A checklist for efficient house cleaning

One feature of professional cleaning is working with a task list. This helps organise work and avoid omissions. Here is a general checklist for planning house cleaning.

Preparation

• Before starting, tidy up and review what you no longer use. Fewer objects make storage, cleaning and dusting easier. Books, magazines, furniture, toys or clothing in good condition can be donated or reused; dispose of the rest appropriately.

• Take the opportunity to organise cupboards you usually put off.

• Dust systematically, from top to bottom and side to side, with suitable cloths. This avoids soiling surfaces already cleaned.

• Use stable, suitable tools for higher points, without improvised access. Clean one side of slatted blinds and then the other. Check doors, fans, lights and frames. Follow equipment instructions for screens and devices and do not spray directly onto them.

• Vacuuming: check that the bag or container is not full and choose suitable attachments. Vacuum floors and compatible upholstery.

• When mopping, start at the farthest corner and work towards the exit. Rinse the mop or change the water as needed to avoid spreading dirt.

• Furniture cleaning. Wood treatments or polishing should be assessed according to the material and finish rather than applied automatically.

In the kitchen…

• Clean worktops and cupboards with compatible products.
• Clean accessible appliance parts according to the manual, outside and inside where appropriate.
• Dust the exterior of heating appliances when off and cool, without opening components.
• Check and clean the microwave, oven and refrigerator interiors according to each appliance’s procedure.
• Clean the sink and surrounding surfaces.
• Clean tiles and grout with a suitable product.
• Sweep and mop the floor (tile-cleaning advice).

In bathrooms…

• Remove mats and empty the bin.
• Remove products from the bathtub or shower.
• Apply a compatible cleaner to shower or bath surfaces according to its label.
• Clean the bathtub or shower tray (here we explain how).
• Rinse where the product requires and dry surfaces with a suitable cloth.
• Clean the basin, worktop and cupboard fronts with products compatible with each material. Keep toilet tools separate.
• Clean the mirror with a compatible product and soft cloth.
• Clean the toilet and brush with the specified products. If disinfection is needed, follow the label and contact time.
• Mop the floor and allow it to dry.
• Put dry mats, the bin and products back in place.

Bedrooms

If you have tidied, dusted and vacuumed, bedrooms will be well under way. To finish:

• Return furniture and objects moved for vacuuming.
• Make the bed if you have not already.
• Ventilate when conditions allow.

Windows

• Use a compatible cleaner or water with mild soap if the material permits, without overapplying.

• Dry with a clean microfibre cloth to avoid marks and lint.

• Do not forget window frames and edges.

And what does professional window cleaninginvolve? Find out in our earlier article.

Finished the whole list? Your home is ready to enjoy. If you need help keeping your home or business clean, contact ALFHAM. We will assess a service tailored to your requirements.