When was the last time you truly deep cleaned your living room? Not just a quick tidy-up, but a proper clean? The one that tackles dust, hidden grime, and clutter. Dirt piles up over time, you know. Do you get nervous every time you have guests over? It’s time to change that.
With this living room cleaning checklist you will learn how to deep clean a room. Whether you’re in Australia or anywhere else, these cleaning tips will help you maintain a clean living room that’s both stylish and spotless.
Before you grab the mop, assess the condition of the room.
Start with the high-traffic areas like couches, coffee tables, and rugs. These spots collect the most dust, dirt, and wear. This happens even faster when you have kids or pets. Next, look for hidden dirt like dust bunnies under furniture or behind decorations.
Then, jot down the tasks that need to be tackled. For example to wipe down surfaces, vacuum underneath furniture, or deep clean specific areas.
Before you learn how to clean a room, first equip yourself with:
A steam cleaner is optional, but it can be of huge help for deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, and even tiles. You can clean your tile floors via other means as well, like soda and vinegar solutions, but the steam cleaner always works best.
Even if your living room is perfectly clean, it will still look messy if cluttered. That’s because when things pile up, they distract from the actual cleanliness. Now, imagine if the room was dirty. Unnecessary items only get in the way and that’s that.
So, sort items into categories. For example, keep, donate, or discard. Be honest about what you really use and need. Old magazines, broken decor, or unused electronics can go. These items rarely serve a purpose and just take up space. If you haven’t used something in months or even years, dispose of it.
Organise bookshelves and entertainment units while you’re at it. Remove any unnecessary items from coffee tables or side tables. Remove dusty display items that don’t enhance the room’s look. Create a tidy, functional space, not a cluttered one.
Every time you wonder whether to dispose of something or not, remember this – less stuff means less dusting and less time spent moving things around when it’s time to deep clean a room.
Do you want to know the most important rule of how to deep clean a room? Always dust from top to bottom. This stops dust or debris from falling onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
With that said, begin with the ceiling. Clean fans, light fixtures, and any tall shelves or hanging decor. Use an extendable duster to reach the high spots easily. For more delicate or smaller surfaces, use your microfiber cloth. It traps dust without pushing it around.
Next, gently wipe wall-mounted items or shelves down and don’t miss the hidden spots. For baseboards, use a microfiber cloth or a soft brush to sweep along the edges of the room.
When it comes to electronics, be extra careful to avoid damage. For TVs, use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the screen. Avoid harsh cleaners or paper towels, as these can scratch the surface.
Clean other electronics with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Avoid pushing dust into openings. For remotes, use a slightly damp cloth with water or mild cleaner.
Different furniture materials require different cleaning methods. Here are some tips for each type of furniture.
Rugs and carpets add warmth and comfort to your living room. However, they also trap dust, dirt, and allergens. Without regular deep cleaning, they also start to look dull.
With that said, go over the entire carpet slowly with a vacuum and in multiple directions to lift as much dirt as possible. Don’t forget the edges and corners. Dust builds up there.
Afterwards, deep clean with a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner. These machines clean the fibres on a deeper level, which your vacuum just can’t. If you don’t own one, many supermarkets and hardware stores in Australia offer rentals.
Important: Remember to treat stains immediately. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove.
Different flooring materials need different cleaning methods to stay in good condition.
So, how to clean a room with carpeted areas? Vacuum them with a HEPA filter to trap fine dust and allergens. Go over high-traffic areas multiple times for a deeper clean.
As for hardwood floors, sweep or vacuum with a soft-bristle attachment. It helps remove dust without scratching the surface. When you mop, use a damp (not wet) mop and a pH-neutral wood cleaner. Too much moisture can cause wood to warp, so always wring out the mop well. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can strip the finish and leave floors looking dull.
And let’s talk about tile and vinyl floors, which you also come across when you clean your kitchen. Sweep or vacuum, then mop with warm water and mild cleaner for a streak-free finish. Avoid excess water on vinyl to prevent seam damage. Clean dirty grout with baking soda and water or a grout cleaner.
You can’t say you have a clean living room if the windows are grimy and dark. Clean windows will let in more natural light and give your space a brighter feel.
So, spray a glass cleaner onto the window or directly onto a microfiber cloth. Wipe in a circular motion, then finish with vertical or horizontal strokes for a streak-free shine. If you prefer the natural option, mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Clean window sills and tracks also. After all, dirt and dust often collect in these areas. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or use a vacuum with a brush attachment for stubborn buildup. For tight corners, an old toothbrush or cotton swab works well.
Blinds attract dust quickly. Wipe them with a microfiber cloth or run a duster over them. For fabric curtains, check the care label. Some can go in the washing machine, while others may need a steam clean or a gentle vacuum.
Soft furnishings collect dust, odours, and allergens. You need to wash them regularly for that reason.
You can make your living room even better with a few touches, like…
You didn’t go through all that cleaning trouble just to let your living room descend into chaos again. After you clean it, you need to maintain it.
Some tasks need to be done daily, while others can wait a week or more. Pick up clutter, wipe surfaces, and fluff cushions every day.
Once a week, dust furniture, vacuum floors and rugs, and wipe down electronics. Clean mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces to remove smudges.
Every month, deep clean carpets, wash throw blankets and cushion covers, and wipe down walls and skirting boards. Move furniture to clean underneath and freshen up hard-to-reach spots.
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