19 Unexpected Deep Cleaning Moves For A True Fresh Start

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Imagine Finally:

  • Clear floors and surfaces mean less daily clutter to manage
  • Fresh fabrics reduce trapped dust and stale smells
  • An organized closet saves time every morning

Here’s how you get started…

1. Move All Furniture 3 Inches And Vacuum Behind It

Dust and crumbs hide behind dressers and nightstands for months, girl.

Start Small With This: Slide each piece out just enough to vacuum the full strip behind it.

It will be way faster if you use a cordless stick vacuum to reach tight gaps quickly.

2. Wash All Door Frames And Trim With Warm Water

Door trim collects fingerprints and grime that make rooms look dull.

Here’s What To Do: Dip a cloth in warm soapy water and wipe the top and sides of each frame.

This gets easier if you use a microfiber cleaning cloth pack to grab dust in one swipe.

3. Empty One Entire Closet And Wipe The Floor Inside

Closet floors collect dust bunnies and old hangers that pile up fast, bestie.

Give This A Try: Take everything out, vacuum the floor, and wipe the baseboards inside.

4. Clean Every Trash Can In The House With Soap

Trash cans trap smells even when liners are changed.

Use This Simple Trick: Rinse each can with hot water and scrub the inside with dish soap.

This feels easier if you use a long handled scrub brush to reach the bottom.

5. Wipe Down All Light Switch Plates And Outlet Covers

Switch plates gather grime that spreads around the house.

Begin With This: Remove visible dust and wipe each plate with a damp cloth.

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6. Wash All Throw Pillows And Couch Covers In Hot Water

Couch fabrics hold odors from snacks and pets.

Instead, Try This: Remove covers and run a hot wash cycle today.

7. Clean The Inside Of Every Drawer In One Room

Drawer bottoms collect crumbs and hair ties over time.

The Easy First Step Is: Empty one drawer fully and wipe it clean before putting items back.

8. Scrub The Bathroom Vent Cover And Let It Dry

Vent covers collect dust that spreads when the fan runs.

If You’re Not Sure Where To Start: Remove the cover and rinse it under warm water.

This is less annoying when you use a small detail cleaning brush to scrub the slats.

9. Vacuum The Mattress And Flip It

Mattresses hold dust that affects sleep quality, babe.

To Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed: Vacuum the full surface and flip the mattress once.

10. Toss Old Cleaning Rags And Replace Them

Old rags spread grime instead of cleaning it.

Here’s A Quick Way: Throw away stiff or torn rags and keep only fresh cloths.

It will be so much easier if you use a washable cleaning cloth set that lasts longer.

11. Wash Window Screens And Let Them Air Dry

Screens trap dust that blows back into the room.

Here’s A Small Step That Helps: Rinse screens outside with a hose and let them dry fully.

12. Clean Under The Kitchen Sink And Toss Empty Bottles

Empty bottles and leaks collect grime fast.

The Easier Approach Is: Remove everything, wipe the cabinet floor, and toss old containers.

13. Wipe Down The Top Of Cabinets And Shelves

The top of cabinets gathers thick layers of dust.

Start By Doing This Instead: Use a damp cloth and wipe across the full surface.

This gets faster if you use a extendable duster to reach high spots safely.

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14. Wash All Reusable Grocery Bags

Reusable bags hold crumbs and sticky spills.

One Easy Reset Is: Toss fabric bags in the wash and wipe plastic ones clean.

15. Clean The Inside Of The Washing Machine With Vinegar

Washers can trap soap buildup and smell musty.

Consider This: Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the drum and run a hot empty cycle.

16. Scrub The Base Of Toilets And Around The Floor Bolts

Toilet bases collect hidden grime that affects the whole bathroom smell.

Here’s A Gentle Way To Start: Use warm water and a scrub brush around the base and bolts.

This feels easier if you use a toilet detail brush to reach tight spots.

17. Clear Off All Countertops And Leave Only Daily Items

Crowded counters make the room feel smaller and chaotic.

To Make This Feel Less Heavy: Remove everything and return only what gets used daily.

18. Wash All Blankets In The Living Room

Blankets trap dust and stale smells from daily use.

The Most Doable Way Is: Run them through a warm wash cycle and fold neatly after.

19. Open All Windows For 20 Minutes After Cleaning

Fresh air helps remove trapped indoor odors.

If You Want To Keep It Easy: Open windows on opposite sides for better airflow.


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Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: making life easier and sharing what works. I created ''Like Mom Said'' after one too many moments of realizing: "My mom was right about this." Turns out, a lot of that old-school wisdom still holds up... it just needs a modern spin. Think of me as your friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand.)