Use the following schedule to help you maintain your cleaning routine. Here are helpful tips to check off your daily, weekly, even once- or twice-yearly lists.
Daily
□Make bed.
□Clean as you cook.
□Unload dishwasher.
□Rinse and wring out sponges.
□Wipe down all sinks plus kitchen counters and backsplash.
□Sweep floors—especially in the kitchen.
□After each use, squeegee shower walls, close liner, and run exhaust fan or open windows for 30 minutes.
□Put away clothes.
□Clean out dryer vent after each load.
Weekly
□Dust tables and other surfaces, including picture frames and shelves.
□Wipe down small kitchen appliances, such as the toaster or coffee maker.
□Clean electronics, using compressed air and a soft cloth.
□Vacuum floors and area rugs.
□Mop sealed floors.
□Vacuum upholstery, using the crevice tool to reach tight spaces.
□Scrub bathroom surfaces; clean mirrors throughout the house.
Every Other Week
□Replace or sanitize sponges.
□Dust lighting fixtures and lightbulbs.
□Clean around baseboards with unscented dryer sheets or damp cloths.
Monthly
□Replace baking soda box in refrigerator to deodorize.
□Vacuum blinds and curtains with the soft-brush attachment.
□Dust ceiling fans (page 46).
□Vacuum ceilings and walls.
□Dust houseplants; wipe down leaves with a damp cloth.
□Clean tile grout: Apply a baking soda paste; spray with vinegar. Let sit (and fizz); scrub with a soft toothbrush, then rinse with a damp rag.
□Deodorize and disinfect sink and tub drains: Pour in a pot of boiling water, add 1 cup baking soda, then 1 cup vinegar; cover, let sit 10 minutes, then flush with more boiling water.
□Soak kids’ bath toys in a solution of ½ cup vinegar per gallon of warm water for up to an hour; scrub with a sponge.
□Sweep and dust basement and attic.
Once a season
□Edit pantry, discarding any expired items (page 112).
□Freshen dishwasher: Sprinkle 1 cup baking soda on the bottom (or put 1 cup white vinegar on the lower rack). Run empty machine on a short hot-water cycle.
□Deodorize garbage disposal: Grind vinegar ice cubes or citrus peels in it.
□Clean interior of garbage bin with warm soapy water.
□Deep-clean rangehood and inside of oven (page 79).
□Descale showerheads (plus tub and sink faucets): Submerge attached head in a plastic bag filled with vinegar; secure with rubber bands. Leave 30 minutes or overnight. Remove bag; scrub with a soft toothbrush, then rinse.
□Dust bookshelves: Vacuum tops and spines of books. Remove books and wipe the shelf with a damp cloth.
□Vacuum and rotate mattresses.
□Deep-clean washing machine: Add 2 cups vinegar to detergent dispenser during a hot-water cycle, then do another hot-water cycle with ¼ cup baking soda added to drum.
□Clean dehumidifier: Wash water tank and filter with warm soapy water.
Twice a year
□Wash exterior siding (page 42).
□Wash windows; clean screens or storm windows before storing.
□Deep-clean refrigerator and freezer.
□Vacuum around dryer and vents.
□Clean basement: Vacuum floors, ceilings, and walls; clean windows.
□Discard expired cosmetics (page 120) and medications.
□Clean vents: Remove and soak covers in warm soapy water, scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush; let air-dry. Vacuum unit with crevice tool, then replace cover.
□Deep-clean bookshelves (page 24).
Once a year
□Steam-clean carpet, rugs, curtains, and upholstery (first check fabric-care label, as some textiles should be serviced by a professional).
□Have HVAC ducts cleaned.
If you have
5 minutes . . .
If you have
10 minutes . . .
If you have
15 minutes . . .
Storing all your cleaning supplies in a bucket, such as the one you use for mopping, makes it easy to tote them where they’re needed. Also, be sure to keep it in a central location, for all-points access.