Tracy Simmons

As the year winds down to a close, your attention may turn to the upcoming year. You understandably want to kick off the new year on solid footing, and the perfect way to do that is with a clean house. Your weekly cleaning, such as vacuuming, mopping, dusting, and more, can go a long way toward keeping your home clean. However, the filth will still accumulate in areas that do not receive your regular attention. This means that your home could be filthy despite your everyday efforts to keep it clean. By focusing your attention on the cleaning chores that only require your attention on an annual basis, you can restore the cleanliness of your home and relax in the months ahead. This ultimate yearly cleaning checklist will get you well on your way.

Steam Clean the Carpets and Upholstery

Vacuuming weekly removes the superficial dirt that lands on the carpet and upholstery, but it does not remove the ground-in dirt or the stains. Over time, this contributes to progressively dirtier, discolored carpets and upholstery. Whether you do the work yourself or hire a pro to do the work for you, both the carpet and upholstery may be due for a steam cleaning session.

Focus on the Light Fixtures

Cleaning the ceiling fan blades may be a part of your monthly or seasonal chores, but you may not give your light fixtures the same level of attention. Dust, pet hair, and even debris from dead insects can accumulate in or on your light fixtures. It can be challenging to clean all of the light fixtures throughout the home, but rest assured that you will enjoy the result.

Clean Behind the Appliances

If it has been more than a year since you last cleaned behind your appliances, now is the time to do so. Dust and food can accumulate behind ovens and fridges. Lint, pet hair, and dust can accumulate behind washers and dryers. These elements are fire hazards and may contribute to foul odors in the home. Carefully pull them away from the wall, and use the vacuum cleaner to make light work of the project.

Deep-Clean the Oven

While you are focused on the oven, give the interior some attention. Over time, grease and food particles can build up on the oven’s interior. As the debris bakes onto the oven walls, it becomes tougher to remove. Cleaning the oven annually ensures that the filth is removed before it becomes too problematic.

Clean Out the Bathroom Cabinets

In many homes, medications and toiletries are used quickly before disappearing in the cabinet. Over the last year, you may have accumulated several dozen items that you no longer use. Many of these items may be expired. Spend time cleaning out the bathroom cabinets and organizing them. Remember to dispose of medications safely.

Spot-Clean the Walls

Walls can become grimy over time, but the good news is that you may be able to scrub away most of the filth. Use touch-up paint to conceal any areas that require more attention. While you are focused on the walls, take the time to show the electrical faceplates and the baseboards some extra love.

Wash the Drapes and Blinds

Dust and debris can accumulate on drapes and blinds in large quantities, so now is the time to clean them. Some drapes may be machine-washable, and others must be dry cleaned. Likewise, you should research the cleaning instructions for your blinds before you get started.

Clean Out the Garage

In many homes, the garage is a gathering space for junk. Even well-organized garages will progressively become disorganized over time. Now is the time to clean out unwanted waste and to put everything back in its proper place. You may even need to introduce a new organizational system to accommodate new additions to the space.

Cleaning your home is a big job, but there are many tools that you can use to do the work more efficiently and effectively. Check out the latest cleaning technology in 2021 before you get started. Remember that each home is unique, so you may need to create a personalized checklist using these items as inspiration.