Assess the Situation
When embarking on a deep clean of your living room, take some time upfront to assess the space and identify problem areas or items that need special attention.
Look for Dust and Dirt Buildup
- Inspect window sills, ceiling fans, lampshades, and the tops of picture frames for dust accumulation. Dust can surprisingly build up in hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
- Check under and behind furniture for hidden dirt or debris. Couches, coffee tables, and media consoles often harbor surprising amounts of grime.
Evaluate Fabric Surfaces
- Examine carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and curtains for stains or traffic patterns that indicate the need for deep cleaning. Stains on fabric surfaces may require special products and techniques to remove.
- Feel for areas of fabric that seem stiff or crunchy as that can signal the accumulation of spills, dirt, and skin oils. Pay special attention to armrests and headrests.
Look for Signs of Pests
- Inspect along baseboards, under furniture, and in corners for any signs of pests like insects or rodents. Address any infestations before deep cleaning.
- Check for pet hair accumulation in upholstery, curtains, and carpeted areas. Pet hair and dander can become deeply embedded.
Develop a Game Plan
Strategically plan the cleaning process to work methodically through the space.
Categorize Spaces and Surfaces
- Group cleaning tasks room by room or surface by surface. For example: carpeted floors, hard floors, furniture, electronics, windows and mirrors, etc.
Gather Supplies
- Compile all necessary cleaning solutions, tools, and protective gear before starting. Having everything readily accessible improves efficiency.
- Check supply levels of cleaners, microfiber cloths, lint rollers, scrub brushes, gloves, masks, etc. and restock anything that’s low.
Establish an Order of Operations
- Map the cleaning tasks in a logical sequential order that flows smoothly through the space. For example: top to bottom, ceiling to floor, or per room.
- Alternate intensive tasks with lighter ones to avoid burnout. Mix deep carpet cleaning with dusting higher areas, for example.
Clean Section by Section
Working in a systematic order, thoroughly clean each section of the living room from top to bottom.
Clean Light Fixtures
- Use a telescoping duster to remove dust and debris from ceiling light fixtures.
- Wipe down the light bulb, chain, or switch with a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with all-purpose cleaner.
Dust Walls, Cobwebs, and Ceilings
- Use a microfiber dusting wand to clean walls and ceilings. Angle it to reach corners and edges.
- Remove cobwebs with a broom or duster.
- Scrub out any ceiling stains with a sponge mop or scrub brush.
Clean Windows, Blinds, and Doors
- Wash windows inside and out using glass cleaner and lint-free microfiber cloths. Dry with a squeegee.
- Wipe down window sills and door frames to eliminate dirt and dust buildup.
- Clean window treatments like blinds and curtains according to manufacturer instructions. Vacuum blinds first.
Dust Shelves, Frames, and Objects
- Use a microfiber dusting cloth to wipe down all decor items, frames, shelves, and surfaces. Lift objects to dust underneath.
- For intricate objects, use a small paintbrush or canned air to dislodge dust in crevices.
Clean Furniture Surfaces
- Vacuum all furniture surfaces with an upholstery attachment.
- Spot clean cushions and armrests with an upholstery cleaner.
- Use wood polish and a soft cloth for wood furniture without cushions.
Scrub Floor Surfaces
- Vacuum carpeting and area rugs thoroughly including edges and corners. Spot clean stains.
- For hard floors, sweep then use a floor cleaner and microfiber mop to scrub the floor. Get into corners.
- Disinfect high-touch hard floors including in entryways with an antimicrobial floor cleaner.
Dust Baseboards and Under Furniture
- Use a washable microfiber cloth to dust baseboards and the underside of couches, chairs, tables, and shelves.
Empty Waste Baskets and Clean Electronics
- Empty waste baskets and recycling bins and insert fresh wastebasket liners.
- Disinfect remotes, phones, tablets, and other electronics with disinfecting wipes. Remove batteries first.
Finish with Final Touches
Complete the deep clean with some finishing touches to leave your living room looking revived.
Fluff and Rotate Cushions
- After cleaned, fluff and rotate cushions and pillows on couches and chairs to redistribute fill and help retain shape.
Refresh Closet or Cabinet Contents
- Reorganize, declutter, and tidy storage areas like closets, cabinets, and shelving units. Donate unused items.
Rearrange and Add Decor
- Rearrange furniture layouts and decor to give the room a fresh feel.
- Incorporate new accents like pillows, blankets, photos, or plants for visual interest.
Complete Air Circulation
- Open windows or run fans and a dehumidifier to circulate fresh air and dry carpets.
- Consider using an air purifier to filter out lingering odors or pet dander.
With attention to detail and a systematic approach, you can fully refresh your living room from top to bottom! Proper maintenance cleaning will keep it looking revitalized.
