Room-by-room guides
A clear plan. One task at a time.
Use these complete checklists for routine upkeep, a professional visit, or an empty-home handover. Always follow product labels and the care instructions for your surfaces.
Checklist 01
Kitchen: surfaces before floors
Start by clearing dishes and loose items. Work from clean areas toward dirtier ones and use separate cloths for food-preparation surfaces and floors.
- Put food away and wash or load dishes so the sink and counters are accessible.
- Wipe reachable cabinet fronts, handles, and appliance exteriors with a product suitable for the finish.
- Remove crumbs from counters; clean using the surface manufacturer's recommended method. Avoid acidic products on natural stone.
- Let the cooktop cool fully, then clean spills following the appliance instructions.
- Clean the sink and faucet; rinse and dry where appropriate. Do not combine drain cleaners with other products.
- Empty the trash and clean visible residue from the bin; let it dry before replacing the liner.
- Vacuum or sweep crumbs, then mop using the floor manufacturer's guidance. Keep traffic off the floor until dry.
Checklist 02
Bathroom: clean, rinse, then dry
Ventilate the room, read product labels, and use a dedicated toilet cloth or tool. Never mix bleach with ammonia, acids, or other cleaners.
- Remove toiletries and towels from surfaces; wash washable textiles according to their care labels.
- Clean mirrors with a suitable product and a lint-free cloth; avoid overspray on delicate frames.
- Clean the sink, faucet, and vanity with products compatible with their materials.
- Clean the shower or tub, paying attention to soap residue. Follow care instructions for stone, grout, and plated fixtures.
- Clean the toilet bowl with its dedicated brush, then clean the seat, handle, and exterior with separate tools.
- If disinfecting, clean first and follow the disinfectant label's wet contact time and ventilation instructions.
- Empty the bin, clean the floor last, and return items only when surfaces are dry. Report persistent leaks or suspected mold rather than simply covering them up.
Checklist 03
Weekly reset: living spaces and bedrooms
Use this as a repeatable baseline, adjusting the frequency for your household. Only clean what you can reach safely from the floor.
- Return loose belongings to their places and clear walkways before starting.
- Change bedding as needed and launder sheets using their care instructions.
- Dust accessible shelves, bedside tables, and furniture from higher surfaces down; use a lightly damp cloth only where the finish permits.
- Wipe frequently touched handles and switches using a compatible method; keep moisture away from electrical components.
- Vacuum rugs and carpets and accessible areas around furniture. Use the appropriate attachment on upholstery if its care label allows.
- Sweep or vacuum hard floors, then clean them according to the material's instructions; avoid soaking wood floors.
- Empty room bins and make a short list of buildup that needs deeper attention, such as baseboards or vents.
Checklist 04
Before a professional cleaning visit
Preparation is about access and communication—not cleaning the house yourself.
- Confirm the service address, entry arrangements, and rooms included in the visit with the team.
- Put away valuables, private documents, clothing, and toys; clear the surfaces and floors you want cleaned.
- Arrange a safe place for pets and let the team know about any access or household concerns.
- Identify delicate surfaces and share manufacturer care instructions or product restrictions.
- Agree on your top priorities and clarify any tasks outside the standard scope before the visit.
Checklist 05
Move-out: a handover checklist
Check your lease or handover requirements first. This is a preparation checklist, not a guarantee of an inspection result or deposit return. Confirm requested extras with the cleaning team.
- Remove belongings and rubbish; check closets and cupboards for overlooked items.
- Photograph the condition of the empty rooms and note existing damage separately from cleaning needs.
- Wipe accessible shelves and cupboard interiors after they are empty, using finish-safe products.
- Clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces; flag appliance interiors as separate tasks to confirm in advance.
- Dust accessible baseboards, doors, and trim, and spot-clean marks only where the finish permits.
- Clean accessible interior glass if required by your handover agreement; leave high or exterior windows to appropriate specialists.
- Vacuum and clean floors after other tasks, allowing them to dry before the final walkthrough.
- Check each room against the agreed requirements, remove remaining supplies, and return keys as arranged with the property manager.