When your house hasn’t had a thorough cleaning in a while, these steps will help transform it from cluttered and dusty to sparkling and fresh.

1. Declutter First

Remove items that don’t belong in each room.

Donate or recycle anything you no longer need.

Clearing surfaces makes cleaning far more effective.

2. Dust Top to Bottom

Start with ceiling fans, light fixtures, and shelves.

Work your way down to furniture, baseboards, and floors.

Use microfiber cloths or electrostatic dusters to trap dust instead of spreading it.

3. Clean Windows and Mirrors