Challenge 2025 Week 20: Living Room Deep Clean – Curtains, Blinds & More

Welcome back to your 52-week cleaning, organizing, and decluttering challenge! This week, we’re diving deep into the living room’s window treatments and rugs-those often-overlooked areas that can make a big difference in your home’s freshness and ambiance. Let’s get those curtains sparkling, blinds dust-free, windows crystal clear, and rugs refreshed!  

Week 20: Living Room – Deep Clean Curtains or Blinds

• Wash or dry clean curtains.
• Dust blinds or clean window treatments.
• Clean windows inside and out.
• Vacuum or clean area rugs.

Expert Tips for Deep Cleaning Curtains and Blinds

Curtains

First, check the care labels on your curtains to see if they’re machine washable or require dry cleaning. For machine-washable curtains, use a gentle cycle with mild detergent and hang them to dry to avoid shrinkage.

If your curtains can go in your washing machine, buy a special detergent like this one from Clean People. [a d] The Clean People Laundry Detergent Pods – Hypoallergenic Laundry Pods – Ultra Concentrated, Recyclable Packaging, Stain Fighting – Fresh Scent, 32 Pack. Amazon creator affiliate link https://amzn.to/3YJcnon

If your curtains are dry clean only or delicate, consider professional cleaning services to prevent damage and ensure they come back looking their best.

For a quick refresh between washes, take your curtains down and give them a good shake outside to remove dust and allergens. Tossing them in the dryer on low with a dryer sheet can also help eliminate odors.

Get special dryer sheets for your curtains if the curtains can be dried in your dryer. [a d] The Clean People Fabric Softener Sheets – Dryer Sheets – Softens & Removes Static Cling – Vegan Laundry Softener With Essential Oils – Fresh Scent, 120 Pack. Amazon creator affiliate link https://amzn.to/4j3KG0V

Blinds

Dusting blinds regularly is key to preventing buildup. Use a microfiber cloth or a static duster to clean each slat, working from top to bottom in an S-pattern for thorough coverage.

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For deeper cleaning, wipe blinds with a damp microfiber cloth and a mild cleaning solution suitable for the material (wood, vinyl, metal). Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage finishes.

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Don’t forget to vacuum window sills and blind tracks to prevent dust from settling back onto your freshly cleaned blinds.

Pro tip: To make future cleaning easier, stay consistent with weekly dusting – it keeps grime from accumulating and makes deep cleans less daunting.

Cleaning Windows Inside and Out

1. Use a streak-free glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution to clean your windows inside and out.
2. Clean window screens with a mild dish soap and water mixture, then let them dry completely before reinstalling.
3. Wipe down window sills and frames with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.

Fun hack: Clean two windows a day to avoid feeling overwhelmed-before you know it, your entire living room will be gleaming.

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Refreshing Area Rugs

• Vacuum your rugs thoroughly, including edges and underneath furniture, to remove trapped dirt and allergens.
• For a deeper clean, consider steam cleaning or shampooing your rugs according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you have delicate or antique rugs, professional cleaning might be the safest option.

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Bonus tip: Rotate your rugs periodically to ensure even wear and maintain their vibrant look.

Recommended Tools & Products

To make your deep clean easier and more effective, here are some expert-approved products I recommend (affiliate links included for your convenience):

Microfiber Dusting Cloths – Perfect for blinds, window sills, and delicate surfaces.

Gentle Fabric Detergent – Ideal for washing curtains without damaging fibers.

Streak-Free Glass Cleaner – For sparkling windows without residue.

Vacuum with Attachments – Essential for rugs and hard-to-reach corners.

Steam Cleaner – Great for deep cleaning area rugs and upholstery.

Using these tools will boost your confidence and efficiency, turning a big task into a manageable one.

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Thank you for supporting my blog by clicking the affiliate links! Your support helps me continue to provide you with expert tips and trusted product recommendations.

Next week, we’ll tackle Week 21: Office – Deep Clean & Organize Files. We’ll sort through old files, digitize or shred what’s no longer needed, organize file cabinets, wipe down office furniture, and deep clean your computer area including mouse and keyboard. It’s the perfect chance to catch up on earlier challenges and create a clutter-free, productive workspace.

If you missed any of the earlier challenges, be sure to check out the Challenge 2025 kick-off post, which lists all weekly challenges and links as they become available.

Challenge 2025 Kick-Off Post

For your convenience, download free cleaning, organizing, and decluttering checklists to keep your progress on track:

BLOG POST with free checklists for each room

Also the master checklist for all 52 weeks:

Download the list here (click image):

Happy cleaning!