Clean a Messy House Checklist

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Clean a Messy House Checklist

There are few things that bring more satisfaction than cleaning your home from top to bottom. Being able to enjoy your space and relax knowing that your home is free from clutter and dirt is a great feeling and makes all the hard work spent cleaning feel totally worth it.

With that being said, cleaning your whole house can also be a little daunting, especially if you’re not sure where to begin or are working with a tight time schedule. In this article, you will find a handy “clean a messy house checklist” that will help you to clean your entire home in the most efficient way possible.

Whether you’re preparing to host guests, carrying out a big seasonal clean, or simply want to refresh your space and de-clutter your mind, cleaning your home can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience so long as you follow the checklists and tips provided in this article and don’t put too much pressure on yourself!

Of course, this list is simply an overview and you might not need to complete every single item with each clean, so feel free to customize it to work for you and your home.

Let’s start off with the hub of the home, the kitchen…

ImageProductOur RatingPrice
E-Cloth General Purpose Cleaning ClothE-Cloth General Purpose Cleaning Cloth
  • 4-Pack E-Cloth, just add water for multiple cleaning purposes and surfaces, always have one available
  • Microfibers trap and remove dirt, debris, grime, and over 99% of bacteria from hard surfaces and appliances just using water
  • Easy to use, machine washable, eco-friendly, and effective
9.7
Check Price on Amazon
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom CleanerSeventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner
  • Effectively Controls Odors
  • No rinsing or wiping is required after using (even on food contact surfaces)
  • When used as directed, kills 99.99% of household germs and is effective against the influenza A virus
9.6
Check Price on Amazon
CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting WipesCleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes
  • Plant-derived, multi-surface cleaning wipes made without chemicals, no rinsing required even on children's toys or food contact surfaces
  • Antibacterial to disinfect, kills 99.9% of household germs and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew
  • Voted Best Disinfecting Wipes by Parents magazine, cruelty-free
9.5
Check Price on Amazon

Clean a Messy House Checklists By Room

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

  • Wash any dishes or empty and load up the dishwasher to clear the sink and any counter space
  • Wipe down any kitchen counters or tables
  • Wipe the stove, removing any grates if you’re working with a gas stove. Be sure to also wipe down the walls around the stove to remove any oil or splash marks
  • If necessary, wipe the inside of the oven and remove any burnt-on food debris
  • Wash and wipe down your sink and draining area
  • Empty any trash cans and recycling and give these a wipe down if needed
  • Clean out the refrigerator if necessary
  • Change out any paper towels or kitchen towels and cloths
  • Sweep and mop or steam clean the floor

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

  • Clean the toilet and surrounding area
  • Wipe down the sink and any counter space or window sills
  • Clean the bathtub and/or shower stall
  • Clean any mirrors or glass panes
  • Wash and dry your shower curtain (if possible)
  • Empty the trash can and wash this out if necessary
  • Wash and replace any towels, mats, and washcloths
  • Replace toilet paper and ensure there are extra on hand
  • Sweep and mop or steam clean the floors

Shark S7001 Mop, Scrub & Sanitize at The Same Time, Designed for Hard Floors, with 4 Dirt Grip Soft Scrub Washable Pads, 3 Steam Modes & LED Headlights, Gold, 13.7 in L x 6.75 in W x 46.5 in HShark S7001 Mop, Scrub & Sanitize at The Same Time

Check the price on Amazon

Living Space Cleaning Checklist

  • Tackle the clutter first – putting everything back in the right spot
  • Clean soft furnishings such as couches and chairs. You could use a vacuum, steam cleaner, or washing machine to do this, depending on the fabric
  • Dust any hard surfaces
  • Vacuum carpets and rugs or sweep and mop/steam clean hard floors
  • Remove any spider webs or dust from hard to reach places

Related: How to Deep Clean a Couch

Bedroom Cleaning Checklist

  • Change bed linens and make the bed
  • Remove any clutter and put everything back where it should be
  • Empty any trash cans and clean these out if necessary
  • Dust any hard surfaces
  • Vacuum or clean the floors
  • Provide guest towels and any other supplies

Entryway Cleaning Checklist

  • Remove clutter including shoes, coats, or anything else that should be put away
  • Sweep and clean the floors
  • Vacuum any rugs or carpets
  • Dust all hard surfaces including picture frames and ornaments

Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum, BlueShark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum

Check the price on Amazon

Final Checklist (for when you have a little extra time)

  • Clean windows from the inside to remove watermarks or dirt (white vinegar and distilled water are great for this)!
  • Re-organize your pantry, cupboards, or any closet space
  • Clear out and defrost your fridge and freezer
  • Wipe down door frames and ledges to really brighten up your space
ImageProductOur RatingPrice
E-Cloth General Purpose Cleaning ClothE-Cloth General Purpose Cleaning Cloth
  • 4-Pack E-Cloth, just add water for multiple cleaning purposes and surfaces, always have one available
  • Microfibers trap and remove dirt, debris, grime, and over 99% of bacteria from hard surfaces and appliances just using water
  • Easy to use, machine washable, eco-friendly, and effective
9.7
Check Price on Amazon
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom CleanerSeventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner
  • Effectively Controls Odors
  • No rinsing or wiping is required after using (even on food contact surfaces)
  • When used as directed, kills 99.99% of household germs and is effective against the influenza A virus
9.6
Check Price on Amazon
CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting WipesCleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes
  • Plant-derived, multi-surface cleaning wipes made without chemicals, no rinsing required even on children's toys or food contact surfaces
  • Antibacterial to disinfect, kills 99.9% of household germs and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew
  • Voted Best Disinfecting Wipes by Parents magazine, cruelty-free
9.5
Check Price on Amazon

Tips and Tricks for Using the Clean a Messy House Checklist

1. Start With a Clear Plan

We really believe in going into any big cleaning session with a clear plan in mind! We’ve all been there… you start out cleaning out your closet, go to put some laundry in the washing machine but when you get there you realize that the detergent drawer is filthy and needs a good wash… you take it to the sink and see that it’s full of dishes that need to be loaded into the dishwasher… and before you know it you’ve started three different tasks and completed none of them!

This is so easily done unless you have a clear plan to follow. By taking things one room at a time and having a concise Clean a Messy House Checklist, you’ll get things done much quicker and avoid any distractions, knowing that everything will get done in due course.

2. Gather Your Supplies Beforehand

Again, when it comes to saving time while cleaning, one of the most helpful things you can do is ensure that you have all of your cleaning supplies on hand before getting started. Gather any soaps, detergents, and cleaning agents, as well as some microfiber cloths, sponges, and any other tools or equipment you’ll need.

This will significantly cut down on time spent searching for the right product and means that you can blast through your cleaning session nice and quickly.

3. Be Realistic With Your Time

Finally, be realistic about the time that you have. If a last-minute guest is dropping by and you only have a couple of hours to prepare, don’t try to do too much. You’ll end up stressed and probably with more mess than you started with as you try to blitz through too many jobs in a short amount of time.

Set yourself some priority areas to clean, such as the kitchen, guest bedroom, and entryway, and then work from there.

Homes are supposed to be lived in, and any guests that are coming over are coming to see you and not to judge how clean and tidy your home is. So, relax and enjoy the cleaning process! Be proud of yourself for setting aside the time to take care of your home and your loved ones and use the tips and advice listed in this article to make the whole process much easier, quicker, and more effective. 

Related: House Cleaning Tips Before Selling

Final Thoughts on Clean a Messy House Checklist

Keeping up with cleaning your home can be a big job, especially if you have kids or pets. Being organized and planning out your cleaning tasks can help to break things down into a more manageable workload.

Having our Clean a Messy House Checklist listed above broken down by each room in your home takes the work out of figuring it all out and helps keep you on track.