How to Deep Clean Your House in a Weekend (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s be real—deep cleaning your entire house in two days sounds impossible when you’re juggling work, kids, and a never-ending to-do list. But with a smart plan and a little teamwork, you can transform your space from chaotic to (mostly) pristine by Sunday night. Here’s how to tackle it without burning out—or losing your sanity.

Before you start, gather your supplies: all-purpose cleaner, microfiber cloths, a vacuum, a mop, and scrub brushes. Gloves and trash bags are a must for tackling the messier areas. To make things manageable, break up tasks into time slots that work around your family’s schedule. For example:

Pro tip: Get the kids involved! Even toddlers can help by picking up toys or wiping surfaces with a damp cloth.

Start with the heart of the home. While the coffee brews, toss expired fridge items and wipe shelves with a baking soda solution to eliminate odors. Let the oven cleaner sit while you scrub the sink and wipe down the cabinets. Pop a bowl of water and lemon slices in the microwave, zap it for five minutes, and watch grime wipe away effortlessly. Run the dishwasher with vinegar to freshen it up. By lunchtime, your kitchen will feel (and smell) so much better.

Parent hack: If your kids are old enough, give them a damp rag and have them “help” wipe down cabinet doors while you tackle the tougher jobs.

After lunch (and before the kids' afternoon meltdown), tackle the bathrooms. Spray shower walls with a vinegar-baking soda mix and let it fizz away grime while you scrub the toilet—yes, even the base. Wipe mirrors, tackle grout lines with an old toothbrush, and mop floors with disinfectant. Make it fun by blasting music or turning it into a timed “race.”

By now, exhaustion might be creeping in, but a little effort here goes a long way. Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and shelves. Vacuum under couch cushions and behind furniture—bye-bye, mystery crumbs. Wipe down tables and polish wood surfaces. If the kids are still awake, give them mini dusters to help.

Parent win: Call it a night early and reward yourself with takeout or a family movie night.

Strip the beds and start a load of sheets. Dust nightstands, vacuum under beds, and do a quick closet declutter (no need to go full Marie Kondo mode—just clear obvious clutter). Toss curtains or throw blankets in the wash between tasks. While the laundry runs, use downtime to wipe light switches and door handles—those little details make a big difference.

Time-saver: Assign kids to gather laundry and remake their own beds.

You’re in the home stretch! Vacuum carpets thoroughly, moving from room to room. Mop hard floors, working in sections to avoid stepping on wet spots. Wipe windows with a vinegar-water mix for streak-free shine. Finally, empty trash bins and disinfect high-touch spots like remotes and doorknobs.

Once you’ve conquered the weekend, kick back in your cleaner home. Light a candle, grab a coffee, and enjoy the fresh space. To keep things manageable moving forward:

Remember: A deep-clean weekend isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Even if you only get through 80%, that’s still 80% cleaner than before. Celebrate the wins, and don’t stress the rest!