50 Things to Deep Clean in Your House

Make your home feel instantly lighter and brighter by deep cleaning these top 50 spots that make the house seem dirtier than it is.

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By: Molly Miller and Shannon Phillips

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Couch

Crumbs, stains and pet hair can make your once-pristine sofa look dingy over time. Check your couch’s tag to see what kind of fabric you’re working with, then follow our steps for cleaning it.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Couch

From: D2 Interieurs

Walls and Wallpaper

Fingerprints, scuffs and other mysterious marks make walls (and your home as a whole) look dirty. Cleaning walls and wallpaper is no small feat, but the work will be well worth it.

Get the How-To: Everything You Need to Know About Cleaning Walls and Wallpaper

From: Hyphen & Co

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors can last for decades with proper cleaning and maintenance. Make yours shine with our top tips.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Hardwood Floors

Wood Furniture

While wood furniture is super sturdy and patinas well, it still needs maintenance. A little polishing goes a long way in improving the look of these classic pieces.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Wood Furniture

From: Natalie Myers

Window Blinds

Window blinds are notorious dust collectors, and it’s easy to forget to clean them regularly. If you’ve ignored your blinds for too long, make them look like new with these tips.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Blinds

Rugs and Carpets

Don’t own a carpet-cleaning machine? Not a problem — you can still refresh your carpets and rugs with our techniques for removing dirt, pet hair and stains.

Get the How-To: DIY Carpet Cleaning Without a Machine

Fireplace

Tidy up your fireplace for winter by removing leftover wood and ashes, scrubbing the bricks with vinegar and warm water, and cleaning the screen, grate and fireplace tools.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Your Fireplace

Vinyl Floors

Learn the best way to remove dirt, scuffs and stains from vinyl floors.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Vinyl Floors

Baseboards

Even if you regularly clean your floors, dirty baseboards can make your home look shabby. Clean and protect them with these pointers.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Baseboards

Leather Furniture

Leather is super durable, but it's still prone to scratches, scuffs and stains. Read our tips for cleaning and conditioning this lovely material.

Get the How-To: How to Clean, Condition and Protect Leather

From: Lindsey Runyon Design

Glass Stovetop

Like any glass surface, even the smallest spill, splatter or smear will stand out on a glass-top stove. Using natural ingredients, you can scrub away grime to make your stovetop look brand new.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Glass-Top Stove

Granite Countertops

This extremely durable material doesn't require much maintenance, but if there's a tough stain on your beautiful granite countertops, follow our steps to remove it.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Granite Countertops and Make Them Shine

From: Bruce Johnson

Oven

You don’t need harsh chemicals to clean a dirty oven. Tackle even the toughest baked-on food with common pantry items like baking soda and vinegar.

Get the How-To: How to Clean an Oven Naturally

From: Tiffany Brooks

Scorched Pots and Pans

Quickly remove burnt-on food with our homemade cleaning solutions. You might actually cook more when your pans are clean!

Get the How-To: 7+ Ways to Clean a Burnt Pan

Dishwasher

Even the dishwasher needs a good cleaning now and then. Try our super simple hack for sanitizing this hard-working appliance.

Get the How-To: The Easiest Way to Clean a Dishwasher

Marble Countertops

While marble is undoubtedly gorgeous, it's notoriously difficult to clean. Use our no-fail guide to safely clean this beautiful stone.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Marble Countertops

From: Natalie Myers

Silver Serveware

As it’s exposed to light and air, your shiny silver serveware can become dull or tarnished over time. Use warm water, aluminum foil and baking soda to create a chemical reaction that will restore your silver.

Get the How-To: Learn How to Clean Silver With This Easy (and Cheap!) Trick

From: H. Camille Smith

Microwave

If stubborn splatters, spills and fingerprints are making your microwave look messy, clean it inside and out with these tips.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Microwave Naturally

Copper Cookware and Accessories

Treat green-tinted and tarnished copper with our DIY cleaning solutions. Everything you need to make copper shine again is in your pantry!

Get the How-To: How to Clean Copper

From: H. Camille Smith

Wood Cabinets

Food splatters, cooking grease and fingerprints can form a sticky film on kitchen cabinets. Wipe them down with a soft cloth or sponge and a natural vinegar solution.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Wood Cabinets

From: Resolution: 4 Architecture

Coffee Maker

If your morning cup of joe tastes a little ... off, your grimy coffee maker could be to blame. Follow our guide to cleaning it.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Keurig-Style Coffee Maker

Gas Stovetop

If your marathon cooking sessions have your gas range looking worse for wear, it’s time to hit pause and give it a good scrub down.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Gas Stovetop

Laminate Countertops

Laminate is nearly indestructible, so it's understandable if you forget to clean it. Luckily, cleaning laminate countertops is super easy with our guide to removing stains and wiping up spills.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Laminate Countertops

Drains

Before you reach for harsh chemicals to clear a clogged drain, try one of these five cleaners you can make at home using common household items.

Get the How-To: 5 Drain Cleaners You Can Make at Home

Tile Floors

Tile floors are durable and low-maintenance, but they can still get pretty grungy if they’re neglected. Learn how to remove stubborn stains from a tile floor.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Ceramic Tile Floors

From: Lindross Remodeling

Vacuum Filter

You may not give too much thought to cleaning your cleaning supplies, but maintaining your vacuum filters is key to keeping the appliance at peak performance. Find out the best way to do it for your filter type.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Your Vacuum Filters

Washing Machine

No, washing your clothes doesn't count as cleaning the machine. Remove soap residue and mineral deposits by running an occasional empty load with hot water and vinegar.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Washing Machine

Dryer

Letting lint and dust build up inside your dryer not only decreases its efficiency, but it can also be a fire hazard. Cleaning the lint trap after each load of laundry is a good starting point to keeping the appliance maintained, but you should take the extra step of cleaning the ducts and the vent at least once a year.

Get the How-To: How and Why You Should Clean Your Dryer Today

Iron

Mineral deposits, spray starch and fabric fibers can build up on your iron over time. If it no longer glides smoothly over garments, it’s time to clean your iron’s plate and water reservoir.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Your Iron

Leather Shoes and Boots

Don’t give up on that stained or scuffed pair of leather shoes. Clean and condition your well-worn footwear with these tips.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Leather Shoes and Boots

Mattresses

We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it’s no surprise that our mattresses collect dead skin cells, sweat and allergens over time. Clean your mattress twice a year by thoroughly vacuuming the entire surface, spot treating stains and deodorizing with baking soda.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Mattress

Pillows

Like mattresses, pillows can accumulate dead skin cells, dust mites and dirt — yuck. Luckily, most pillows can be tossed in the washing machine for a deep clean. Just be sure to read the care label on the pillow for any special instructions first.

Get the How-To: How to Wash Pillows

From: Kendall Simmons

Humidifier

Left untouched, these moisture machines breed mold and bacteria. Make sure you aren't sending germs back into the air by disinfecting your humidifier.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Humidifier

Yoga Mat

Even if you spray it down after every workout, your yoga mat still needs an occasional deep clean. Scrub it with a bit of mild detergent to remove any lingering sweat, oil or other residues.

Get the How-To: How to Make Your Own DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner

Shower Doors

Stubborn soap scum sticks to shower doors like glue. Follow our directions for removing it without hassle.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Soap Scum From Shower Doors

From: Alexis Manfer

Grout

Mold and mildew growing between your shower tiles isn’t just an eyesore — it’s also a health hazard. We’ll show you the best way to clean grout without using harsh chemicals.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Grout

Showerhead

Mineral deposits from the water supply can build up on your showerhead over time, reducing the water pressure from the jets or entirely clogging them. Periodically soak your showerhead in vinegar to keep it free of blockages.

Get the How-To: How to Deep Clean Your Showerhead (And Why It's Important)

Shower Curtain

If your plastic shower curtain liner is coated with soap scum and other stains, don’t toss it in the trash. Follow our steps to make it look like new and keep it out of the landfill.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Your Shower Curtain (and Keep it Clean)

Brass Fixtures and Accessories

Brass is super trendy right now but also delicate to maintain. Give brass or brass-plated hardware, accessories and other decorative items a good wipe-down.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Brass

Windows and Screens

Give your home’s curb appeal a boost by washing the windows and screens. It’s easier than you think and makes a big impact.

Watch the Video: How to Clean Windows

From: Tiffany Brooks

Patio

If winter did a number on your concrete or natural stone patio, follow our instructions for getting it in shape for warm-weather enjoyment.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Patios

From: Landwell Design + Build Co.

Brick Surfaces

Whether you have a beautiful, exposed brick wall inside or a charming walkway outside, our tips for cleaning this hardy material will make it look as good as new.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Brick (Indoor or Outdoor)

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Patio Furniture

Get your outdoor furniture ready for warm weather with a thorough cleaning. We’ve got tips for refreshing wicker, wood, plastic or metal pieces.

Outdoor Cushions

While you’re sprucing up your outdoor furniture, clean those grubby cushions, too. A pressure washer makes quick work of the job, but if you don’t have one, you can also scrub the cushions by hand and rinse with a hose.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Outdoor Cushions

Umbrella

Dirt and pollen can make your once-vibrant outdoor umbrella look dull. Brighten it up for the outdoor entertaining season with our simple tips.

Get the How-To: How to Clean an Outdoor Umbrella

Grill

Don’t let a greasy or rusty grill ruin your perfect outdoor meal. Deep clean your grill and grates with our easy seven-step process.

Get the How-To: How to Deep Clean Your Grill and Grates

Lawnmower

Keep your lawnmower in tiptop shape by giving it at least a yearly cleaning. You’ll want to degrease the engine, check the air filter, change the fuel and oil, and dislodge dried grass and mud from the undercarriage and blade.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Lawn Mower

Air Conditioning Unit

Bet you forgot that these important home components need cleaning, too! Take half a day to service your air conditioning unit and enjoy higher efficiency cooling in the summer months.

Get the How-To: Easy Steps to Keep Your Air-Conditioning Unit Running Smoothly

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Garden Tools

Get outdoor tools ready for spring gardening by giving them a good scrub down to remove dirt, rust and sap.

Get the How-To: How to Clean and Care for Your Garden Tools in 8 Easy Steps

Car

If you spend a lot of time in your car — particularly with kids or pets in tow — crumbs, spills, dirt and fur will find their way into every crack and crevice. Follow our best practices for cleaning your ride.

Get the How-To: Car-Cleaning Tips

50 Things to Deep Clean in Your House

Related To:

Shop This Look

Couch

Walls and Wallpaper

Hardwood Floors

Wood Furniture

Window Blinds

Rugs and Carpets

Fireplace

Vinyl Floors

Baseboards

Leather Furniture

Glass Stovetop

Granite Countertops

Oven

Scorched Pots and Pans

Dishwasher

Marble Countertops

Silver Serveware

Microwave

Copper Cookware and Accessories

Wood Cabinets

Coffee Maker

Gas Stovetop

Laminate Countertops

Drains

Tile Floors

Vacuum Filter

Washing Machine

Dryer

Iron

Leather Shoes and Boots

Mattresses

Pillows

Humidifier

Yoga Mat

Shower Doors

Grout

Showerhead

Shower Curtain

Brass Fixtures and Accessories

Windows and Screens

Patio

Brick Surfaces

Patio Furniture

Outdoor Cushions

Umbrella

Grill

Lawnmower

Air Conditioning Unit

Garden Tools

Car

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