11 Satisfying Deep Cleans You Can Do in One Hour or Less

Giving your house a deep clean can be pretty life changing. Use these tips to knock out your most thorough spring cleaning ever — one hour at a time.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Freshen-Up Mattresses

We spend a lot of time in our beds — 3,000 hours per year, actually. That's the equivalent of four months! So, keeping your bed clean is important. First, vacuum your mattress, then sprinkle baking soda mixed with a few drops of lavender essential oil on top. Let this sit for a couple of hours, then vacuum the mixture away.

Degunk Cabinets

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets take a beating. Get them extra clean with a light scrub of 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and 1 cup of baking soda. Wipe away the mixture with a clean, damp cloth.

Refresh the Microwave

Your microwave is one of the most used and abused appliances in your kitchen, so its interior is likely spotted with cooked-on food and liquid. To loosen the mess, combine one cup of water with a splash of vinegar, a couple of drops of vanilla extract and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Heat the mixture for one minute on high. Let the bowl sit for several minutes before opening the door. This allows the aromatic steam to get to work softening the burnt-on residue. Open the door and carefully remove the bowl. Using a damp, clean cloth, wipe out the inside of the microwave.

Deodorize the Dishwasher

Your dishwasher is supposed to clean your dishes, but is it actually clean? To give it a nice bath, first remove and clean the filter by soaking in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes. Rinse, then replace. Pour one cup of white vinegar into the dispenser of an empty dishwasher, then run a heavy cycle. If you want some extra deodorizing, sprinkle one cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and leave overnight. The next day, run an empty cycle and scrub any remaining debris with a toothbrush.

Renew Shower Fixtures

Mineral deposits and calcium buildup can cause your showerheads to clog up and look spotty. Go the extra mile, and submerge them in zipper storage bags filled with warm, white vinegar. Just be sure to fill the bags so that the fixtures are completely submerged, then secure the bags with a zip tie.

Disinfect the Washer

White vinegar is an easy, natural way to disinfect your washing machine. This will help eliminate mold, mildew and their accompanying odors. If you’ve got an extra stinky situation, run a wash cycle with bleach afterward.

Deep Clean the Iron

A dirty iron can put a major wrinkle in your day. Avoid that by keeping your iron's surface super clean. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto a cotton napkin or piece of paper, then iron over the salt. The dirt will cling to the salt and come off the iron. Genius!

Pamper Window Treatments

Window treatments can cost a pretty penny, so it's wise to protect your investment. A thorough vacuum with a soft brush attachment can help remove any dust and lint that may have built up over time. Your draperies may require professional cleaning, so check the fabric care label. Some types of fabrics can be washed at home, just be sure to test for colorfastness before you toss them in the washer. At the very least, give them a good steam or ironing so they look like new.

Bust Baseboard Dust

If you want to truly deep-clean your home, you need to deal with those dusty baseboards. Go over them with a vacuum brush attachment or a stiff broom to blast the first layer of dust. Next, wipe them clean with a mixture of warm water and a splash of vinegar. Lastly, dry them off with a clean cloth, then swipe them with a dryer sheet which will reduce dust in the future.

Dust HVAC Vents

Your HVAC system controls the quality of air you breathe indoors, so you should keep it as clean as possible. Thoroughly dust the vents with a damp cloth, then dab car wax onto a clean microfiber cloth and wipe the vents down. Use a knife slipped inside the cloth to get into the crevices. The wax coating will help repel dust buildup in the future.