This two day reset is realistic, detailed, and built to leave your entire home feeling cleaner, fresher, and more functional without frying your energy. Each day has timed blocks, exact actions, and cleaning hacks for stubborn spots like curtains, blinds, sofas, toilets, kitchen corners, and grout. Read it through, print the checklist, and play your favorite playlist. Let us begin.
Before you start: prep and mindset
Set aside two consecutive days when you can be home. Gather supplies in a caddy so you can move quickly between rooms. You will want a trash bag, microfiber cloths, a scrub brush, an old toothbrush, a mop, a vacuum with attachments, a bucket, a spray bottle, rubber gloves, and a laundry basket. Add any specialized items you like: a steam cleaner, upholstery cleaner, or a cordless hand vacuum.
Suggested starter kit: microfiber cloths, rubber gloves, all purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, dish soap, baking soda, white vinegar, spray bottle, scrub brush, old toothbrush, vacuum with crevice tool.
Before day one, make a playlist of music you love, decide on simple meals for the two days, and set timers on your phone. Timers keep you moving without burning out.
Day 1: Deep clean key rooms and remove buildup
Total time estimate for Day 1: 6 to 8 hours with breaks. Break the day into 90 minute blocks per zone.
Morning block 1: Entryway, hallways, and high traffic surfaces (90 minutes)
Start where you walk in. A clutter free entry changes the whole house mood. Remove shoes, mail, and bags. Donate or stow anything not needed. Wipe down the door handle, light switch, and console table.
Use a vacuum with a crevice tool or a broom to remove grit. For scuffed paint on the wall near the door use a magic eraser or a soft cloth with mild cleaner.
Pro tip: Put a small tray or basket for keys and daily mail. It reduces future clutter.
Product picks: doormat, small decorative basket, magic eraser.
Morning block 2: Kitchen deep clean and pantry reset (90 to 120 minutes)
The kitchen is often the messiest and the most rewarding to reset. Work from top to bottom. Start by emptying the fridge of anything old. Pull single shelves out if possible, wipe them with warm soapy water, and dry thoroughly before replacing. Toss old condiments and expired items. Group similar items together and use jars or clear containers for bulk goods.
Inside the fridge use a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts warm water for general wipe down. For stuck on spills, sprinkle baking soda, add a little water to form paste, let sit and then scrub.
Next tackle the oven and stovetop. For the stovetop remove burners or knobs if possible and soak them in hot soapy water or a vinegar soak. For baked on grime on the oven door, apply a paste of baking soda and water, leave for 15 to 30 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth. For stainless steel use a microfiber cloth with a small amount of white vinegar for streak free shine.
Clean small appliances like the microwave inside and out. Heat a microwave safe bowl of water with lemon slices for two minutes, then wipe the interior. Clean the coffee maker by running a vinegar and water cycle, then two cycles of clean water.
Empty and wipe the cabinets and handles. Grease builds on handles and corners. Wipe backsplashes and grout lines with a grout brush and cleaner if needed.
Finish by wiping counters with an all purpose cleaner and mopping the floor. Use a microfiber mop and warm water or a floor cleaner suitable to your flooring type.
Pro tip: While a load of laundry is running, take time to clean drawers and the pantry. Use clear containers for rice, pasta and snacks. Labeling makes a big difference.
Product picks: all purpose cleaner, baking soda, white vinegar, microfiber mop, clear pantry jars, kitchen scrub brush.
Midday break and laundry check
Take 30 to 45 minutes to eat, rest and switch laundry. Resetting your home is maintenance plus self care. Drink water and breathe.
Afternoon block 3: Bathrooms deep clean (90 minutes per bathroom)
Bathrooms demand thorough attention because of grout, soap scum and hidden dirt. Start with the easiest surfaces. Remove everything from counters and use a glass cleaner on mirrors. Wipe counters with a disinfecting solution and clean around faucets with an old toothbrush to remove buildup.
Toilet: put on gloves and apply a toilet bowl cleaner under the rim. Use a firm toilet brush. For stubborn stains try sprinkling baking soda inside the bowl and pouring in a small cup of white vinegar. Let fizz, scrub and flush. Wipe the outside of the toilet including base and behind the bowl.
Shower and tub: scrub tile grout with a grout brush and cleaning solution. For deep scum on shower doors, make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub gently. Use a squeegee after showers to slow soap scum build up.
Sink drains: pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar, leave 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water to clear minor blockages and refresh drains.
Replace towels with fresh ones. Wash bath mats. For limescale on faucets soak a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the base for 10 to 20 minutes, then wipe.
Pro tip: Keep a shower caddy with travel sized cleaners so you can do a quick spray and wipe after using the shower. It saves time later.
Product picks: toilet bowl cleaner, grout brush, squeegee, baking soda, vinegar, disinfecting spray, microfiber cloths.
Afternoon block 4: Living room and upholstery (90 to 120 minutes)
Living rooms show life. This is where dust builds up on shelves, electronics and upholstery. Start by removing all cushions and vacuuming under them. Use the vacuum upholstery attachment to clean sofas, chairs and throw pillows. For fabric sofas, check the care tag. Upholstery cleaners can be used for spot cleaning. For stubborn oily stains, a mixing of dish soap and warm water applied with a soft brush often lifts grime.
For leather sofas use a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner. For fringe or crevices use the crevice tool or an old toothbrush to dislodge dust. If you have removable cushion covers wash them according to label instructions.
Dust candles, decor, books and the top of the TV. Use a microfiber cloth and a long duster for high shelves.
Windows and glass: wipe inside window glass using a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. For streak free results clean on an overcast day or when the sun is not directly hitting the glass. Clean window sills and tracks by vacuuming debris then wiping with a damp cloth.
Curtains and blinds: curtains that are machine washable should be removed and washed on the gentle cycle. Hang while still slightly damp to reduce wrinkles. For non washable curtains, vacuum with an upholstery attachment or use a fabric steamer to refresh and remove odors. For blinds, close them and use a microfiber mitt or a sock over your hand dampened with water and a little dish soap to run along each slat. For wooden blinds avoid soaking them. For vertical blinds tilt slats and wipe each with a cloth.
Pro tip for curtains: while curtains are off, vacuum the curtain rods and clean the top of windows where dust accumulates. Replace or wash curtain liners if used.
Product picks: upholstery cleaner, crevice tool for vacuum, fabric steamer, microfiber duster, leather conditioner.
Day 2: Organize, maintain, and bring the calm back
Day 2 is slower and more restorative. Now that your home is clean, you will reorganize, style, and set up systems to stay tidy.
Morning block 1: Bedroom refresh and closet edit (90 minutes)
Start with the bedroom. Strip the bed and put on fresh sheets. Flip or rotate your mattress if it is time. Wash pillows or fluff them according to care instructions. Vacuum around and under the bed.
Closet edit: do a quick purge. Set three piles: keep, donate, and repair. Fold like items and store off season clothes in labeled bins. Use slim hangers to save space and keep things neat. Place daily outfit choices in an easy to reach spot for quick mornings.
Create a small nightstand routine zone. A tray for glasses, a spot for your book, and a bedside water carafe keep countertops clear.
Product picks: bed sheets set, slim non slip hangers, storage bins, mattress protector.
Midday block 2: Home office, paperwork, and small chores (90 minutes)
Paper clutter adds visual noise. Go through bills, mail and receipts. Use a simple system: action, archive, recycle. Action items get a folder you check twice a week. Archive the rest in labeled files. Scan or photograph important documents so you reduce paper.
Wipe down your workstation, keyboard and mouse. Clean under desk and reorganize cables using cable ties or a cable box.
If you have devices that need backups, do them now. Update software and delete files you do not need.
Product picks: desktop organizer, file folders, wireless keyboard cleaner, external hard drive.
Midday break and refresh
Take a decent break. Make tea, step outside for air, swap laundry, and rest your back.
Afternoon block 3: Small but mighty tasks and hidden spots (90 minutes)
This session is for all the places people forget. Wipe baseboards around the house with a damp cloth. Dust ceiling fan blades by placing a pillowcase over each blade and pulling the dust into the fabric. Wipe door frames and door tops. Clean light fixtures using a step stool and a damp cloth. For lampshades, use a lint roller to remove dust.
Check smoke alarm batteries. Replace air filters if needed. These maintenance tasks improve air quality and safety.
Polish stainless steel appliances and refill dispensers for soap and hand sanitizers.
Pro tip: Keep a small maintenance checklist in a visible spot or in your home binder so monthly tasks do not pile up.
Product picks: air filters, lint roller, battery pack, microfiber duster.
Afternoon block 4: Final styling, scent and evening wind down (60 to 90 minutes)
This is the fun part. Make your home feel lived in and intentional again. Arrange cushions and throws in layered textures. Place fresh flowers or greenery in key spots. Add a diffuser or light a candle in your living room and bedroom.
For scent try a linen spray for curtains or an essential oil diffuser with calming oils such as lavender and bergamot. Avoid overpowering fragrances. A light citrus in the kitchen and a soft floral or herbal scent in living areas works well.
Set lighting for comfort. Replace harsh overheads with lamps and dimmers. Create cozy vignettes that make you want to sit and relax.
Closing ritual: Make a cup of tea, sit in your favorite spot, and write three things you like about your reset. This helps seal in the positive feeling and encourages maintenance.
Product picks: linen spray, essential oil diffuser, scented candles, throw blankets, decorative tray.
Specific deep clean how to for problem areas
Below are expanded, exact methods for stubborn areas you asked for. These are detailed and practical with step by step instructions.
Curtains and blinds deep clean
Curtains: Remove hooks and wash according to label. If machine washable, use gentle cycle with a laundry bag for delicate fabrics. Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to remove trapped odors and brighten colors. Hang to dry and steam lightly while still damp to remove wrinkles.
Blinds: For vinyl or faux wood blinds, close them and vacuum with a brush attachment. Then fold each slat and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. For very dirty blinds create a solution of dish soap in warm water and wipe. For fabric vertical blinds consult the label or use a handheld vacuum.
Sheers: Sheer curtains are delicate. Machine wash on gentle in a mesh bag, or hand wash and lay flat to dry. Replace curtain liners annually.
Product picks: fabric steamer, mesh laundry bags, white vinegar, microfiber cloth.
Sofa and upholstery deep clean
Start by removing cushions and vacuuming all crevices. For fabric couches check the care label. Many labels use W for water based cleaners or S for solvent based cleaners. For W use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap, or a commercial upholstery cleaner. Blot stains instead of rubbing. For greasy stains sprinkle baking soda on the spot to absorb oil for 15 minutes, then vacuum and treat with upholstery cleaner.
For leather use a gentle leather cleaner and conditioner. Avoid saturating leather with water. For sectional seams and folds use a soft brush to dislodge dirt.
For persistent odors a steam cleaner on upholstery fabric can sanitize and lift deeper dirt. If you rent or own a steam cleaner, follow fabric manufacturer recommendations.
Product picks: upholstery cleaner, baking soda, handheld steam cleaner, vacuum with upholstery tool.
Toilet, bathroom and grout intensive cleaning
For the toilet bowl start with a descaling cleaner. Apply under the rim and allow dwell time to dissolve rings. For grout use a grout brush and a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for stubborn moldy spots. Test a hidden area first.
For glass shower doors remove water spots with a paste of baking soda and water followed by vinegar rinse and squeegee. A routine after-shower squeegee reduces buildup week to week.
Replace shower curtain liners yearly and wash them with baking soda to remove film.
Product picks: grout brush, toilet bowl cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, squeegee, mildew remover.
Kitchen every nook and cranny
Pull out the fridge and clean behind it. Vacuum coils if accessible. Pull out the stove and vacuum crumbs from the floor. Clean the range hood filter by soaking in hot soapy water or a degreaser if very greasy.
Empty and wipe the inside of drawers. For cabinet interiors, use a damp cloth and a small hand vacuum for crumbs. For the area under the sink remove all items, wipe the interior and check for leaks.
Clean the garbage disposal by freezing lemon peels in ice then running them with cold water to sharpen blades and reduce odor. For persistent sink odors pour a half cup of baking soda and some white vinegar then flush with hot water.
Pro tip: Keep a small box in your pantry for items you plan to donate. It helps you keep the purge going.
Product picks: range hood degreaser, garbage disposal cleaner, fridge coil brush, kitchen drawer organizers.
Maintenance plan to keep it that way
Reset days are powerful but the real win is maintenance. Here are quick habits and a weekly micro plan to avoid another big reset.
Daily
- 10 minute nightly tidy. Put dishes away, wipe counters, fold a throw.
- Load the dishwasher or wash the evening dishes so mornings feel calm.
Weekly
- Laundry on the same days each week.
- Quick bathroom swipe mid week. Wipe mirrors, counters, and give the shower a quick spray.
Monthly
- Dust ceiling fans and wipe baseboards.
- Clean mattress surface and rotate if needed.
Quarterly
- Deep clean curtains, steam upholstery or schedule a professional clean.
- Replace AC filters and check smoke alarm batteries.
