While some dread laundry day, others find joy in it, taking their time to ensure a clean and organized space. But for those who rush through, neglecting even the basic tasks like putting away detergent, it's clear their laundry room needs attention.
Deep cleaning is essential for all laundry rooms due to the risk of mold and mildew in damp environments, often unseen but potentially harmful. So, it's time to roll up your sleeves and follow this guide for a thorough clean, regardless of when you last tackled the task.
Step 1: Eliminate Dust
Dust accumulates on surfaces in your laundry room, just like in any other space in your home, especially when cleaning isn't frequent. Fine fibers and particles combine to coat shelves, counters, and more, necessitating a thorough wipe-down. Don't forget to tackle the ceiling and its corners for a comprehensive clean from top to bottom.
Here's a checklist of areas to address for dust removal in your laundry room:
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Ceiling
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Ceiling/exhaust fan
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Cabinet tops
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Shelves
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Lighting fixtures
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Washer & dryer exteriors
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Countertops
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Around windows
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Baseboards
Utilize a handle-equipped duster for convenient and efficient cleaning. Products like the Swiffer Duster or a microfiber duster make quick work of picking up dust with a single swipe.
Step 2: Clean Behind Washer & Dryer
Unveiling the hidden grime behind your washer or dryer can be enlightening. Besides dust bunnies and lint, you might encounter lurking mold on walls or appliance backs. That's why clearing behind these units is a pivotal step in deep cleaning your laundry room.
Here's how to tackle this task effectively:
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Pull the appliance forward (as far as drainage pipes allow).
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Address any dampness with an absorbent rag.
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Vacuum the backs of both appliances, walls, corners, and floor.
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Sanitize the area using a germ-fighting solution. Dampen a clean cloth in the solution and wipe down walls, appliance sides, and floor (or mop, if needed).
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Once dry, push the washer and dryer back into place.
Note: When dealing with mold or mildew, wearing a face mask is advisable to prevent inhalation of spores.
Step 3: Clear Countertop Buildup
Detergent spills on countertops tend to harden, attracting dust and dirt over time. These stubborn stains mar the countertop's appearance and become increasingly challenging to remove. Thus, a thorough clean to eliminate buildup is highly recommended.
To begin, prepare a cleaning solution by combining 2 parts warm water, 1 part white vinegar, and a few squirts of liquid dish soap. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well to ensure thorough mixing. Vinegar's antibacterial properties sterilize surfaces without harsh chemicals. Generously spray the countertop with the cleaning solution and let it sit for at least 2 minutes before scrubbing with a scrubber. Wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth to rinse off the solution, repeating the process if necessary.
Step 4: Organize Cabinet Interiors
Cabinet fronts often receive attention for a pristine appearance, while the interiors remain neglected and cluttered. Overlooking the insides of cabinets in your laundry room can promote mold growth due to the confined, humid environment. Regular cleaning and decluttering can prevent this issue from arising.
Efficiently deep clean cabinet interiors by emptying them entirely. This presents an opportunity to check expiration dates on bottles and discard any empty containers. If shelf liners are present, remove and replace them with fresh ones after cleaning. Utilize a multipurpose or surface-appropriate cleaner to wipe down the interiors, then finish by addressing the exteriors for a thorough clean.
Step 5: Refresh the Sink
Laundry room sinks are prone to accumulating dirt, stains, and bacteria over time, leading to an unsanitary environment. To effectively sterilize the sink, we recommend using undiluted vinegar, which safely and efficiently kills bacteria.
Simply spray or pour vinegar over the sink's interiors and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, dampen a scrubber or sponge and wipe down the sink, ensuring to clean the faucet and other fittings as well. A mild soap and scrubber will suffice for this task, ensuring a quick and effective cleanup.
Step 6: Freshen Up the Windows
Cleaning windows can be approached in various ways, including using soap and water or glass cleaner. Regardless of your preferred method, it's crucial to first eliminate dust and dirt from the window panes.
In our laundry room deep cleaning guide, this step has already been addressed, allowing you to proceed with cleaning the rest of the window. However, before tackling the glass, vacuum the window tracks to remove accumulated dirt and debris. Skipping this step could result in a mess when washing the windows, as water may soak the tracks.
Finally, clean the window panes and wipe down the handles for a complete refresh.
Step 7: Vacuum and Mop the Floor
Completing the laundry room cleaning, the final step is to address the floor. It's likely accumulated dust and possibly some stubborn stains.
Here's how to deep clean the floor effectively:
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Thoroughly vacuum the floor, focusing on corners and narrow spaces where dirt tends to gather. Move items such as baskets or trolleys to access and vacuum behind them.
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Spot clean any stains with a scrub brush and a diluted floor cleaner solution. For tougher stains, heat up the cleaning solution to help break them down. Be sure to pick up any broken bits with paper towels to prevent them from spreading.
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Finish by mopping the floor, ensuring to allow it to dry completely by increasing ventilation in the room.
With this final step, your laundry room will be left looking and feeling fresh and clean.
Connclusion
Whether you relish laundry duties or not, maintaining a clean laundry room is crucial. Preventing the buildup of mold and bacteria is essential for any space in your home, and the comprehensive guide provided above can assist you in achieving just that through a thorough deep clean of your laundry room
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