How to Clean Your Entire Home by Yourself — the Pro Way

Cleaning your entire home in one go is no small task. It requires energy, strategy, and most importantly — a plan. As a trusted local cleaner, Hoosier Cleaners has spent years perfecting the art of whole-home cleaning. And while nothing replaces the convenience of a recurring cleaning service, we know there are times when rolling up your sleeves and tackling the job yourself is the only option.

The key to success when cleaning your entire home is working from the top down and from dry to wet. This approach ensures you’re not repeating work or pushing dirt into already-cleaned spaces. Begin with the ceilings — dusting cobwebs, wiping fan blades, and clearing any vent build-up. These are the areas people often forget, but they collect just as much dust and allergens as floors and furniture. As a professional cleaning company, we always start from these high zones, because once disturbed, gravity does the rest. If you start low, you’ll just end up cleaning it twice.

Once the ceilings and fans are dusted, move to the walls, windows, and baseboards. Use a microfiber cloth and a gentle, non-toxic cleaner — something we at Hoosier Cleaners use every day — to gently lift dust and fingerprints. Windows deserve special attention. They’re one of the first things guests notice, and they dramatically affect how light and cleanliness are perceived in a room. Spray glass with a streak-free product, but wipe with newspaper or a squeegee for a professional-grade finish. As any local cleaner will tell you, a sparkling window does more to elevate a space than freshly mopped floors.

Floors, however, are your final stage — and for good reason. They collect all the debris you’ve shaken loose during the rest of your cleaning. Start with vacuuming, making sure to move furniture where possible. Don't just sweep around objects. The professionals at our cleaning business move chairs, trash bins, side tables — anything light enough to slide — to get underneath and around. If your vacuum has a HEPA filter, even better; this ensures allergens are removed, not just stirred up.

After vacuuming, it’s time to mop. Use the two-bucket method if possible: one for your cleaning solution, one for rinsing. This keeps dirt from re-circulating. For hardwood, use a cleaner that’s pH balanced and designed for wood to avoid warping or dulling the finish. Tile floors? Don’t forget the grout. One of the biggest signs of a professionally cleaned home is clean grout lines. Many people overlook them, but as a seasoned cleaning company, we know they’re the difference between “looks clean” and “actually clean.”

Don’t forget the soft surfaces. Upholstered furniture and mattresses need attention, too. Use your vacuum’s brush attachment and run it over couches, chairs, and beds. Sprinkle baking soda before vacuuming for added odor removal. Pillows and throws should be laundered if machine washable. Your home won’t just look cleaner — it will smell and feel cleaner, too. These are the finishing touches that every good maid service builds into their routine, and why clients often tell us their house doesn’t just look different — it feels different.

Kitchens and bathrooms deserve their own strategy. These rooms see the most daily use and carry the most bacteria. In the kitchen, start with the tops of cabinets, the fridge, and light fixtures. Then, clean appliance exteriors, followed by countertops, sinks, and finally the floors. Use a degreaser where needed — especially near stoves and microwaves — and don’t forget inside the microwave and fridge. The difference in odor alone can be remarkable. Bathrooms, while tedious, are where pro techniques shine. As a long-standing cleaning business in Bloomington, we know most people miss key areas — like behind the toilet, under the sink, and faucet crevices. Use an antibacterial cleaner for all surfaces, paying close attention to high-touch points like toilet handles and light switches. If your shower has tile, scrub grout with an old toothbrush and a paste of baking soda and vinegar — a trick we use regularly in our deep cleaning services. Finish with mirrors and glass, followed by the floors.

Finally, make sure to empty trash bins in every room and sanitize the bins themselves. Use a fabric refresher spray on furniture and curtains. Light a clean-scented candle or run a diffuser with essential oils to lock in that “just cleaned” atmosphere. These are small touches that any great cleaning service adds at the end of their visit — and now, you can do them, too.

Cleaning your entire home in one go is hard work — and that’s exactly why cleaning companies like Hoosier Cleaners exist. We do this every day so our clients don’t have to. But when you choose to tackle it yourself, doing it the right way makes all the difference. With professional techniques, the right tools, and a little bit of grit, you can give your home the kind of deep clean that lasts.

Whether you clean your home yourself or eventually bring in a local cleaner to help lighten the load, one thing is certain: a truly clean space changes everything. It’s easier to relax, easier to focus, and easier to feel proud of your environment.

At Hoosier Cleaners, we believe everyone deserves a home that feels fresh, healthy, and cared for — no matter who does the cleaning. And if you ever decide to trade elbow grease for expert help, we’ll be here, ready to clean every corner like it’s our own.