Last Updated on 4 weeks by sjain

Diwali, the festival of lights, has a lot to do with house cleaning. Traditionally, it is believed that a clean, organised house invites prosperity, positivity and the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. We start this task every year as soon as Dussehra ends and complete it after several days of hard work.

However, using the right cleaning tools and clever hacks can make the process efficient and manageable. Whether you’re cleaning the kitchen, polishing furniture, or freshening up outdoor spaces, this guide will give you the essential tools and tips to make your home sparkle this Diwali.

Essential Tools for Diwali Cleaning

Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths are the most basic and essential item for Diwali cleaning as they are effective in cleaning surfaces without scratching and the fibers trap dirt effectively. They are useful for dusting and wiping off electronic devices such as screens and lenses, polishing glass, and mirrors, and absorbing spills quickly.

Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuum cleaning can be used to remove dust, dirt, and debris from floors and carpets, clean upholstery, drapes, and furniture, maintain car interiors, remove pet hair and allergens, and deep clean hard-to-reach areas such as corners or under furniture.

Scrub Brushes

Scrub brushes are primarily used for a variety of purposes, such as cleaning stubborn stains on surfaces such as floors, tiles, and counters in the home, and removing dirt and grime from outdoor areas such as patios or decks.

Note: Scrub brushes come in different sizes depending on the area and purpose of your job.

Extendable Dusters

The biggest problem in cleaning during Diwali is cleaning the interiors and the heights outside the house. This extendable duster is a very useful tool for cleaning. It helps in cleaning the ceiling fans, high furniture, walls, picture frames and the upper part of the door.

Also, with its help, you can easily reach those places which are difficult to reach like behind big furniture or appliances.

Mops with Rotating Heads

This is an easily available tool in every household today. It cleans floors efficiently with a 360-degree motion and reaches tight spaces, corners and under furniture, squeezing out excess water without using hands. It also helps in cleaning without bending the waist.

Pressure Washer

You can use a pressure washer for a variety of purposes, including cleaning outdoor surfaces such as patios and decks, removing dirt, grime, mold, and mildew from walls and fences, washing vehicles and outdoor furniture, removing old paint and preparing surfaces for painting, and cleaning garden tools, grills, and appliances.

Storage Boxes and Organizing Bins

Using Storage Boxes and Organizing Bins, you can store household items like old clothes, toys and documents that were not removed during Diwali cleaning and protect these items from dust, moisture and insects.

Steam Cleaners

Steam cleaners are used for deep cleaning and sanitizing floors, carpets and upholstery. They are great for disinfecting surfaces by killing germs, bacteria and dust particles that have been left on clothes and items for years.

Drain Pipe Cleaning Brush

A drain pipe cleaning brush is helpful in removing hair, dirt, and debris from clogged drains. It allows us to easily clean the inside of the sink, bathtub, or shower pipes and maintain clean water flow by preventing blockages.

Wooden Furniture Polis

Wooden polish or wax enhances the shine and appearance of wooden surfaces. It protects the wood from scratches, moisture, and stains and restores faded or dull finishes. It also repels dust and dirt while conditioning the wood.

Diwali Cleaning Hacks for Different Areas

Kitchen

1. Oven Cleaning

1. Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, spread it on oven surfaces, and let it sit overnight. Wipe it off the next day for a clean oven.
2. Vinegar Spray: After applying the baking soda paste, spray vinegar to activate the fizzing action. Wipe clean.
3. Self-Cleaning Feature: Use the oven’s self-cleaning cycle to burn off grime.
4. Lemon Steam: Heat a dish of water with lemon slices to loosen stubborn grime, making it easier to wipe away.

2. Microwave Cleaning

1. Steam with Vinegar: Mix water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl, heat for 5 minutes, and let the steam loosen grime. Wipe clean with a cloth.
2. Lemon Fresh: Microwave a bowl of water with lemon slices for 3-5 minutes. The steam softens stains, and the lemon leaves a fresh scent.
3. Baking Soda Scrub: For stubborn spots, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply to stains, and scrub gently.
4. Cover Food: Use a microwave cover or paper towel to reduce splatters during cooking.

• You can also use Angry Mama microwave cleaner

3. Other Appliances

1. Blender: Fill halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Run for 30 seconds, then rinse.
2. Coffee Maker: Use 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water to run a cleaning cycle, followed by two cycles of plain water to rinse.
3. Toaster: Shake out crumbs and wipe with a damp cloth. You can use a toothbrush to clean tight spots.
4. Fridge: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 quart of water to wipe shelves and eliminate odors.
5. Stovetop: Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with water to form a paste, scrub, and wipe clean.
6. Food Processor: Fill halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Run for 30 seconds, then rinse.
7. Kettle: Fill with a mixture of 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water. Boil, let cool, and rinse to remove limescale.
8. Air Fryer: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with water to form a paste. Use it to scrub the basket, then rinse.
9. Slow Cooker: Fill with water, add 1 cup vinegar, and let sit for an hour to remove residue. Scrub and rinse.
10. Stand Mixer: Wipe the body with a damp cloth, and use a toothbrush with 1 teaspoon baking soda for cleaning attachments.
11. Grill: Soak the grates in a mixture of 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water for an hour, then scrub with a wire brush.
12. Rice Cooker: Wipe the outside with a damp cloth. Soak the pot with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and water, then scrub and rinse.
13. Ice Maker: Use a mixture of 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water. Wipe the inside and run a cleaning cycle to remove mineral buildup.
14. Juicer: Soak parts in warm water and 1 teaspoon dish soap. Use a small brush for pulp-clogged areas.
15. Hand Mixer: Wipe down the body with a damp cloth and clean the beaters by soaking in warm, soapy water.
16. Garbage Disposal: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let it fizz, then rinse with hot water.
17. Waffle Maker: Wipe down the grids with a damp cloth, and use a small brush with 1 teaspoon baking soda for tough spots.

Bathroom

1. Showerhead:
   • Fill a plastic bag with 1 cup of vinegar.
   • Secure the bag around the showerhead and let it sit for 1 hour.
   • Remove the bag, run hot water through the showerhead, and wipe clean.
2. Toilet:
   • Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda around the toilet bowl.
   • Add 1/2 cup of vinegar into the bowl and let it fizz for 10 minutes.
   • Scrub with a toilet brush and flush.
3. Sink Drain:
   • Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain.
   • Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
   • Flush with boiling water to clear any buildup.
4. Bathtub:
   • Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with enough water to make a paste.
   • Apply the paste to the tub, focusing on stains and soap scum.
   • Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
5. Mirrors:
   • Mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water in a spray bottle.
   • Spray onto the mirror and wipe with a microfiber cloth or coffee filter.
6. Grout:
   • Create a paste with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and a bit of water.
   • Apply to grout lines using an old toothbrush.
   • Let sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
7. Shower Glass:
   • Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a spray bottle.
   • Spray onto shower doors and let sit for 5 minutes.
   • Scrub gently with a sponge and wipe dry.
8. Tile Floor:
   • Combine 1 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket.
   • Mop the floor to remove grime and disinfect.
   • For grout, scrub with a brush and the same solution.
9. Faucet:
   • Rub a slice of lemon over the faucet to remove hard water stains.
   • Rinse with water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
10. Toothbrush Holder:
    • Soak in warm water with 1 teaspoon of dish soap.
    • Scrub inside with a small brush.
    • Rinse thoroughly and dry before use.

Living Room

1. Upholstery:
   • Sprinkle baking soda on couches and chairs.
   • Let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum to remove odors.
2. Carpet:
   • Mix 1 cup vinegar with 2 cups water in a spray bottle, Lightly spray stains, then blot with a clean cloth.
   • If it is very dirty, first wet the carpet, then add washing powder and leave it to dissolve for 15-20 minutes. Then, clean it with a washing brush. If possible, apply blue in the last water after washing; this will increase the shine.
3. Ceiling Fans:
   • Slide an old pillowcase over the blades to catch dust.
   • Wipe remaining dust with a damp cloth.
4. Windows:
   • Clean with a mix of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.
   • Wipe with a microfiber cloth for streak-free glass.
5. Electronics:
   • Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean screens.
   • Use compressed air to remove dust from keyboards.
6. Wood Furniture:
   • Mix 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup vinegar.
   • Polish wood surfaces using a soft cloth.
7. Lampshades:
   • Remove dust with a lint roller or vacuum using a brush attachment.
8. Baseboards:
   • Wipe with a solution of 1 tablespoon dish soap in 1 quart of water using a microfiber cloth.
9. Rugs:
   • Sprinkle baking soda on the rug and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
   • Vacuum to freshen up and remove dirt.

Outdoor Spaces

1. Patio Furniture:
   • Mix 1/4 cup dish soap with 1 gallon of warm water.
   • Use a pressure washer to quickly rinse away dirt and grime after scrubbing.
2. Deck:
   • Scrub the deck with 1 cup vinegar mixed in 1 gallon of water.
   • Use a deck scrubber brush with a long handle or an electric scrubber to save time and energy. Rinse with a hose or pressure washer.
3. Grill:
   • Soak grates in 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water for 30 minutes.
   • Clean faster using a grill cleaning brush with a scraper or a steam cleaner for grates.
4. Outdoor Rugs:
   • Sprinkle baking soda to deodorize the rug.
   • Use a cordless handheld vacuum or a portable rug cleaner to vacuum or clean quickly.
5. Windows (Exterior):
   • Wash windows with a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.
   • Use a telescopic window cleaning tool with a built-in squeegee or a window vacuum cleaner to make the job easier.
6. Driveway:
   • For oil stains, sprinkle baking soda and scrub with a stiff brush.
   • Speed up the process with a power scrubber brush attachment on a drill or a pressure washer for tough stains.
7. Garden Tools:
   • Soak tools in a solution of 1 cup vinegar mixed with water to remove rust.
   • Use a wire brush drill attachment to clean off rust faster and restore the shine.
8. Outdoor Cushions:
   • Mix 1/4 cup dish soap with 1 gallon of water.
   • Use a portable upholstery cleaner or a wet/dry vacuum to scrub and remove moisture quickly.
9. Gutters:
   • Clear out debris and scrub the inside with 1/2 cup dish soap in 1 gallon of water.
     • Use a gutter cleaning tool with an extendable pole or a gutter vacuum attachment to clean without a ladder.
10. Patio Floors:
    • Scrub with a mix of 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water to remove stains.
    • Use a patio surface cleaner attachment for pressure washers to speed up cleaning large areas.

Safety Tips for Diwali Cleaning

1. Wear Protective Gloves: Always use gloves while handling cleaning chemicals to protect your skin from irritation or burns.
2. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Open windows and doors to allow fresh air when using strong cleaners or disinfectants.
3. Avoid Overexertion: Take regular breaks to prevent fatigue and muscle strain during intensive cleaning.
4. Use Ladders Safely: When cleaning high shelves or ceiling fans, use sturdy ladders and avoid overreaching.
5. Store Chemicals Properly: Keep cleaning agents out of reach of children and pets.
6. Read Product Labels: Follow instructions on cleaning products to avoid harmful reactions or misuse.
7. Avoid Mixing Cleaners: Never mix cleaning chemicals, especially bleach with ammonia, as it can create toxic fumes.
8. Use Eye Protection: Wear safety goggles if dealing with harsh chemicals or using pressure washers.

Conclusion:

Diwali cleaning is a great way to freshen up your home and welcome prosperity during the festive season. With the right tools and smart cleaning hacks, even the toughest jobs can be easy. From deep cleaning your kitchen and bathroom to organising closets and outdoor spaces, these tips will help your home shine. By following safety precautions and staying organized, you can enjoy a stress-free cleaning experience and create a clean, welcoming atmosphere to celebrate Diwali with family and friends.