys

  • wash pillow covers + blankets

  • wipe down coffee table

  • dust lamp, decor, mantle, tv

  • wipe down picture frames

  • clean + vacuum out fireplace

  • clean windows + blinds

  • vacuum curtains

  • vacuum couch + under cushions

  • clean + sweep under couches

  • sweep stairs

  • sweep coat closet, tidy + wipe down shelves

  • baseboards

  • sweep + vacuum + mop floors

  • wash Ruggable

KIDS’ ROOMS

  • wash linens + make beds

  • tidy bookshelves + baskets

  • dust furniture + decor

  • dust fans + lights

  • clean under furniture

  • tidy closets + dust shelves

  • baseboards

  • vacuum drapes

  • clean windows + blinds

  • vacuum floors

  • empty + clean vacuum

UPSTAIRS BATH + HALL

  • sweep upstairs hallway

  • dust hallway frames + windowsill 

  • clean sink + bar keepers friend

  • disinfect bathtub + tidy toys

  • disinfect non-slip mat in tub

  • clean toilet

  • dust lights

  • wipe down counters, mirror, decor

  • wipe cabinets

  • wipe out drawers

  • refill soap

  • baseboards

  • empty trash

  • vacuum rug

  • sweep + mop

  • wash linens

  • inventory

GARAGE

  • tidy toys

  • rotate seasonal things to/from attic

  • tidy + wipe down counters + cabinets

  • wipe down workout bench

  • wipe freezer + fridge inside and out

  • put donations in car

  • break down boxes + take out trash

  • inventory

  • sweep floors

OUTSIDE

  • leaf blow

  • pick up dog poop

  • wipe down chairs

  • clean windows

  • clean grill

  • shake out and sweep around door mats

  • sweep porch + patio

  • sweep doorframes + cobwebs

  • clean dog bowls

  • disinfect patio table

  • wipe down tv

  • water plants

A quick note on cleaning products — at the beginning of 2024, I started fresh with all new cleaning products. We now use Branch Basics for everyday cleaning, wiping surfaces, etc., and Force of Nature as our disinfectant. Both are completely non-toxic and fragrance-free, and I’ve been so impressed with their effectiveness. The Force of Nature link above will get you 40% off and earns me extra capsules for sharing. I recommend the Year’s Supply — it’s a really great value and should last you closer to 2 years or more!

Hopefully this was helpful to you, even just to articulate what exactly it takes do a true reset in each area of your home when it comes to cleaning. Whether you’re frequently hosting or in the thick of motherhood with young kids, it feels good to know that even as the daily messes pile up, your home functions at a baseline of cleanliness, with an extra fresh slate when you need it.