Even if you only have an hour, rolling up your sleeves for a deep cleaning session can yield surprisingly satisfying results. After all, it’s a no-brainer that a light dusting or quick spritz of bathroom cleaner is an excellent way to reduce the appearance of a messy home, but tackling the grime will leave you feeling accomplished. What’s more, “taking the time to deep clean will save you time in the long run,” says Cady Delaud, owner of Wizard of Homes, a cleaning company in New York City. Deep cleaning is especially important when it comes to hard-to-reach and often neglected places like shower heads, cabinet fronts, and forgotten carpet stains.
Here we’ve rounded up six sites that probably need a little love and a sneak peek on how to clean them up. Plus hand-picked cleaning products to get the job done.
1. Hard water and limescale stains
Why it gets dirty: Mineral deposits are lumpy
The bathroom shower is probably the biggest cause of mineral buildup. You can start by deep cleaning your shower head: Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and either submerge the head in it (if you have unscrewed the shower head) or tie it over the spout. “Leave overnight or at least two hours,” says Will Cotter, owner of Happy Cleans, a cleaning company in Oklahoma City. “Run hot water to dislodge debris. Brush with a stiff bristle brush for nozzles that look stuck.”
While you’re soaking the shower head, tackle stubborn stains around faucets—and even inside the toilet bowl—with Pink Stuff, the popular anti-limescale on TikTok.
2. Stains on area rugs and carpets
Why it gets dirty: Dust and debris get pushed into the carpet fibers
Although regular cleaning can keep crumbs and dust out of carpets and rugs, real stains need to be cleaned with a stain remover, says Cotter. For the most efficient deep cleaning of carpets or rugs, use steam to loosen the debris, then vacuum up the gunk with a handheld vacuum, like the Bissell LittleGreen Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, which allows you to focus on where the problem is. A soap and vinegar solution can help manage funky odors, but real stains—especially those from pets—need something more serious. Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator handles it all.
3. Boring window treatments
Why it gets dirty: Curtains and drapes are magnets for dust
Dealing with dust on windows and window treatments is often an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be. Gray curtains or fabrics can make the entire bedroom look blocky and airy. If you have fabric window blinds, sweep them with the smaller brush attachment and then deep clean them with a fabric or upholstery cleaner. Better yet: arm yourself with a dusting arsenal and process not only the blinds, but also the area around the window frame with special brushes. For wood or bamboo blinds, vacuum side to side and coat every nook and cranny with the brush attachment. Tip: “Never use any liquid cleansers,” says Cotter. “If it gets wet, it’s prone to water spots.”
