• Get out your cleaning supplies.Cleaning materials image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
  
  Cleaning before a big event like a party or getting a house ready to put on the market requires an organized approach so nothing is left out. Consider why you're cleaning. If it's to get the house ready to sell, organizing and getting rid of clutter is important so the rooms and closets look spacious as well as clean. Other than a coat closet, parties don't require that in-depth level of cleaning. Use a checklist to make sure you haven't missed anything.
  
  

Bathroom

• Bathrooms get dirty quickly. As in all cleaning, work from the top down. That way dirt falls on what is still dirty. Spray toilets, showers and tubs with cleaner before getting started. Polish mirrors. Wipe down countertops. Scrub the toilets, showers and tubs and wipe them dry.
  
  

Kitchen

• Kitchens are a challenge to clean because not only are they one of the most used rooms in the house, they also get greasy from cooking. Spray the oven with cleaner and spread newspapers on the floor to catch the drippings. Remove elements from the stove, such as the bowls under the heating elements, and let them soak in hot soapy water. Clean off counters. Wipe all appliances with cleaner.
  
  

Hard Flooring

• Vacuum, or sweep, first to remove dust and dirt. If you mop without sweeping, the dirt turns to mud, which can stain and is more difficult to remove. Give man-made tiles a rinse coat of diluted vinegar to get rid of water stains after mopping. Dry floors to remove water marks.
  
  

Dusting

• Dust from the top down before vacuuming. Use a microfiber duster that retains the dust rather than just knocking it onto the floor. Polish glass surfaces and mirrors.
  
  

Baseboards

• Vacuum, then wipe the baseboards off with a cleanser especially made for wood, if the baseboards are wood. Rub a coat of lemon oil or wood wax on the baseboards and then wipe them off. If the wood is scratched, use a stain to fill in the scratches before waxing.
  
  

Cabinet Exteriors

• Wipe with soapy water and then dry. Finish with a coat of lemon oil or wax.
  
  

Windows

• Remove screens and hose them down. Wash dirty windows twice, once with soapy water, then rinse. Clean again with window cleaner or a solution of white vinegar and water. Squeegee and then dry.