Keeping your home clean goes beyond the quick vacuum or weekly surface wipe. Over time, dust, grease, and bacteria accumulate in hidden corners and hard-to-reach areas. That’s where **deep cleaning** comes in. It’s the key to maintaining a truly fresh, healthy, and comfortable home.
Whether you’re getting ready for a new season, hosting guests, or just want to refresh your space, these 10 essential deep cleaning tips will help you transform your home from tidy to spotless.
1. Start with Decluttering
Before diving into the deep cleaning process, clear out the clutter. Go room by room and remove items you no longer use. Organise what’s left into storage bins or shelves.
Decluttering helps you access all areas that need cleaning and instantly makes your home feel more spacious. Plus, it prevents dust from collecting on unused items.
Pro Tip: Try the “one-year rule” — if you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to donate, recycle, or toss it.
2. Focus on High-Touch Areas
We often forget how many surfaces we touch daily. Light switches, door handles, remote controls, and appliance knobs can harbour more germs than you’d imagine.
Use disinfectant wipes or a solution of vinegar and water to sanitise these high-contact areas. Regular cleaning here reduces the spread of bacteria and keeps your household healthier.
Bonus Tip: Make it a weekly habit to wipe these areas, even outside of deep cleaning sessions.
3. Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs
Carpets trap dirt, allergens, and pet dander deep within their fibres — vacuuming alone won’t remove it all.
Rent or use a steam cleaner for a deep clean, or schedule a professional carpet cleaning service for the best results. You’ll notice fresher air quality and revived colours in your rugs.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle baking soda before vacuuming to neutralise odours and lift dirt more effectively.
4. Don’t forget the Upholstery
Just like carpets, your sofas and chairs collect dust, body oils, and crumbs. Use an upholstery attachment to vacuum thoroughly.
If your furniture has removable covers, check the care labels and machine-wash when possible. Otherwise, a fabric-safe cleaner or a mixture of mild detergent and warm water can do wonders.
Pro Tip: Test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first to avoid discolouration.
5. Refresh Kitchen Appliances
Your kitchen sees a lot of activity, which means grease, crumbs, and residue can quickly build up.
Wipe down all appliances — inside and out. Clean your oven and microwave with a paste of baking soda and water; let it sit before scrubbing. Empty and sanitise your fridge, removing expired items and wiping shelves.
Bonus Tip: Run an empty dishwasher cycle with vinegar to eliminate odours and residue.
6. Scrub Bathroom Tiles and Grout
Bathrooms can accumulate soap scum, mould, and mineral deposits — especially around tiles and grout lines.
Mix baking soda and vinegar into a paste, apply it to grout, and scrub with a toothbrush or grout brush. Rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent mildew. Finish by disinfecting faucets, showerheads, and mirrors for a sparkling finish.
Pro Tip: Use a squeegee after every shower to minimise future buildup.
7. Wash Windows and Curtains
Let the sunshine in! Clean your windows using a streak-free glass cleaner or a vinegar-water mix. Don’t forget to clean the window sills and frames.
For curtains, either vacuum with an upholstery attachment or follow the washing instructions on the label. Clean windows instantly brighten your home and boost your mood.
Bonus Tip: Wash blinds with a damp microfiber cloth dipped in a mild cleaning solution.
8. Clean Hidden Areas
It’s easy to overlook spaces behind furniture, under the bed, or beneath appliances. Move these items and vacuum or mop the area thoroughly.
You might be surprised at the amount of dust that collects there. Cleaning these hidden spots helps improve indoor air quality and reduces allergens.
Pro Tip: Use a long duster or extension attachment to reach tight corners and ceilings.
9. Disinfect Trash Cans
Trash cans can become breeding grounds for bacteria and unpleasant odours.
Wash your bins with hot, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and spray with a disinfectant. Dry completely before replacing liners to prevent mould and odors from forming.
Bonus Tip: Add a sprinkle of baking soda or a few drops of essential oil to the bottom of your bin to keep it smelling fresh.
10. Finish with Fresh Air
Once all the scrubbing and polishing is done, open your windows to let in fresh air.
If possible, use an air purifier to remove airborne particles and improve your indoor air quality. A well-ventilated home not only smells cleaner but also feels more energising.
Pro Tip: Add a natural touch by placing a few air-purifying plants like peace lilies or snake plants around your home.
Bonus: Create a Deep Cleaning Schedule
To keep your home spotless year-round, plan a deep clean every three to six months. Break tasks into smaller chunks — one room or category per weekend — so it’s manageable and consistent.
Final Thoughts
Deep cleaning takes time, but the results are always worth it — a healthier, fresher, and more comfortable home. If your schedule is too busy or you want professional results without the hassle, Shalean Cleaning Services can help.
Our expert cleaners provide thorough deep cleaning for homes and apartments across Cape Town, ensuring every corner sparkles.
👉 Book your deep cleaning today at Shalean and experience the joy of a cleaner, brighter home.
