Labor Day is right around the corner, which means it's time to start getting your home in tip-top shape for hosting duties. Whether you’re expecting family members for a quick hang or you’re planning a cookout for neighbors and friends, it's time to hunker down and use some elbow grease to tidy up your humble abode. Pull out your cleaning supplies and your trusty vacuum (or finally invest in a great cordless vacuum) and get to work.
Well, OK...we know it can be hard to know where to start when there's an entire home that needs a deep clean. Lucky for you, CNET has spent years consulting experts and writing up hacks and guides for how best to clean and organize, from your bathroom to your kitchen and even your car. To make things even easier, we've compiled the stories into an ultimate cleaning checklist. Scroll on to get our coveted tips.
For more CNET cheat sheets, take a look at every Alexa and Google Home tip you need to know, your guide to getting solar at home and this compilation of home sustainability tips.
What are the best cleaning items?
Our CNET staff has tried out a legion of cleaning products over the years, putting each device to the test. Here are our favorites:
- Best vacuums overall
- Best cordless vacuums
- Best robot vacuums
- Best all-purpose cleaners
- Best washing machines
- Best dishwashers
- Best shower heads
Food residue is gross, so let's start in the kitchen
You probably spend a lot of time in your kitchen. It's where you do your food prep and likely gather with friends and family. That means it desperately requires a good scrub down, both for your sake and the sake of your company.
- How to get your kitchen clean in 15 minutes.
- Keep the annoying gap between your stove and countertop clean with this one trick.
- When cleaning in the kitchen, consider moving big appliances to clean under them.
- You'll also want to give your cast iron skillet a good clean.
And don't forget your kitchen and household appliances
From the gunk inside your coffee maker to the dusty filters inside your vacuum, you must give your trusty household appliances a good wipe-down at least a few times a year.
- Clean your Roomba's bin, filter and brushes.
- Make sure your washer doesn't have mold by cleaning it out now.
- You'll also want to take your Keurig apart for a deep clean of every piece.
- Try this hack to clean oven grease from those hard-to-reach places.
- Your dishwasher is gross, so you should know how to clean it.
- And clean your toaster (without electrocuting yourself, of course). Plus, how to clean your air fryer.
- Don't forget to clean your grill and grates.
- From handles to the ice maker, here's how to give your fridge a deep clean.
- Next, clean your blender with this one easy trick.
- Your microwave just might be the dirtiest appliance in your home. Here's the best way to clean it.
- And then tackle your oven with these cleaning tips.
Home and kitchen appliances -- like your Keurig coffee maker -- need to be deep cleaned every so often.
Looked inside that toilet? Yeah, that needs to be cleaned
Your bathroom is one of the dirtiest areas in your home. With the frequency of its use, lurking germs and bacteria can spread quickly. That means you need to clean weekly, if not daily.
- To start, here's how often you should clean your bathroom.
- Then use this guide to clean it in under 10 minutes.
- If you're dealing with a clog, here's an easy way to unclog your toilet, no plunger needed.
- Next, clean the gunk off that shower head. Plus, a tool that can help you clean your shower and tub.
- Don't forget to wash your bathroom towels.
From your sink and toilet to your bath mats, you need to be regularly cleaning your bathroom.
Now it's time for your bedroom and living room
You probably spend the most time in these two rooms, which means they're prone to getting dirty and dusty quicker. Here's how to tackle your most-used rooms.
- Start vacuuming the best way for the best clean.
- Here's how often you should be vacuuming, according to the experts.
- Gently give your TV screen a scrub down.
Bedding can collect all kinds of grime, too
It seems simple, but you might be washing your sheets all wrong. Here's what to know:
- Check out how to wash your bedding the right way.
- Oh, and you really shouldn't forget about your pillow.
- Wear makeup? Here's how to get makeup stains out of bedding.
- After the wash, you'll need to fold your sheets. Here's the best way to fold a fitted sheet.
If you want an extra deep clean, you can even consider cleaning your mattress.
Just because you don't see stains or smell an odor doesn't mean your sheets are clean.
Other areas of your home you shouldn't overlook
Your home is full of nooks and crannies that can collect dust, grime and other filth. Here's other important areas in your home that need a deep clean.
- Try the best way to remove pet hair from your car.
- And don't forget to declutter your closet.
- To not miss anything, explore this guide of 15 germ hotspots in your home.
Did you like this cheat sheet? Check out CNET's other complete guides: