Room by Room Cleaning Guide

Overview

• Countertops: Clear off items, wipe down with a disinfectant, and dry.
• Backsplash and Walls: Wash with a degreaser or soapy water
• Sinks: Scrub with baking soda or cleaner, rinse, and shine faucets.
• Appliances: Wipe exterior surfaces; clean inside microwave and fridge. Empty dishwasher filter. Clean coffeemaker.
• Floors: Sweep, mop, and check for spills or stains.
• Trash: Empty regularly and sanitize bin.

Kitchen Cleaning Tips

• To clean small areas (countertops), sprays or gels are easy to use. To clean larger areas (floors or walls), powders or liquids mixed in a pail of water are more efficient.
• To prevent streak marks when cleaning large vertical areas, start at the bottom and work up, overlapping areas as you clean and using a circular motion.
• Abrasive cleansers provide extra cleaning power for hard-to-remove soils like food particles and grease residue in sinks, as long as they are safe for the surface and won't scratch the surface. In general, liquid, spray and gel cleansers are less abrasive than powders.
• Clean microwave spills when they happen - since they don't get "baked on," it's a snap to wipe them up before they harden.
• Use a small foam paint brush to clean tight spaces between cabinets or under appliances.
• Avoid using or spilling strong acidic or alkaline cleaning products (toilet bowl cleaners, drain openers, rust removers, oven cleaners, etc.) on kitchen countertops. They can permanently discolor the surface.

Surface Care Guide

Counter Tops & Cabinets

Laminate (e.g., Formica®, Wilsonart®)

• Can be scratched, worn, or dulled; cuts/burns cannot be repaired.
• Use trivets or insulated pads for hot pans; always use a cutting board.
• Avoid knives, scrapers, sandpaper, or steel wool for stain removal.
• Wipe up cleaning solutions immediately to prevent discoloration or water damage.
• Use: Nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner.
• Avoid: Abrasive products and cleaners containing bleach.
• Tip: Use a soft vegetable brush for textured surfaces.

Solid Surfacing (e.g., Corian®, Avonite®)

• Scratches can be removed from matte finishes using abrasive cleansers and pads.
• Always use trivets and cutting boards to prevent damage.
• On matte finishes: Nonabrasive or abrasive all-purpose cleaner.
• On satin or high-gloss finishes: Nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner.

Wood Block

• Can warp if spills are left standing; wipe up liquids immediately.
• Use: Wood cleaner or abrasive cleanser.

Appliances (Refrigerator/Freezer, Stove/Oven, Dishwasher)

Exterior

• Let surfaces cool before cleaning.
• Wipe spills with a dry cloth.

Porcelain

• Porcelain finishes may discolor from acidic spills (e.g., tomato sauce).
• Never wipe hot porcelain with a damp cloth to prevent cracking/chipping.
• Use: Nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner to clean and protect.

Stainless Steel

• Spots, streaks, and fingerprints can mar the finish.
• Clean regularly to preserve the protective oxide coating.
• General cleaning: Wipe with a cloth soaked in warm water, towel-dry immediately.
• If dirt remains, add mild dish detergent, rinse thoroughly, towel-dry.
• Check cleanser labels to ensure they're safe for stainless steel.
• For stubborn fingerprints: Spray glass cleaner.
• For stains or scratches: Apply stainless steel cleaner with a paper towel, rinse well, towel-dry.
• For cooked-on foods/grease: Nonabrasive cleaning powder or baking soda paste, rub gently, rinse, towel-dry.
• Never use harsh abrasives or steel wool.
• To brighten a dull sink: Polish with cloth dipped in white vinegar or ammonia.

Interiors

Refrigerator/Freezer

• Easily scratched; use gentle cleaners.
• Use: Nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water.

Ovens

• Require strong cleaning products for burned-on grease and food.
• Clean spills as you go to make the job easier.
• Use: Oven cleaner. Products for cold ovens are stronger than those for heated ovens.
• Do NOT use oven cleaner on self-cleaning or continuous cleaning ovens—may damage the surface.

Sinks

• Use: Nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant cleaner

Learn More About Kitchen Cleaning

• Dishwashing
• Cleaning the Refrigerator

Overview

• Sink & Counter: Wipe down with disinfectant.
• Toilet: Scrub bowl, wipe seat, and clean exterior.
• Shower/Tub: Clean tiles, glass, and fixtures.
• Mirrors: Wipe with glass cleaner.
• Floors: Sweep and mop.
• Towels: Replace and organize.

Bathroom Cleaning Tips

• Rinse the tub after each use to keep soap film and hard water deposits from forming. Keep a small sponge handy for wiping down the tub walls after bathing. Use a towel or a squeegee on shower walls. Dry faucets and handles to prevent water spots.
• Keep shower doors and curtains open after use to allow them to air dry and prevent mildew. If mildew does appear, use liquid household bleach or cleaners with bleach to remove stains.
• Use a daily shower cleaner to keep shower and tub surfaces free of soap scum, mildew stains and hard water deposits. Mist surfaces right after showering while the walls are wet and warm - no rinsing, wiping or scrubbing is necessary. Check label directions to be sure the product is suitable for your bathtub/shower surface.
• To clean vertical surfaces where cleaners can run off quickly (bathtubs, showers, toilet bowls), spray foams and thick liquids are effective.
• Consider using a disinfectant cleaner for toilet bowls, tubs and showers.
• Avoid using products containing bleach to remove rust stains as they may intensify the color. Use only a rust remover for such stains.

Surface Care Guide

Bathtub and Sinks

For stubborn stains or soap film buildup, allow the cleaner to thoroughly penetrate the soil, then rub or scour.

• tub/tile/sink cleaner
• nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner
• disinfectant cleaner
• mild abrasive (liquid or powdered) cleanser
• hard water mineral remover to remove mineral deposits

Shower

Glass shower doors and mirrors require nonstreaking cleaning products for best results.

• glass cleaner
• glass and multi-surface cleaner
• tub/tile/sink cleaner for heavily soiled shower doors

Toilet

Interiors

are susceptible to the buildup of hard water deposits. Use a long-handled toilet brush to clean the rim holes and as far into the trap as possible.

• toilet bowl cleaner
• in-tank (continuous) cleaner will maintain the freshness of the bowl every day Don't mix different types of toilet bowl cleaners together. For example, remove an in-tank cleaner and flush toilet before using another type of cleaner in the bowl. Don't use a toilet bowl cleaner to clean any surface other than the inside of the toilet bowl.

Exteriors can be scratched.

• nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner
• disinfectant cleaner

Plastic toilet seats can be scratched.

• nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner
• disinfectant cleaner

Thoroughly rinse and dry hinge areas and bumpers.

Overview

• Surfaces: Dust shelves, tables, and electronics.
• Upholstery: Vacuum sofas and chairs; fluff pillows.
• Floors: Sweep, vacuum, or mop as appropriate.
• Clutter: Remove unnecessary items and organize.

Deep Cleaning Tasks

• Windows & Blinds: Deep clean glass, frames, and window treatments.
• Upholstery & Rugs: Shampoo or steam clean fabrics and carpets.
• Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans: Dust and clean thoroughly.
• Behind Furniture: Move items to clean behind and under.

Surface Care Guide

• Use rugs or mats at all entrances to catch dirt and grit that can build up on floors and carpets.
• Choose a soft cotton cloth or paper towel for cleaning glass surfaces. Fabric softener on cleaned cloths can leave a residue; extra absorbent paper towels can leave lint.
• Always use coasters under beverage glasses, cups and flower pots to prevent water spots and rings on wood surfaces.
• Spray glass cleaners on a cloth instead of directly on a mirror or picture glass. This will keep the cleaner away from the frame and prevent it from seeping onto a picture.
• When washing windows, use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to clean corners.
• Body oils can soften a wood finish and eventually wear it away, especially in areas that are used constantly, such as chair arms and the areas around drawer and door pulls. Regular cleaning and polishing will remove these soils and help prolong the life of wood finishes.
• Vacuum upholstery regularly to remove small soil and food particles that work into the fabric, make it look unsightly and cause premature wear.
• Use headrest and armrest covers to protect the furniture areas that get the most wear.
• For carpets and upholstery, only use products formulated for cleaning those surfaces. Other cleaning products can discolor the fabric.

Learn More About Cleaning Different Surfaces

Overview

• Bedding: Change sheets, pillowcases, and blankets.
  • Wash sheets every week or every other week.
  • Wash blankets and bedspreads monthly.
• Surfaces: Dust nightstands, dressers, and lamps.
• Closets: Organize clothes, shoes, and accessories.
• Floors: Vacuum or mop.
• Personal Items: Declutter and store out of sight.
• Laundry: Put dirty clothes in the hamper and put clean clothes away.

Deep Cleaning Tasks

• Mattress: Vacuum and rotate; spot clean stains.
• Under Bed: Pull out storage, vacuum, and wipe.
• Closet: Remove everything and wipe shelves. Create piles for keeping, donating, and discarding or recycling before returning the items to be kept.
• Windows & Blinds: Deep clean glass, frames, and window treatments.
• Ceiling Fan, Baseboards & Corners: Dust and wipe down for a top to bottom clean.

Surface Care Guide

• If you have wood-surfaced bedside tables, keep a couple of coasters handy to use under any cups or plant pots to prevent water spots and rings.
• Spray glass cleaners on a cloth instead of directly on a mirror or picture glass. This will keep the cleaner away from the frame and prevent it from seeping onto a picture. When washing windows, use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to clean corners.
• Body oils can soften a wood finish and eventually wear it away, especially in areas that are used constantly, such as the areas around drawers and door pulls. Regular cleaning and polishing will remove these soils and help prolong the life of wood finishes.
• For carpets and upholstery, only use products formulated for cleaning those surfaces. Other cleaning products can discolor the fabric.

Updated: April 29, 2026