Nursery Deep Clean Checklist Before Baby Arrives
A room-by-room list for getting the nursery (and the rest of the house) ready, and when to start.
The urge to clean everything before a baby arrives is real, and there's a sensible version of it. Aim to finish a few weeks before your due date so you're not up a ladder at 38 weeks.
Start with the room itself
- Dust top to bottom: light fittings, fan blades, curtain rails, the tops of wardrobes and door frames.
- Wipe skirting boards, window sills, tracks and switches.
- Wash or vacuum curtains, and dust blinds.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly, including under furniture. Our carpet guide covers how often.
- Air the room well, especially after painting or new furniture.
Cot, bassinet and change table
- Wipe frames and surfaces with warm soapy water and dry them.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mattresses; don't soak a cot mattress.
- Check second-hand items for damage and against current safety standards.
Linen, clothes and soft toys
- Wash all new linen and clothes before first use (see washing baby clothes).
- Wash soft toys if the label allows; dust mites love them (our dust mite guide explains why heat helps).
The rest of the house
- Kitchen: clean the fridge before it fills with frozen meals, and sort bottle-washing space.
- Bathroom: tackle mould now (see our mould guide).
- Laundry: clear space for the extra washing that's coming.
What to hand off
Ladders, heavy lifting and strong cleaning products are good jobs to pass to someone else when you're pregnant. A deep clean a few weeks out, then regular visits or laundry pickup in the first months, takes a lot off your plate. See cleaning for new parents.
Frequently asked questions
When should I deep clean the nursery?
A few weeks before your due date is a good target, so it's done before things get busy and you're not doing heavy work late in pregnancy.
Should I wash new baby clothes before use?
Yes. Washing new clothes and linen removes finishing chemicals and dust from manufacturing and storage.
Is it safe to use cleaning products in the nursery?
Use mild products, ventilate well and let the room air out before the baby uses it. Avoid mixing products (see our guide to products you should never mix).
Nesting but short on energy? Book a deep clean a few weeks before your due date and put your feet up.
Book a pre-baby deep cleanGeneral household hygiene guidance. Follow manufacturer instructions for cots, mattresses and baby products.