Cleaning Business Tips

The Ultimate Professional House Cleaning Checklist

September 4, 2024

Running a cleaning business requires efficiency and attention to detail. You can complete every job to the highest standard with the right approach and a well-organized checklist. Whether deep cleaning a client’s home or maintaining a tidy space, having a professional house cleaning checklist will help your business stay on track.

Individuals looking to keep their homes spotless can also benefit from these expert tips. Ready to take your cleaning game to the next level? Dive into the article to discover how an expertly crafted plan can make all the difference.

Table of Contents

Cleaning Supplies Checklist
General Cleaning Tips for All Rooms
Room-by-Room House Cleaning Checklist
Checklists by Type of Cleaning Service
Window Cleaning Checklist
Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Cleaning Checklist for Airbnb
Inspecting Your Work

Cleaning Supplies Checklist

Before diving into the cleaning process, you should have the necessary cleaning supplies. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:

Microfiber cloths for dusting and wiping surfaces
Glass cleaner for windows and mirrors
All-purpose cleaner for most surfaces
Mop and bucket for floors
Vacuum for carpets and rugs
Disinfectant wipes for high-touch areas
Scrub brushes for tough spots
Broom and dustpan for quick cleanups
Magic eraser for removing scuff marks on walls and doors
Furniture polish to restore the shine to wood surfaces
Toilet bowl cleaner and brush to thoroughly clean toilets
Grout cleaner for tackling dirty grout in bathrooms and kitchens
Oven cleaner for deep-cleaning the interior of the oven
Rubber gloves to protect your hands during cleaning

Quick Tip: Always use a clean microfiber cloth to avoid spreading dirt and dust. Microfiber is excellent for picking up dust and is gentle on surfaces, reducing the risk of scratches. When mopping floors, wire out the mop well to avoid leaving watermarks or streaks, especially on hardwood floors. Using the right tools will make your cleaning process smoother and more efficient.

General Cleaning Tips for All Rooms

Any successful cleaning company follows core housekeeping practices that apply to every room. These strategies help maintain consistent results, satisfy clients, and simplify cleaning across various spaces. Best of all, anyone can use them with basic tools and equipment.

Dust before vacuuming to ensure you catch all the particles that settle.
Vacuum carpets regularly to keep them free of dirt and allergens.
Mop hard floors with a suitable cleaner to remove grime and keep them shiny.
Wipe baseboards and door knobs to get rid of accumulated dust and dirt.
Empty trash bins to keep your home smelling fresh.
Use microfiber cloths to avoid streaks on surfaces.
Don’t forget to clean mirrors and glass surfaces to give your home a polished look.
Wipe down doors and door frames to remove fingerprints and smudges.
Sanitize remote controls, light switches, and doorknobs as these high-touch areas often harbor germs.
Clean under and behind furniture to remove dust bunnies and allergens.
Vacuum air vents to improve air quality and reduce dust in your home.
Spot-clean walls to remove scuffs, fingerprints, and other marks.
Clean pet areas, including washing pet beds and cleaning feeding areas.

Quick Tip: Establish a regular cleaning routine to prevent dirt from building up. Keeping a clean home with small, consistent efforts is easier than doing a massive cleaning job all at once. For high-traffic areas, consider spot-cleaning frequently to keep everything looking fresh.

Room-by-Room House Cleaning Checklist

A thorough whole house cleaning checklist covers every room in your home, ensuring nothing is left out.

Here’s a detailed checklist for each room:

Living Room

Living rooms can quickly become cluttered and dusty, especially in busy households. Focusing on this high-traffic area can make all the difference. Keep it fresh and organized, and your clients will notice the care and attention you put into making their living spaces feel welcoming.

Vacuum carpets and rugs sweep to remove debris.
Vacuum under cushions and fluff them for a neat appearance.
Wipe baseboards and chair rails for a complete finish.
Clean and organize remote controls and mobile devices.
Wash throw blankets and cushion covers to keep them fresh.

Quick Tip: Start from the top of the room and work your way down when dusting. This way, any dust that falls will be caught when you vacuum or mop hard floors. Use a vacuum attachment to get into the corners of upholstered furniture and under the cushions.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also where most messes happen. Pay attention to grease and grime, especially on appliances.

Clean and disinfect kitchen countertops and cabinet fronts.
Clean kitchen sink and polish faucets.
Wipe down kitchen appliances including the range hood.
Refrigerator clean – don’t forget the inside and outside!
Mop floors to remove spills and stains.
Degrease the stovetop and backsplash to remove oil splatters.
Empty the crumbs from the toaster and wipe it down.
Deep clean the oven by removing racks and scrubbing the interior.

Quick Tip: Use a toothbrush or small scrub brush to clean around the edges of the sink and faucets where grime can build up. For a refrigerator clean, remove all shelves and drawers for a thorough wash, and let them dry completely before putting them back.

Bathroom

Bathrooms require regular attention due to their frequent use and moisture buildup. Focus on disinfecting and removing soap scum.

Scrub shower walls and tiles to remove soap scum.
Clean mirrors and other glass surfaces.
Wipe down the shower curtain and replace it if needed.
Disinfect the toilet, sink, and bathroom countertops.
Empty trash and replace liners.
Clean the bathroom exhaust fan to remove dust and improve air circulation.

Quick Tip: For a sparkling clean bathroom, use a squeegee on the shower walls after each use to prevent water spots and soap scum from building up. Don’t forget to clean the grout between tiles with a grout cleaner.

Bedroom

Bedrooms should be a haven of peace and cleanliness. Regular dusting and cleaning under the bed can help maintain a restful environment.
Dust furniture and picture frames.
Vacuum under the bed.
Change bed linens and pillowcases.
Clean mirrors and wipe baseboards.

Quick Tip: Rotate your mattress seasonally and vacuum it to remove dust mites and allergens. This also helps extend the life of your mattress. Use a fabric spray on your linens and curtains to freshen up the room.

Windows

Clear, streak-free windows let in more light and keep spaces looking sharp. Regular maintenance prevents dirt and grime from building up, brightening every room. Whether you’re a cleaning company or an individual, this short list works wonders for any window.

Use a glass cleaner to clean windows inside and out.
Wipe window sills and tracks.
Remove cobwebs from corners.

Quick Tip: Clean windows on a cloudy day to avoid streaks caused by the sun drying the cleaner too quickly. Use a squeegee for the best streak-free results and don’t forget the edges and corners of the glass.

Home Office

A tidy home office can boost productivity. Focus on decluttering and keeping surfaces dust-free.
Dust electronics, light fixtures, and picture frames.

Wipe down your desk and organize documents.
Vacuum carpets or mop floors as needed.
Disinfect your keyboard and mouse to keep your workspace hygienic.

Quick Tip: Use compressed air to clean dust from your keyboard and other electronics. This will keep your devices in good working order and reduce allergens in the air. Consider organizing cables with zip ties or cable organizers to keep your workspace neat.

Laundry Room

A well-maintained laundry room delivers consistently fresh, clean results with every wash. Keeping this workspace in top shape not only ensures efficiency but also leaves a lasting impression on anyone who steps in. Here’s what to take into consideration when cleaning it:

Wipe down the washer and dryer.
Clean and disinfect surfaces.
Empty trash and vacuum or mop floors.
Organize laundry supplies and discard empty bottles or containers.

Quick Tip: Clean the lint trap after every load to prevent fires and keep your dryer running efficiently. Also, don’t forget to check behind and underneath appliances where dust and lint can accumulate.

Checklists by Type of Cleaning Service

Different cleaning tasks require different approaches. Here are custom checklists depending on the type of cleaning service you need:

Regular Cleaning Checklist

For your weekly upkeep, use this regular cleaning checklist:

Dust all surfaces, including picture frames and decorative items.
Vacuum carpets and mop floors.
Wipe down kitchen countertops, appliances, and bathroom surfaces.
Empty trash and replace liners.
Clean mirrors and glass surfaces.
Mop hard floors in all rooms.

Quick Tip: Keep your cleaning supplies organized and easily accessible to save time during regular cleaning sessions. Consider keeping a small caddy with your most-used items that you can carry from room to room.

Deep Cleaning House Checklist

When it’s time for a more thorough cleaning, follow this deep cleaning house checklist:

Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners.
Clean baseboards and wipe baseboards in every room.
Deep clean carpets using a carpet cleaner.
Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Clean and disinfect door knobs, light switches, and remote controls.
Scrub shower tiles and bathroom surfaces.

Quick Tip: Deep cleaning is all about getting to those areas that are often overlooked. Make a schedule to deep clean one room at a time, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Always start from the top and work your way down, allowing gravity to work in your favor.

Window Cleaning Checklist

An organized setup makes window cleaning smooth and efficient. With a handy checklist, your team can perform each job easily, leaving every window immaculate and your clients happy.

Use a glass cleaner to clean windows inside and out.
Polish window hardware, including handles and locks.
Vacuum around window frames to remove dust and cobwebs.
Wipe window sills and tracks with a damp cloth.
Remove cobwebs from window corners.

Quick Tip: For extra clarity, wipe your windows in a vertical direction on one side and horizontally on the other. This way, if there are streaks, you’ll know which side they’re on. Also, consider using a window cleaning tool with a telescopic handle to reach high windows safely.

Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Moving in or out can be stressful, but a solid plan turns cleaning into an efficient operation. Armed with a detailed checklist, your team can quickly cover every inch, leaving the space fresh and ready for its next occupants.

Clean and disinfect all surfaces, focusing on kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, and cabinet fronts.
Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors in every room.
Wipe baseboards, door knobs, and light switches to remove grime and fingerprints.
Deep clean carpets or rugs sweep to remove deep-seated dirt.
Clean mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces.
Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners.
Empty trash bins and ensure they are properly cleaned.

Quick Tip: When moving in or out, it’s crucial to be thorough, especially in areas that might have been neglected over time. Pay extra attention to kitchen cabinets, range hoods, and shower walls—these spots tend to accumulate grime. For a professional house cleaning finish, consider steam cleaning carpets and sanitizing all surfaces.

Cleaning Checklist for Airbnb

Preparing an Airbnb for guests? With a detailed cleaning checklist, you can tackle every spot, ensuring the property shines and is ready to impress the next set of visitors. Here’s your action plan:

Change bed linens and provide fresh towels.
Wipe down all surfaces, including remote controls and light switches.
Vacuum and mop floors to remove dirt and allergens.
Disinfect bathroom surfaces, focusing on shower walls and sink.
Clean kitchen appliances and ensure the refrigerator is clean.
Dust all furniture, picture frames, and decorative items.
Empty trash bins and replace liners.
Clean mirrors and other glass surfaces for a spotless finish.
Inspect window sills and window tracks for dust and dirt.

Quick Tip: Pay attention to the small details, like dusting ceiling fans and cleaning underneath other upholstered furniture. These minor touches can make a big difference in how guests perceive the cleanliness of your space. Always leave extra time for deep cleaning checklists before a new guest arrives to ensure everything is spotless.

Inspecting Your Work

Double-check and inspect your work to ensure everything is properly cleaned. Here are some final steps to ensure your home is in tip-top shape:

Walk through each room and look for any spots you might have missed.
Check that all trash bins are empty and glass surfaces are streak-free.
Ensure all furniture is dust-free and that upholstered furniture is deep cleaned.
Double-check light fixtures, ceiling fans, and baseboards.
Ensure all cleaning supplies are put away and that the home smells fresh.

Quick Tip: Keep a checklist with you as you inspect your work. This will help you remember what needs to be checked and ensure nothing is overlooked. If you find areas that need more attention, address them immediately to keep your home looking its best.

Conclusion

A professional house cleaning checklist guides cleaning teams through every task, whether a routine clean, a deep scrub, or prepping a space for new residents. With this must-have item, your cleaning business can deliver consistent results across different niches, from residential to commercial cleaning and everything in between.

Posted in

Cleaning Business Tips