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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsA straightforward house-cleaning routine starts with removing dirt, then adds sanitizing or disinfecting only when the situation calls for it. Clean high-touch surfaces regularly, tackle other areas when they are visibly dirty or need attention, and choose products and tools that suit the surface. This guidance draws on U.S. CDC and EPA recommendations; it is not a universal schedule for every home or material.
How do you clean a house?
Work from loose dirt to clean surfaces, then decide whether an extra germ-reduction step is necessary. Gather only the supplies needed for the room, and follow product and surface-maker instructions.
- Prepare the space. Gather a suitable cloth, mop or vacuum and the cleaner appropriate for the surfaces. Read labels for intended uses, compatible materials, dilution, protective equipment and ventilation. Open windows or ventilate when the label or conditions call for it. Never mix cleaning products.
- Remove dirt and clean surfaces. For hard surfaces, use soap and water or a product designed for that material. Damp-dust surfaces, and regularly clean high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches and counters. Clean other surfaces when they look dirty or need attention.
- Clean floors and soft furnishings. Vacuum carpets and rugs, and vacuum fabric-covered furniture as appropriate. Damp-mop floors. Wash washable household linens according to their care directions and dry them completely.
- Assess whether sanitizing or disinfecting is needed. Most household situations call for routine cleaning rather than disinfection. Consider disinfection when someone at home is sick or has a weakened immune system. Some food-preparation situations call for cleaning followed by sanitizing; follow relevant food-safety guidance and product directions.
CDC’s household guidance puts the order simply: “Remember to clean first, and then sanitize or disinfect if needed.” See CDC guidance on when and how to clean and disinfect your home.
What should you clean first?
Start with dirt and grime on surfaces, rather than reaching for disinfectant as the default. Soap or detergent and scrubbing remove dirt and most germs; in most household situations, routine cleaning is enough. Clean a surface before applying a separate sanitizer or disinfectant, unless the product label identifies it as a combined cleaner-disinfectant.
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- CLEANS AND DISINFECTS: Use the only toilet bowl cleaning solution with Clorox bleach to kill 99.9% of germs (2) brighten and whiten your bowl and leave a refreshing Ocean Mist scent
- THICK CLINGING GEL: With a wide dispensing bottle and a powerful clinging gel formula, this disposable toilet cleaning system coats the bowl and rinses away for a refreshing clean
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- DEODORIZING CLEAN: Add this to your bathroom cleaning caddy to help keep your toilet bowl clean, clear and free of odor with a non abrasive bleach formula that kills odor causing bacteria and even prevents odors
- 3X CLEANING ACTION: Add ToiletWand Toilet Bowl Cleaner Clinging Bleach Gel to your cleaning supplies for a sparkling clean with that destroys stains, deodorizes and clings 50% longer (1); packaging may vary
For general household upkeep, give extra attention to frequently touched surfaces. CDC advises regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces and cleaning other surfaces when visibly dirty or as needed. Clean more often when household members are more likely to get sick. It does not prescribe one daily or weekly calendar that fits every home.
Do you need to sanitize or disinfect your home?
Not usually as part of routine cleaning. Sanitizing reduces remaining germs to levels considered safe by applicable public-health codes; disinfecting kills most remaining germs. They are different steps, and neither makes ordinary cleaning unnecessary.
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- ELIMINATES 99.9% OF KITCHEN VIRUSES AND BACTERIA INCLUDNG SALMONELLA AND E.COLI: Lysol Pro Kitchen Cleaner is tested and proven to eliminate 99.9% of viruses and bacteria* (when used as directed). EPA Reg #777-91.
- CUTS THROUGH TOUGH, BAKED ON GREASE: Easily penetrates grease and grime to clean even the toughest kitchen messes, leaving nothing but a fresh citrus scent.
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- Routine cleaning: The baseline for most homes. Use soap or detergent and scrub to remove dirt and most germs.
- Sanitizing: A targeted step for particular needs, including certain food-contact situations. For example, CDC advises cleaning and then sanitizing food-preparation surfaces that touched raw meat or poultry.
- Disinfecting: Most relevant at home when someone is sick or has a weakened immune system. Choose a product labeled for the surface and the intended use.
CDC also notes that routine daily sanitizing is not necessarily needed when surfaces are cleaned carefully after use. Its household guidance identifies specific exceptions, such as certain food-contact surfaces after emergencies including flooding.
How do you disinfect a surface safely?
Disinfectants are conditional-use products, not routine substitutes for cleaning. Follow the complete product label process: the surface, dilution, protective equipment, ventilation and wet contact time all matter.
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- Strong Absorbent & Streak-Free: Crafted with premium microfiber, these cleaning rags quickly absorb water and wipe away spills, dust, grease, and dirt without leaving streaks. Ideal for drying dishes, cleaning countertops, or polishing surfaces in the kitchen, car, or around the home.
- Soft & Lint-Free on Delicate Surfaces: Made from a non-abrasive blend of 85% polyester and 15% nylon, our microfiber cloths are gentle yet effective. They won’t scratch paint, glass, or delicate surfaces, and leave no lint behind—perfect for cleaning mirrors, electronics, stainless steel, and other smooth surfaces.
- Durable Construction for Long-Term Use: Designed with reinforced stitching, these cleaning cloths are not only reusable but also resist wear and tear even after frequent washing. A reliable alternative to disposable paper towels for everyday cleaning.
- Multi-Color Convenience for Any Task: Available in 4 assorted colors—Pink, Green, Blue, and Purple—for easy color-coding. Use different cleaning towels for the kitchen, bathroom, car, or electronics. Stay organized and keep your cleaning tasks clearly separated.
- Machine Washable & Quick-Drying: Each microfiber cloth measures 11.8" x 11.8", making them compact and easy to store. They can be washed by hand or machine. Quick-drying and always ready for your next cleaning job.
- Check the label and surface. Confirm the product is intended for the job and compatible with the material. Use an EPA-registered product as directed for the intended surface and use.
- Clean first. Remove visible dirt before disinfecting unless the label says the product combines cleaning and disinfection.
- Apply exactly as directed. Use the specified ready-to-use form or dilution, and wear any protective equipment the label requires.
- Keep the surface wet for the full contact time. The label specifies how long it must remain visibly wet. Wiping it dry early may undermine the stated directions; there is no single contact time that applies to every product.
- Ventilate and store safely. Follow ventilation and disposal directions. Store products away from children and pets, and never use disinfectants on skin or pets.
Some cleaning and disinfection products can irritate the eyes, nose or throat, and CDC notes some can trigger asthma. Ventilate as directed and reduce exposure to products that cause symptoms. For more on label use and household product safety, see EPA guidance on biological contaminants and indoor air quality.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What cleaning supplies do you actually need?
A few ordinary tools cover common jobs. Match each one to the surface and follow both product and equipment care directions; specialized supplies are not necessary for every home.
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- DISPOSABLE SCRUBBING PADS: Add this to your bathroom cleaning caddy and never touch an icky toilet brush again with disposable scrubbing pads that conveniently pop off into the trash so you can toss the mess every time
- WAND AND CADDY: Clorox ToiletWand comes with a long handle to help you clean from a distance, and a caddy to conveniently store scrubbing pad refills with your cleaning supplies
- ALL IN ONE SYSTEM: Contains 1 wand with long handle to help clean from a distance, 6 original disposable scrubbing pads and 10 rainforest rush scented pads preloaded with cleaner and 1 caddy to conveniently store scrubbing pad refills; pack may vary
| Supply | Useful for | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable cleaning cloth | Wiping and damp-dusting hard surfaces | Microfiber is an option. CDC material for healthcare environmental cleaning says it can absorb more dirt and microorganisms than cotton, but that context does not mean every household needs professional supplies. High-pH products can damage microfiber, chlorine-based products may be incompatible, and it may need separate laundering. |
| Vacuum | Carpets, rugs and appropriate fabric-covered furniture | Choose and maintain equipment according to the flooring and manufacturer’s instructions. No particular model or specification is established here. |
| Mop | Damp-mopping floors | Select a mop and cleaning product compatible with the floor type. |
| Surface-appropriate cleaner | Routine cleaning of compatible surfaces | Mild soap and water may be suitable for many jobs; check the surface and product label. EPA’s Safer Choice label can help identify products that meet its safer-chemistry criteria, but the cleaner must still suit the task. |
| Disinfectant | Specific situations where disinfection is appropriate | Check the intended surface, use directions, protective equipment, ventilation and labeled wet contact time before use. |
EPA recommends routine actions including damp dusting hard surfaces, vacuuming carpets and fabric-covered furniture, damp-mopping floors and washing household linens. For broader indoor-environment advice, see EPA’s guidance on improving your indoor environment.
How should you handle special surfaces and moisture?
For electronics, upholstery, flooring and washable items, use the maker’s care instructions rather than assuming a general-purpose product is safe. A product’s surface compatibility is as important as its cleaning or disinfecting claim.
Fix leaks and dry wet areas. EPA advises cleaning visible mold with clean water and detergent, then drying completely. That advice does not cover a comprehensive response to large or persistent contamination; seek appropriate local guidance for those conditions.
Quick Recap
What should you never do when cleaning?
- Never mix cleaning products. EPA warns that mixing can create toxic vapors. CDC’s household guidance states: “Do not mix products or chemicals with each other.”
- Do not ignore labels. Follow directions for intended use, dilution, protective equipment, ventilation and disposal.
- Do not wipe disinfectant away too soon. Keep the surface visibly wet for the full contact time on the label.
- Do not use disinfectants on people or pets. These products are for labeled surfaces, not skin or animals.
- Do not assume one cleaner suits every material. Check compatibility and care directions, especially for electronics and delicate or washable items.
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