Ultimate Room-by-Room Deep Cleaning Checklist for Calgary Homes

Calgary’s varied weather puts extra stress on homes. Snow, slush and road salt from Calgary winters mean floors need tough cleaning, while spring winds can blow dust and pollen indoors. With these seasonal challenges, a thorough deep cleaning is more important than ever to keep your home fresh. This room-by-room home cleaning checklist covers every space, ensuring your Calgary home sparkles after winter and is ready for spring.
We’ve tailored each section to Calgary life, from banishing salt stains to removing dust bunnies. Grab your mop and a friend, and let’s make your home shine!
Entryway
- Sweep or vacuum the floor and shake out doormats. Remove loose dirt and salt before it spreads.
- Wipe baseboards, doors, and low walls (especially after slushy days) to prevent salt damage.
- Clean any windows or glass panels in the door for a streak-free look.
- Disinfect the entryway doorknob, light switches, and any furniture (bench, shoe rack).
- Wash or replace the mat/rug if it’s laden with road salt and mud.
Floor Cleaner Tip
Give floors special attention. Use a dedicated floor cleaner on tile, vinyl, or laminate in the entry. A pH-neutral floor cleaner lifts dirt and salt deposits without dulling the finish. (If you have hardwood here, skip to the wood floor section below.)
DIY Salt-Stain Remover
After a snowy day, dissolve salt stains naturally by wiping floors with a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and warm water. The vinegar solution cuts through salt residue safely—no harsh chemicals needed. Let the floor air-dry or buff with a soft cloth for a spotless entry.
Living Room
- Dust ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, shelves, picture frames and other high surfaces. (Dust tends to accumulate on these over time.)
- Vacuum and fluff upholstered furniture cushions, chairs, and throw blankets. Don’t forget under the sofa and between cushions.
- Dust electronics (TV screen, sound system) and wipe remotes or game controllers with disinfecting wipes.
- Clean windows and mirrors with a glass cleaning spray. Remove any streaks for a bright space.
- Sweep, vacuum, or mop the floor last. Use attachments to get under furniture, then clean hard floors.
Wood Floor Cleaning
If your living room has hardwood or engineered wood floors, use a gentle wood floor cleaner (or a mild DIY mix like diluted vinegar and olive oil) to nourish the wood while removing grime. Sweep or vacuum well first, then mop with the wood floor cleaner to restore the shine.
Natural Dusting Tip
Use microfiber or electrostatic dusters (no chemicals!) to trap and remove dust. For a natural furniture polish, mix 1 part olive oil with 1 part water and a drop of lemon juice in a spray bottle. Lightly mist wood surfaces and wipe clean; this moisturizes the wood and adds a fresh scent.
Kitchen
- Empty and scrub the refrigerator and freezer; toss expired items and wipe all surfaces (shelves, drawers) inside.
- Clean the oven and stovetop: remove and wash oven racks, clean the interior; degrease burners and hood filters.
- Wipe down countertops, cabinet fronts, and backsplash tiles (grease and food splatters often accumulate here).
- Scrub the sink and faucet thoroughly; freshen the garbage disposal by grinding lemon peels or ice cubes.
- Vacuum/sweep the kitchen floor, then mop with hot water.
Kitchen Cleaner Tip
Use a specialized kitchen cleaner on countertops, cabinets, and appliances to break down grease and grime. Products with citrus enzymes are great at cutting oil. Apply the kitchen cleaner, let it sit briefly, then wipe surfaces clean. Always rinse well on food prep areas.
DIY Degreaser
For a homemade degreaser, sprinkle baking soda on greasy surfaces, then spray white vinegar or lemon juice over the area. The baking soda and vinegar will fizz and lift residue. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. This safe combo cuts grease naturally without chemicals.
Bathroom
- Dust vents, light fixtures, and high corners first. Then wipe down walls, towel racks, and baseboards.
- Scrub the bathtub and shower: clean tile walls, grout lines, and glass doors or curtains. Remove any mildew or soap scum.
- Clean the sink, vanity, and mirror: use a glass cleaner or vinegar on the mirror for sparkle.
- Disinfect the toilet thoroughly (bowl, seat, lid, and base).
- Wash or replace bathroom rugs and towels, then mop the floor with disinfectant and empty the trash.
Bathroom Cleaners Tip
Choose gentle bathroom cleaners (or non-toxic alternatives) for tiles, porcelain, and grout. A cleaner with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide will lift stains without bleach. Apply it to the tub, tile, sink, and toilet; scrub, then rinse. This tackles grime without harming surfaces.
DIY Grout & Tile Scrub
Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to grout lines or stubborn stains. Scrub with an old toothbrush, then rinse. For mildew or soap scum, spray a 1:1 vinegar-water mix on tile surfaces, let it sit briefly, then wipe down. The fizzing action helps lift dirt and leaves tile bright.
Bedrooms & Hallways
- Strip beds and wash all linens (sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, blankets). Flip or rotate the mattress if possible.
- Dust furniture, dressers, lamps, and electronics. Don’t forget baseboards and dust light fixtures.
- Clean bedroom windows, mirrors, and closet doors with glass cleaner or vinegar for clarity.
- Declutter and vacuum closet floors; organize clothes and shoes.
- Vacuum carpets/rugs thoroughly (moving furniture if needed), and sweep/mop any hardwood or tile floors in hallways.
Cleaner for Glass Tip
Use a cleaner for glass on all bedroom and hallway windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces. A streak-free glass cleaner (or a mix of water and vinegar) will remove fingerprints and dust spots. Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth in circular motions to avoid streaks.
Natural Freshness Tip
Place small bowls of baking soda in closets or corners to absorb odors naturally. You can also put a few drops of essential oil (like lavender) on cotton balls and tuck them into drawers or shoes. These natural fresheners keep your rooms smelling clean without harsh chemicals.
Bonus: Seasonal Deep-Clean Hacks
- Calgary Dust Storm Prep: Calgary’s Chinook winds and prairie dust can settle on every surface. Before a forecasted dust storm, close windows, run air purifiers, and cover electronics. Afterward, vacuum and dust surfaces promptly to prevent gritty buildup. Shake rugs outdoors to remove coarse particles.
- Winter Humidity Control: Indoor air dries out in cold Calgary winters. Aim for 35–45% humidity by using a humidifier or placing pans of water near heaters. Proper humidity prevents wood floors and furniture from cracking (and reduces static dust), making cleaning easier.
Whether you’re a busy Calgary parent or a working homeowner, tackling a full deep cleaning can feel like a big project. But with this room-by-room checklist, even a spring dust-out or winter cleanup becomes manageable. For more Calgary home cleaning tips, visit the Alvarado Cleaning blog and take advantage of our Calgary-only service discount on deep cleaning. Your home (and family) will thank you!
Sources: Local cleaning experts emphasize tackling salt stains and dust during Calgary’s winter and spring cleanups, and maintaining 35–45% indoor humidity helps protect homes in Calgary’s dry winters.