Mama22Gs, I think you've got the right idea with the hotspots. You'll get there (and it will probably be less work than you're dreading).

FlyLady, of course, does not recommend "drastic clean up mode." but she recognizes that it happens. Her advice can be found here: http://flylady.net/pages/FLYingLessons_CrisisCleaning.asp

Good Luck!