Diwali, which is always referred to as the “festival of lights”, has a way of spreading joy and togetherness in homes. As it symbolises “Good over Evil”, it is the time for refreshing your home and welcoming family and friends to celebrate. That’s where professional home cleaning services can make all the difference — helping you save time and energy while ensuring your home shines bright for the season. To make it simple for you, we’ve put together a simple Diwali cleaning checklist to guide you through decluttering, deep cleaning, and adding those final festive touches stress-free. Why Do People Clean Their Houses in Diwali? A house that is cleaned, decorated beautifully, and bright will attract good energy! When someone visits our bright abode, they will immediately experience happiness and positivity. The deeper intention of all of this is to bring prosperity, happiness, and good energy into your home and into the hearts of all who walk into your home. The custom of deep cleaning before Diwali has some genuinely lovely meanings and customs attached to it: Welcoming Goddess Lakshmi: Many people believe that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, visits houses on the night of Diwali to bless them. Hence, a clean, clutter-free, and nicely decorated space is said to be more inviting and to receive her blessings, bringing good luck and wealth for the next year. Letting Go of the Old: Cleaning is also representative of shedding what is old, negative, and even things that we just don’t need any longer. It is one way to clear not just our physical space but the energy or feeling in the space so that we can have a fresh start for things that are new, and who does not want new beginnings, positivity, or revitalisation? Spiritually Cleansing: For many, the cleaning of the home before Diwali is also a level of spiritual cleansing; like physically cleansing our homes, we are also decluttering our minds, which helps us prepare in the spirit of joyfulness for the festival. Making the Place White and Festive: A clean home is truly the perfect backdrop for your beautiful decorations over the Diwali festival. It allows your festive lights, elaborate rangolis, and other embellishments to shine even more beautifully and brings about the celebratory spirit to life. When to Start Cleaning for Diwali? The sweet spot to start your Diwali cleanup for the festival is usually a few weeks in advance. This gives you the space to work through all of your cleaning systematically, without feeling like you have to rush, and avoid that last-minute panic! Early (3–4 Weeks Before): The prime time to tackle those bigger cleaning jobs — decluttering your closets, organising those difficult storage spots, as well as cleaning in those out-of-reach areas, and getting down to the nitty-gritty of cleaning areas that require more work. Middle (1–2 Weeks Prior): The time to focus on your living spaces, bedrooms, and your kitchen. This is a great time to wash your curtains, do the deep clean on your carpeted areas, and polish your furniture. End (A Few Days Before): Save those last few days for dusting and mopping floors, arranging your decorations, and ensuring your spaces are ready for your guests — and then, the festival! Also Read: 6 Sureshot Ways For A Spotless Home In The Festive Season! How Do You Clean Your House Before Diwali? A thorough, step-by-step process will ensure nothing is neglected. Here is a complete checklist to complete the work: 1. Decluttering and Organising (The Base) This is where we strip away so you can make room for the new! Wardrobe/Closets: Start by removing everything from the closet. Sort your clothing into 3 piles: Keep, Donate, and Discard. Wipe down your drawer and shelves. Fold and put away the clothes you kept in an orderly manner. Kitchen: Check expired foods in the cupboard and fridge, and toss expired items. Declutter countertops and cabinets — relieving clutter induces calmer minds! Organise your spices, utensils, and appliances. Remember to clean the inside of the oven, microwave, and dishwasher, too. Storage Areas (Attics, Basements, Garages): Go through everything you have stored. Be bold and toss anything broken, worn, or unused. Store the items you are keeping in an orderly fashion. General Areas: Go through books, papers, and miscellaneous items in general. Declutter the surfaces and drawers in your living rooms, studies, and bedrooms. 2. Deep Cleaning Tasks Are you ready to get sparkling clean? Walls and Ceilings: Dust away cobwebs in all corners and ceilings. Lightly sponge your walls to remove smudges and marks — a simple detergent solution is greatly helpful! Wipe down every light fixture and ceiling fan until they shine. Windows and Doors: Clean inside and outside the window for clear views. Wipe down window frames and sills. Wipe down door frames and polish doorknobs. Floors: Fully vacuum carpets and rugs; a professional clean is advised if they are dirty. Scrub your hard floors (tiles, marble, wood) with an appropriate cleaner. Love your grout lines! Furniture: Dust all your furniture. Polish your wood furniture. Clean upholstery, vacuum or spot clean, and deep clean if needed. Kitchen: Clean the exhaust fan and chimney; they are hard workers! Scrub the sink and faucets until they shine! Give your refrigerator a total clean inside and out. Descale your kettle and coffee maker. Clean your gas stove and hob and make them shine! Bathroom: Scrub your tiles, grout, and shower. Clean the toilets, sinks, and bathtubs! Polish faucets and mirrors until they sparkle! 3. Finishing Touches and Decoration Now for the fun part — decorating your home for Diwali! Airing Out: Open the windows and get some fresh air flowing. Bring in sunlight and fresh air. Insect Control: Ensure that your home is bug- and insect-free. Minor Repairs: Fix any squeaks, loose handles, or other small issues you want to address. Decor: Place some lovely diyas or candles. Make some lovely rangolis at your doorway. Hang some lanterns or lights and let your home shine! Decorate with flowers and other festive