Deepavali Cleaning Checklist 2026: A Room-by-Room Guide
Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most joyful and meaningful celebrations in Malaysia. Whether you call it Deepavali or Diwali, one task always comes first for every family: cleaning the house before the celebrations begin. A pre-Deepavali clean is more than a tradition. It refreshes your home and welcomes the new festive season with fresh hopes.
In Malaysia, families usually welcome many guests during Deepavali, so every corner of the home needs to be neat and clean. This guide covers what to clean in each room, the best time to start and how to deal with the spots people often miss, so your home is ready when the diya lamps are lit.
When Should You Start Cleaning Before Deepavali?
Start cleaning two to three weeks before Deepavali. Deepavali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, so the best time to begin is around 18 to 25 October. This gives you time to split the work by area, finish the longer jobs first and avoid a last-minute rush. You will also have more time for shopping, decorating, cooking and preparing your home for guests.
If your schedule is too busy for a full clean, consider bTaskee Deep Cleaning to help with your preparations. During the festive season, book at least 2–3 days in advance so you can get the date and time you want.
3-Week Deepavali Cleaning Plan
| Week | Tasks |
| Week 1 (18–24 Oct): Deep clean | Dust ceiling fans, lights, shelves and furniture; wash curtains and pillowcases; vacuum the sofa, mattress and gaps between furniture; clean windows, window frames and hard-to-reach areas; declutter items you no longer need |
| Week 2 (25–31 Oct): Kitchen and bathroom | Degrease the stove, cooking area and cooker hood; throw out expired food and wipe the fridge shelves; clean worktops, handles and kitchen cabinets; scrub the toilet, taps, sink and tiles; clean mirrors, drains and damp corners |
| Week 3 (1–7 Nov): Final touches | Sweep and mop all floors; arrange the sofa, cushions and living room furniture; clean the entrance and kolam area; wipe decorations and prepare flowers and diya lamps; take out the rubbish and check the bathroom again before guests arrive |
Tip: Clean from top to bottom, and from the least-used rooms to the most-used ones. Finish the dusty jobs before you mop and decorate, so you do not have to do the same work twice.
Read more: Cleaning Checklist Template to Tidy Your Home Faster
Room-by-Room Deepavali Cleaning Checklist
Once your overall plan is ready, use the checklists below for each area. Tick off each task as you go so no corner gets missed.
Living Room and Kolam Area
The living room is where families welcome guests and gather during Deepavali. It is also where flowers, diya lamps and traditional decorations usually go, so clean and arrange this space before you start decorating. Do not forget the sofa and rugs that guests use most. For fabrics, mattresses or curtains that need a deeper clean, see bTaskee sofa, curtain, mattress and carpet cleaning.
Living room checklist:
Clear away items you do not need and rearrange the space.
Dust shelves, tables, cabinets, photo frames and high surfaces.
Vacuum the sofa, rugs and the space under furniture.
Wipe windows, mirrors and surfaces that show fingerprints.
Sweep and mop the floor, especially high-traffic areas.
Clean the spot where you will draw the kolam or place decorations.
Place flowers, diya lamps and decorations in safe spots.
Kitchen (Stove, Fridge, Cabinets)
Kitchen checklist:
Clean the gas or electric stove and remove grease from the surface.
Wipe the cooker hood and the wall around the stove.
Clean the inside and outside of the microwave.
Check the food in the fridge and throw out anything expired or spoiled.
Wipe the fridge shelves, drawers and door seals.
Wipe cabinet doors, handles and high-touch surfaces.
Clean the sink, tap and food preparation area.
Sweep and mop the floor and remove any remaining grease stains.
When cleaning the fridge, check every shelf, the door seals and any spot where moisture collects. If you find mould or a bad smell, find the cause and clean it properly instead of just masking the odour.
Bathroom
Bathroom checklist:
Scrub the toilet bowl and the area around it.
Clean the sink, taps and mirror.
Remove soap scum from the walls and shower area.
Clean the floor, hidden corners and drains.
Wipe the shelves for personal items and tidy them.
Replace towels with clean ones and restock toiletries.
Pay attention to corners, the area around the taps and the drains, as dirt builds up there over time.
Bedroom, Curtains and Mattress
Bedroom checklist:
Change and wash the bedsheets and pillowcases.
Vacuum the mattress.
Wash the curtains according to the fabric type.
Dust the headboard, wardrobe, shelves and bedside lamps.
Vacuum under the bed and in the corners.
Sort clothes, tidy the wardrobe and remove things you no longer use.
Note: Avoid using too much water on the mattress so it does not stay damp. Make sure it is completely dry before you put the sheets back on.
Jobs Best Left to the Professionals
You do not have to do everything yourself. For areas that are hard to clean, need special tools or take a lot of time, a professional service can lighten your load before Deepavali. See which services fit your home in our guide to the Deepavali cleaning service in KL and Selangor.
Whole-Home Deep Cleaning
Before decorating, clean the areas that daily cleaning misses, such as the lower walls, hidden corners and high surfaces. It is also a good time for a deep clean if your home has not had one in a while. bTaskee Deep Cleaning starts from RM270 for 2 cleaners for 3 hours (a 60 m² home), and the team brings its own professional tools.
Sofa, Curtain and Mattress Cleaning
Sofas, curtains and mattresses are used every day but are hard to clean thoroughly at home. If they are dusty or need a wash before guests arrive, check the material and care label first. With bTaskee upholstery cleaning, fabric sofa cleaning starts from RM150, mattresses from RM125 and curtains from RM83 per piece.
Aircond Cleaning
Most Malaysian homes use the aircond almost every day. Before Deepavali, check your units and book a clean if the filters are dusty, the air is not cold enough or water is dripping. bTaskee aircond cleaning starts from RM144 per wall-mounted unit below 2HP.
Reference prices on the bTaskee website, October 2026. Prices may change by location, weekends, peak hours and public holidays. Check the latest prices and available slots in the app before booking.
FAQ
When should I start cleaning my house before Deepavali?
Start about two to three weeks ahead. For Deepavali 2026 on 8 November, that means around 18 to 25 October. Do the deep cleaning first and save the last few days for light cleaning, decorating and getting ready for guests.
How can I clean the house without getting too tired?
Split the work by room, set a time for each task and get all your tools ready before you start. Share tasks with family members, or book a cleaning service for the heavier jobs.
Which bTaskee services help with Deepavali preparations?
bTaskee offers whole-home deep cleaning, sofa, curtain, mattress and carpet cleaning, and aircond cleaning. You can book one or several services depending on what your home needs.
How do I book a cleaning service with bTaskee in Malaysia?
Download the bTaskee app, choose a service, enter your address and pick a date and time that fits your Deepavali plan. Check the price and slot availability in your area before you confirm.
Conclusion
Getting your home ready for Deepavali is easier with a clear checklist and a sensible schedule. Starting early, doing the deep cleaning first and finishing each room as planned will help you avoid stress as the festival gets closer. If you are short on time, leave the heavy jobs to a trusted professional cleaning service.
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