Room-by-Room House Cleaning Checklist

This is the exact order our two-person crews clean a typical 2-bedroom home in Los Angeles County. Follow it and you'll finish in half the time it takes when you jump between rooms.

Bedrooms (start here)

1. Make the bed and change linens if needed
2. Dust nightstands, dressers, and any surfaces top-to-bottom
3. Wipe mirrors and glass
4. Vacuum the floor last

Bathrooms

1. Spray toilet, tub, and shower first — let cleaner sit while you do other tasks
2. Wipe mirrors and counters
3. Scrub sink and faucet
4. Come back to toilet, tub, and shower — they're now easier
5. Mop the floor last

Kitchen (do this after bathrooms — different products)

1. Start with the sink — empty and clean it first so you have somewhere to put dirty rags
2. Wipe down all counters
3. Clean stovetop and appliance exteriors
4. Wipe cabinet fronts
5. Sweep, then mop the floor

Living areas

1. Dust all surfaces top-to-bottom
2. Fluff cushions and fold throws
3. Wipe TV, remotes, and light switches
4. Vacuum, then dust-mop hardwood if applicable

Entryway (do this last)

1. Wipe the door and door frame
2. Shake or vacuum any rugs
3. Sweep the floor
4. Empty the entryway trash if there is one

Why this order works

Bathrooms and kitchens use different products for a reason — the microbial load is different. Doing bathrooms first, then washing hands and changing rags before starting the kitchen, is the correct sequence in every professional cleaning protocol.

Ending with the entryway means the last surface you clean is the last surface you walk on before leaving. No footprints on freshly mopped floors.

When to hire a pro

If a home hasn't been cleaned to this standard in more than a month, book a deep clean instead of trying to catch up in one weekend.