Assessing the Current State of the Room
Before beginning to clean the guest bedroom, I take some time to assess the current state of the room. This allows me to identify areas that need special attention or cleaning.
First, I look over all the surfaces – the dressers, nightstands, and any other furniture in the room. I make note of any dust, crumbs, rings, or other debris. I also check under the bed for any dust bunnies or items that may have found their way there.
Next, I pull back the curtains and examine the windows. I look for smudges, spots, or streaks that need to be cleaned. I also check the window tracks for any built-up dirt or dust.
Finally, I take the bedding off the bed and inspect the mattress for any stains or signs of wear. I also check the box spring and bed frame while I have the bedding removed.
Deep Cleaning the Surfaces
Now that I’ve assessed the room, it’s time to tackle the surfaces with some deep cleaning.
I start by using a duster to remove any loose dust and debris from all the furniture, lampshades, artwork, and other decor. For more stubborn dust, I may need to use a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
Next, I thoroughly clean all the hard surfaces – dressers, nightstands, end tables, etc. I remove everything from the surfaces first, wipe them down with a multi-surface cleaner, and then replace the items.
For the windows, I use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean the glass inside and out. I also use a vacuum to clean out the window tracks and sills.
Mirrors get the same treatment as windows. I spray cleaner directly onto the mirror and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. I follow up with a glass cleaner for added sparkle.
Sanitizing and Disinfecting
Since this is the guest bedroom, I make sure to sanitize and disinfect all the high-touch areas to help protect my visitors’ health.
I wipe down light switches, doorknobs, faucet handles, and the telephone with disinfectant wipes. For electronics like the TV remote and bedside alarm clock, I use disinfectant spray designed specifically for electronics.
The mattress and headboard get wiped down with a disinfectant solution. I spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth first before wiping to avoid saturating the mattress. I let the surfaces air dry completely when finished.
Finally, I wash any decorative pillows, blankets, throw blankets, or extra bedding to remove allergens and freshen them up. These get machine washed on the highest heat settings recommended.
Vacuuming and Dusting the Floor and Baseboards
Now it’s time to tackle the floors and baseboards. I start by thoroughly vacuuming the entire floor, including under the bed and any other hard-to-reach spots. I use the brush attachment to vacuum all baseboards, moldings, and corners.
For hard flooring like wood or tile, I mop with my preferred cleaning solution after vacuuming. For carpet, I spot clean any visible stains or traffic areas with a carpet cleaner.
I use a microfiber duster on baseboards and moldings to remove dust the vacuum couldn’t get. For the corners where the walls meet, I wrap my duster around a broomstick to reach.
Replacing Linens and Finishing Touches
The final step is putting clean linens on the freshly cleaned bed. I make the bed with freshly washed sheets, pillowcases, and a duvet cover. I fluff and arrange the pillows and blankets nicely.
As a finishing touch, I place any decorative pillows, blankets, or accent pieces like throw blankets or quilts for extra coziness. I also open the curtains to let light in and crack a window to circulate fresh air.
After a thorough deep clean and some finishing touches, the guest bedroom feels fresh, sanitized, and ready to welcome visitors. Taking the time to thoroughly clean this well-used space helps my guests feel comfortable and at home.
