Deciding when to do a deep clean of your home can feel overwhelming. With so many areas to tackle, it’s difficult to know where to start. The key is identifying which spots in your house actually need that intensive scrubbing on a regular basis. I call this ‘targeted cleaning’ – focusing your efforts on the high-traffic zones and skippable spaces that can wait. This allows you to use your limited time wisely while still keeping a fresh, tidy home. In this article, I’ll share my tried-and-true targeted cleaning schedule to help you gain control of your deep cleans.
High-Touch Surfaces
The most critical areas for frequent deep cleaning are high-touch surfaces. These are the spots we come into contact with multiple times a day, leaving behind traces of dirt, germs, and oils. I recommend hitting these high-traffic zones at least once a week.
Doorknobs and Handles
Doorknobs harbor germs since they get grasped by dirty hands all day long. Make sure to scrub both interior and exterior knobs. Don’t forget handles on appliances and cabinets too.
Pro tip: Disinfect knobs and pulls with a sanitizing wipe after cleaning for extra protection.
Light Switches
Light switches get flicked on and off many times a day. Over time, they collect grime and become a hotbed for germs. For a thorough clean, unscrew switch plates to wipe the wall underneath as well.
Electronics
Phones, tablets, remotes, and keyboards are cradled in our greasy fingers every single day. They require regular disinfecting to get rid of bacteria growth.
Pro tip: Never spray cleaner directly onto devices. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with disinfectant.
Faucet Handles
Kitchen and bathroom faucets undergo constant handling, especially around meal times. Give them a weekly scrub to remove soap scum and oils.
Tabletops
Kitchen tables, nightstands, desks – they all need weekly attention. Clear surfaces fully and use a powerful cleaner suited for the material.
Pro tip: For wooden tabletops, treat with wood polish after deep cleaning to condition and protect.
Heavy Traffic Flooring
High foot traffic also brings grime that necessitates frequent deep cleaning. Stay on top of these floors weekly.
Entryways
As the transition space from outdoor to indoor, entryways tend to collect dust, dirt, and debris carried in on shoes. Mop or vacuum thoroughly.
Main Walkways
Well-worn pathways through the home get grubby fast. Scrub or shampoo carpeted halls, hardwood passages, tiled kitchen floors, etc.
Bathroom Floors
The humid environment of bathrooms can lead to soap scum buildup, mildew, and mold growth. Disinfect and scrub bathroom floors weekly.
Kitchen Floors
Food spills and dripping liquids make kitchen floors dingy. Mop using a powerful grease-cutting cleaner suited for the floor type.
Monthly Deep Clean Zones
While high-traffic spots need weekly attention, some areas only require intensive cleaning monthly. This helps limit your workload.
Baseboards
Baseboards collect dust bunnies and dirt drippings. But since they undergo little contact, monthly vacuuming or wiping is sufficient.
Windows and Mirrors
Glass surfaces get hazy from vapor, grease, and environmental dust. Tackle window and mirror cleaning monthly for clarity.
Pro tip: Use microfiber cloths and squeegees to prevent streaks.
Walls and Ceilings
Unless you have little kids creating marks, walls and ceilings stay relatively clean. Spot clean as needed and do a full scrub monthly.
Upholstery
Sofas, chairs, and other upholstered furniture only need deep cleaning every month or two. Vacuum crumbs weekly and shampoo or steam the fabric monthly.
Mattresses
While sheets and blankets should be washed biweekly, mattresses only need seasonal sanitizing. Rotate and deep clean every 3-4 months.
Quarterly Deep Cleaning
I only do an all-out scrub down of these home areas once per season. They can tolerate longer intervals between intensive cleans.
Windows Exterior
Outdoor grime accumulates slowly on window exteriors. Aim to wash outside of windows every 3 months.
Ovens
Unless you experience a major oven spill, quarterly cleaning is sufficient. Remove racks and use oven cleaner to lift baked-on grease.
Refrigerators
A deep clean of interior, exterior, and all shelves and bins keeps fridges fresh. Do this chore each season.
Washers and Dryers
Over time, residue can build up in washers. Freshen up machines quarterly using affresh or vinegar. Clean lint traps pre-use.
Basements and Garages
These storage zones only need heavy-duty scrubbing every few months. Sweep, hose down concrete, and wipe shelving.
Air Vents and Radiators
Use a vacuum crevice tool to clean out air vents quarterly. Wipe down radiators and heaters too.
As-Needed Deep Cleaning
I tackle these home spaces only when they start looking grimy. Otherwise, quick clean as needed.
Ceiling Fans and Lights
Aside from occasionally dusting fan blades, intensive cleaning is only required every 6 months or so. Use vacuum tools to remove buildup on lights.
Carpets
For high-traffic areas, aim for quarterly deep cleaning. But for low-use rooms, only clean carpets when they appear dingy.
Furniture
Wooden, leather, or upholstered furniture pieces only need thorough cleaning when you notice dirt or dust buildup.
Bed Linens
Sheets, pillowcases, and blankets should be washed weekly. But mattress covers, duvets, and shams can wait until looking or feeling dirty.
Wall Hangings
Artwork, mirrors, and wall decor tend to attract dust slowly. Take down and clean every 6-12 months.
Conclusion
A targeted cleaning approach helps maximize your limited time by identifying which areas truly require weekly deep cleaning. Focus on high-touch surfaces, high-traffic floors, and monthly problem zones. Meanwhile, spaces used less frequently only need quarterly or as-needed attention. What are your top targeted cleaning priorities? Share your tips in the comments!
