You've decided it's time for a proper deep clean, brilliant! But where do you actually start? The kitchen? The bathroom? The bedroom you've been avoiding? Without a clear plan, deep cleaning can feel overwhelming, and it's easy to spend three hours on one room and run out of steam before you've touched the rest of the house.

That's why we've put together this room-by-room deep clean checklist, so you can work through your home methodically, know exactly what to tackle, and finish with that brilliant feeling of a genuinely clean house.

🍳The Kitchen

• The kitchen is the hardest-working room in most homes, and it shows. Grease, food residue, and bacteria build up fast, especially in spots we tend to overlook.
• Degrease the oven inside and out, including the door glass and racks
• Wipe down the inside of the microwave and descale if needed
• Clean behind and underneath the fridge and washing machine
• Empty and wipe out every cupboard and drawer
• Scrub the sink, taps, and plughole, limescale is a kitchen enemy
• Disinfect worktops, including edges and the splashback
• Clean the extractor fan filter, this is often forgotten and gets very greasy
• Mop the floor, getting right into the corners and under the kickboards

🚿The Bathroom

Bathrooms harbour more bacteria than most people realise. A deep clean here is about more than just shining surfaces, it's about proper hygiene.

• Scrub the toilet thoroughly - under the rim, the seat, and the base
• Remove and deep clean the shower head (soak in vinegar to dissolve limescale)
• Scrub grout between tiles. Use a grout brush and a mould-killing spray
• Clean the bath or shower tray, removing any soap scum build-up
• Wipe down all tiled walls from top to bottom
• Empty and disinfect the bathroom cabinet
• Clean the extractor fan cover
• Wash the bath mat and any towels at a high temperature

🛋️The Living Room

Dust, pet hair, and skin cells collect in the living room more than anywhere else. A thorough deep clean here makes an immediate, visible difference.

• Dust all surfaces - shelves, skirting boards, light fittings, and picture frames
• Vacuum the sofa, including underneath the cushions
• Move furniture and vacuum or mop underneath
• Clean windows and window sills inside
• Wipe down all switches, plug sockets, and remote controls
• Steam clean or spot clean the carpet if needed
• Dust and wipe down the TV, entertainment unit, and any tech

🛏️The Bedroom

We spend a third of our lives in the bedroom, so it deserves proper attention. Dust mites in particular thrive in mattresses and bedding.

• Wash all bedding, including pillows and duvet, at 60°C to kill dust mites
• Vacuum the mattress thoroughly on both sides
• Dust and wipe down all furniture, including the tops of wardrobes
• Clear out and organise wardrobes and drawers
• Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces
• Vacuum under the bed - a common dust trap
• Wipe down skirting boards and door frames

How Often Should You Deep Clean?

For most homes, a thorough deep clean every 3–6 months is ideal alongside your regular weekly routine. However, certain situations call for an immediate deep clean:

• After illness in the household
• Before or after having guests stay
• When moving into a new property
• After any building or renovation work
• With the change of seasons - especially spring and autumn

Let DU Clean Handle It For You

Short on time? Our professional deep cleaning team covers every room on this checklist — and then some. We're based in Durham and serve homes and businesses across the local area, delivering thorough, reliable results every time.