Welcome to our comprehensive room-by-room cleaning guide! In this series, we’re diving deep into each space of your home to help you achieve a sparkling clean environment, now we get into the common areas.

Common areas are the heart of your home, where family and friends gather, and daily life unfolds. Keeping these spaces clean not only ensures a welcoming atmosphere but also maintains a hygienic environment. From dusting high-touch surfaces to organizing clutter, we’ll guide you through every step of a thorough clean to make your common areas shine.

Let’s get started on making your shared spaces spotless and inviting!

Remove and Clean All Cushions

Start by taking off all cushions from couches and chairs. Vacuum the spaces underneath, paying special attention to the nooks and crannies where crumbs, dust, or pet hair might accumulate. This ensures you remove any hidden debris that can cause discomfort or allergies.

Tip: For microfiber fabrics, use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to tackle stains. Dab the alcohol onto a white sponge to avoid dye transfers, then scrub gently with a white bristle brush.

Editor’s Pick: Amazon Basics 99% Isopropyl Alcohol

Shampoo or Spot Clean Rugs and Carpets

Shampooing your rugs and carpets can refresh their appearance and remove deep-seated dirt. If you prefer not to shampoo the entire house, focus on spot cleaning stains using a pet stain remover or a steam cleaner.

Tip: If you don’t have a steam cleaner, the “steam” function on your clothing iron can be an effective alternative for spot treatment.

Editor’s Pick: Natural Multi-Surface Handheld Steam Cleaner

Polish Wooden Furniture

Remove all items from bookcases, coffee tables, and other wooden furniture pieces. Clean every surface with a dust rag, then apply wood cleaner or polish for a shiny finish. For scratches, rub a walnut along the scratch or use a stain pen for touch-ups.

Tip: To remove water stains, use a hair dryer on a low setting to gently heat the area, then treat the wood with furniture polish or mineral oil.

Editor’s Pick: Howard Products ORS016 Orange Oil Wood Polish

Wipe Down Baseboards, Window Treatments, and Fixtures

Use a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner extension attachment to clean baseboards, window treatments, light fixtures, and ceiling fans. For high ceilings and corners, a telescoping pole can be very useful. Don’t forget to remove and launder drapes, and clean windows with glass cleaner. Disinfect door handles to maintain hygiene.

Tip: A lint roller works wonders on lamp shades to remove dust and pet hair.

Dust Your Decor

Gently dust all knickknacks, picture frames, and clocks. Depending on how many decorative items you have, this task may take some time. Regular dusting prevents allergens from accumulating and keeps your decorations looking their best.

Editor’s Pick: Sprayway Glass Cleaner Aerosol Spray

Clean Your Electronics

Electronics can harbor germs, particularly TV remotes that are frequently touched. Wipe down all electronic devices, including TVs, streaming devices, and other equipment. Use a microfiber rag or a feather duster to clean screens and remove dust from corners.

Tip: Regularly cleaning your electronics helps maintain their functionality and prevents the build-up of grime.

Editor’s Pick: Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Grey

With your living area now sparkling clean, you’ve refreshed your space and created a more inviting environment. From vacuuming hidden crumbs to polishing furniture, each step contributes to a welcoming home.

Keep up these habits to maintain your clean and organized space. A little effort goes a long way in making your home enjoyable for relaxing and entertaining. Happy cleaning!