Comprehensive Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Home in Preparation for Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan is just around the corner, and in preparation, it’s essential to deep-clean homes in Arab households to ensure that all rooms are in their best possible condition. By following the tips and guidelines in the deep cleaning guide, every housewife will be able to welcome the month of Ramadan and make the first few weeks feel routine without requiring too much effort.

What is deep cleaning?

Deep cleaning goes beyond regular maintenance cleaning to ensure that every part of the home is thoroughly cleaned. This includes areas that are not typically addressed during regular cleaning sessions.

Kitchen and Cabinet Cleaning

Here are some tips for each room:

1. Declutter: Remove any unnecessary items that don’t belong in the room. This will make deep cleaning easier and can motivate you to keep going when you see tidy surfaces.

2. Start from top to bottom: Begin cleaning from the highest points, such as the ceiling and light fixtures, and work your way down. The best cleaning tools for this include microfiber mops or dusters with handles. You just need to dampen the mop slightly. Use warm water mixed with a drop of dishwashing liquid for surfaces closer to the floor. In the bathroom, add a little white vinegar to the solution to prevent mold and mildew.

3. Deep clean windows: Start by vacuuming window sills and tracks. Spray glass cleaner on the windows from top to bottom, wait a minute for it to work, then wipe it off. To avoid streaks, wipe the inside and outside of the windows in different directions.

4. Clean window curtains: You don’t need to remove the curtains. Simply vacuum them using a brush attachment. For easier care, place them in the dryer for a few minutes while you clean the rods and rings, then rehang them.

5. Dusting surfaces: Dust all hard surfaces, including wood furniture, shelves, and built-in furniture. For a quick clean, slip a clean cotton sock over your hand and dust with one hand while moving objects aside with the other. Use a lint roller to clean lampshades.

6. Deep cleaning floors: Move the furniture (even large pieces like beds and sofas) to clean thoroughly. Place furniture sliders under large pieces to make moving them easier. Use a vacuum with a crevice tool to get into corners and along baseboards. For hard floors, clean with a microfiber mop and the appropriate surface cleaner. If you have carpets, vacuum them well.

Deep Cleaning Checklist for Each Room in Your Home

1. Bedroom: In addition to cleaning floors, windows, and dusting:

   • Wash bedding, pillows, comforters, and even down-filled items. Dry them outdoors. For bulky quilts, use large-capacity washers at laundromats.
   • Clean the mattress by sprinkling baking soda on it, waiting for an hour, then vacuuming. Flip the mattress and repeat.
   • Organize the wardrobe by donating items you haven’t worn recently. Wipe down the shelves with a damp cloth, and arrange matching hangers.

2. Kitchen: In addition to cleaning floors, make sure to:

   • Polish the cabinets: Wipe exposed surfaces, and replace shelf liners inside each shelf and drawer. Don’t forget handles. For painted or laminated surfaces, use warm water mixed with dishwashing liquid.
   • Clean the fridge: Empty the fridge and wipe it inside and out. Use an air compressor to blow out any dust from behind the fridge for better efficiency. Clean the stove and dishwasher, and if possible, pull appliances out from the wall to clean the surrounding areas.

3. Bathroom: In addition to cleaning sinks, showers, and toilets, consider the following:

   • Wash the shower curtain: Check the label first. Most shower curtains can be washed in the machine on a delicate cycle with cold water. Use a low heat setting for drying, or hang it up to air dry. For the plastic liner, wash it on cold and hang it to dry, or replace it.
   • Polish the shower door: To remove water spots and soap scum, heat distilled white vinegar and wipe down the shower door, leaving it wet for 30 minutes. Then scrub it with baking soda on a non-scratch pad.
   • Organize bathroom cabinets: Clear the clutter under the sink, toss out unwanted items, wipe everything down, and reorganize it by category. Do the same for any medicine cabinets or extra storage areas.

4. Living Room: In addition to cleaning windows and floors, deep cleaning tasks for the living room include:

   • Care for furniture: Remove the cushions from sofas and vacuum, paying special attention to upholstered surfaces, including the backs. Wash cushion covers and any tablecloths or blankets.
   • Dusting: Dust all surfaces and accessories from front to back using a damp microfiber cloth. Don’t forget to dust underneath electronic devices by moving them and cleaning around them.

By following these steps, your home will be ready to welcome Ramadan with cleanliness and organization, making your days smoother during this blessed month.