PLANNING GUIDES
New year home reset: 7 deep-clean jobs that make the biggest difference
Created 12/25
By: Laura Macdonald
When the decorations come down and routines settle again, January is the moment many homes quietly ask for a reset.
You don’t need to deep-clean everything to feel the difference — just a few high-impact jobs can make your home feel calmer, fresher, and easier to live in. Here’s where to focus first.
Quick January deep-clean checklist
If you only do a few things this month, these make the biggest difference:
Wipe skirting boards, door frames, and switches
Deep-clean the oven and extractor
Freshen carpets and soft furnishings
Clean bathroom grout and sealant
Declutter one 'high-traffic' storage area
Clean appliance filters (dishwasher, washing machine, vacuum)
Wipe window frames and sills
If time is tight, a deep cleaning service can tackle most of this in one visit.
You can find checked, reviewed deep-cleaning services near you on Checkatrade, so you can book with confidence.
Search for checked tradespeople working in your area
Why January is ideal for a home reset
After Christmas, homes tend to carry hidden build-up — crumbs, grease, condensation, and clutter. Tackling it now:
Makes rooms feel instantly lighter
Improves hygiene and air quality
Helps appliances work more efficiently
Sets up easier maintenance for the rest of the year
Think of it as maintenance, not perfection!
1. Start with the areas that quietly collect grime
High-touch and overlooked spots create the biggest visual change when cleaned.
Focus on:
Skirting boards and door frames
Light switches and handles
Behind kitchen appliances
Keep a microfibre cloth tucked under your sink — a 30-second wipe every now and again helps to prevent build-up entirely.
2. Why post-Christmas kitchen cleaning matters
Heavy cooking leaves grease where you can’t see it.
Priority areas:
Oven and hob
Extractor fan filters
Fridge shelves and seals
Cupboard doors
To clean extractor filters, soak them in hot water with washing-up liquid and bicarbonate of soda for 30 minutes, then rinse. Or book a checked and reviewed oven cleaning service with Checkatrade for a job done right.
3. Freshen carpets and soft furnishings
Carpets trap dust, crumbs, pet hair, and odours over winter.
Quick refresh:
Vacuum slowly (twice over high-traffic areas)
Wash cushion covers and throws
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda before vacuuming
Professional carpet cleaning is especially worthwhile if rooms feel dull or musty.
4. Refresh bathroom grout and sealant
Bathrooms often look tired due to the state of the sealant and grout — not the fixtures.
Look for:
Darkened grout
Peeling or cracked sealant
Musty smells
Replacing sealant is quick and prevents moisture problems later.
5. Declutter where it affects daily life
Don’t declutter everything — just where friction builds.
Best places to start:
Kitchen junk drawers
Bathroom cabinets
Hallways and shoe storage
Aim for 'easy access', not minimalism.
6. Clean appliances that work harder in winter
A small clean can improve the performance and lifespan of your appliances.
Check:
Dishwasher filters
Washing machine drawer and seal
Vacuum filters and rollers
7. Brighten rooms with a winter window clean
Wiping condensation, window frames and sills makes rooms feel brighter in an instant.
When it’s worth getting help
If you want a full reset without using up your weekends, a deep-cleaning service can tackle kitchens, bathrooms, carpets, and appliances efficiently.
Find deep-cleaning services that cover your area on Checkatrade — all our tradespeople are checked and reviewed, so you can hire with confidence.
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