This Is the Best Way to Clean Your Dining Room

Keeping the dining area clean is important, whether it’s a formal dining room or space near an open kitchen. After all, it’s the go-to spot for eating and entertaining! Here’s how to make sure it’s spotless.

Dining Room Cleaning Tips

Like any other room in the house, the dining room can’t be cleaned if it’s full of stuff. Clear off any clutter from the table and other surfaces before you bring out the cleaners and rags. And remember to clean from top to bottom, because crumbs, dust and debris will inevitably fall to the floor as you work, i.e. dust before you vacuum. Start with dusting the ceiling fixture and leave the floor for last.

Dining Room Cleaning Tools

The right products and tools make all the difference when cleaning your dining room. Here’s what to keep in a well-stocked cleaning toolkit:

• Microfiber Cleaning Cloths: Use microfiber cloths to eliminate dust and shine surfaces without leaving lint behind.
• Dish Soap: Just a few drops of dish soap is powerful yet gentle enough for cleaning the dining room table.
• Vacuum: Invest in a good vacuum with attachments for dusting and cleaning the floor.
• Broom: Use a broom to keep the endless crumbs and food debris under control.
• Carpet Spot Cleaner: This will eliminate stains on the dining room rug. It also works on dining chair upholstery.

Dust the Dining Room Light Fixture

• Give the light fixture a quick wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust.
• Spray Windex on a cloth to wipe away any remaining smudges or spots.

Clean Your Dining Room Table & Chairs

• Mix hot water a few drops of dish soap in a large bowl or bucket.
• Dip a microfiber cloth in the cleaning mixture, wring well and wipe the table and chairs from top to bottom.
• Wrap the edge of a butter knife in the microfiber cloth to clean tight areas and crevices.
• For upholstered dining room chairs, vacuum the seats first. Then wipe with a microfiber cloth dipped in soapy water.
• For stubborn upholstery stains, mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon of dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake well, spray on the stain and let sit for a moment before wiping clean.
• If you notice a water stain on your wood table, mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil. Use a microfiber cloth to apply the mixture to the water stain, wiping in the direction of the wood grain until the stain is gone.

Clean Walls and Wall Decor

• Get rid of any scuff marks on the wall.
• Wipe down all the walls and baseboards with a microfiber cloth and a mixture of vinegar, water and a few drops of dish soap.
• Use the same cloth and mixture to gently wipe the tops of picture frames and other wall decor where dust likes to settle.

Dust Other Dining Room Furniture

• If you have a sideboard or other furniture in the room, dust each surface with a damp microfiber cloth (microfiber traps dust rather than just moving it around).
• Use the same cloth to wipe down lamps and accessories.

Clean the Dining Room Floor

• Sweep the entire floor or use a hard-surface vacuum. Don’t miss the corners of the room and under the table and chairs where crumbs like to gather.
• If you have a dining room rug, vacuum it thoroughly and spot clean with carpet cleaner.
• Mop the floor with your favorite cleaner, following all manufacturer instructions. Or, make a natural solution by mixing a cup of white vinegar with a gallon of warm water.
• To clean wood floors, use a hardwood floor cleaner.

Daily Dining Room Cleaning Tasks

The dining room can get messy, especially if you have kids! Tackle these small tasks every day to keep the space tidy, and to ensure your weekly cleaning routine is more manageable.

• Clear dishes after each meal and wipe down the table.
• Quickly wipe down the chairs every night after dinner.
• Remove any clutter that belongs in other rooms of the house.
• Sweep the floor every night (but save the mopping for your weekly cleaning day).

How to Deep-Clean Your Dining Room

These dining room cleaning tasks can be done less often, maybe during fall cleaning or spring cleaning.

• Disinfect light switches and outlets.
• Wipe down the inside of any storage furniture, like the buffet.
• Remove curtains and launder.
• Condition your wood furniture. Make your own natural furniture polish by combining 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice. Apply in a circular motion with a microfiber cloth.
• Clean silverware with this hack using aluminum foil, baking soda and salt. A good time to do this is November, before the holidays.

Dining Room Cleaning Checklist