If you’ve been struggling with cleaning your living room on a regular basis, it may be time for a deep clean. With a little planning, you can tackle everything from the furniture to the floors in no time.
To get the most out of your cleaning session, make a checklist and work from top to bottom. This strategy will help you avoid double-cleaning and missed spots.
Remove Clutter
Whether you're deep cleaning a whole living room or just one area, the first step in making the room look pristine is to remove clutter. This can include remote controls, toys, magazines and anything else that doesn't belong in the space.
Begin by gathering up all of these items and putting them in a bin. Then decide what you are going to keep and what you are planning to donate or throw away.
Dust Furniture
Dusting wood furniture is an easy way to keep your living room looking neat and clean. It reduces allergens and helps protect your furniture from scratches and dings.
Use a microfiber duster to get the job done. It doesn’t absorb water or leave behind a sticky residue like traditional duster fabrics, and it can be easily washed once the job is done.
The key is to dust all surfaces in the room, including lamps, picture frames and bookshelves. You can also spray a microfiber cloth with your favorite all-purpose cleaner and wipe down all baseboards and trim work.
Vacuum Floors
Vacuuming your floors is an easy way to get rid of crumbs and dust. You should vacuum your living room at least once a week.
If you have pets, be sure to vacuum your carpets and rugs at least once a week as well.
A dirty floor can make your entire house look messy, and it can also be dangerous if children play on it. To prevent this, tidy away toys and other debris at the end of the day or before children's play sessions, so that you don't have to clean up a mess after everyone has gone to bed.
Wash Cushions and Pillow Covers
Whether you own a couch or a chair, it's important to clean the cushions and pillow covers regularly. Over time, these high-traffic areas can become soiled and require cleaning to keep them looking new.
Some fabric types, such as cotton and linen, are machine washable; others require hand-washing or dry cleaning. Make sure to check the care label for washing instructions before cleaning any cushions or pillow covers.
For removable cushion cover fabrics that can be machine washed, use cold water and a mild detergent on the gentlest cycle. Don't put the cover back on the cushion until it's completely dry.
Wash Curtains and Blinds
Curtains and blinds are high-touch areas that need regular attention. If you don't wash them regularly, dust and pet hair can easily accumulate.
To clean them, check the fabric care tags to see what kind of treatment they need. They may be machine washable, hand-washable, or dry cleanable.
If they're washable, make sure to follow the specific instructions for washing curtains. Depending on the material, either hand-wash them in cold water or run them through your washing machine on a delicate cycle.
Wash Window Treatments
Window treatments enhance your home's appearance and provide protection from the sun, but they can also collect dust and dirt. This requires a little attention to detail, but there are simple ways to keep your blinds, curtains and shades looking their best.
The frequency at which you clean your window coverings depends on your lifestyle and the type of material or style. For instance, cotton draperies tend to show stains more than other fabrics, so they'll need a more thorough washing or dry cleaning to get them looking fresh again.
Wash Walls
Your walls are often the most neglected areas in a home, but they’re important for your living space’s aesthetic. Dust and smudges can leave behind a buildup of dirt and stains, so it’s vital to wipe them down regularly.
Expert cleaning experts Ryan Daniel Santos and Kadi Dulude recommend planning a wall-cleaning regimen at least once a year or more frequently depending on your household and how dusty your space is. If you live in a high-traffic home with pets, children, or roommates, plan for more frequent scrubs to keep your space fresh and dust-free.