A clean home doesn't happen by accident—it's the result of consistent habits and knowing what to clean when. This guide breaks down cleaning tasks by frequency so you know exactly what needs attention daily, weekly, and monthly.
Daily Cleaning Tasks (10-15 minutes)
These quick daily tasks prevent buildup and keep your home feeling fresh:
Every Day
- Make all beds
- Wipe kitchen counters and sink
- Do dishes or run/empty dishwasher
- Quick sweep of kitchen floor
- Wipe bathroom sink and counter
- Put items back where they belong (5-minute tidy)
- Take out trash if needed
- Wipe down dining table after meals
Weekly Cleaning Tasks (2-3 hours total)
Set aside time once a week—many people choose Saturday morning—for these deeper cleaning tasks:
Kitchen (30-40 minutes)
- Clean stovetop thoroughly
- Wipe down all countertops and backsplash
- Clean microwave inside and out
- Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
- Clean sink and faucet
- Sweep and mop floor
- Wipe down small appliances
- Clean refrigerator exterior
Bathrooms (20-25 minutes per bathroom)
- Clean toilet inside and out
- Scrub sink, counter, and faucet
- Clean shower/tub and tiles
- Wipe mirror
- Clean cabinet fronts
- Sweep and mop floor
- Empty trash and replace liner
- Replace towels
Bedrooms (15-20 minutes per room)
- Change bed linens
- Dust all surfaces (dresser, nightstands, shelves)
- Vacuum or sweep floor
- Wipe mirrors
- Organize nightstands and dresser tops
- Put away clothes and items
Living Areas (25-30 minutes)
- Dust all surfaces, shelves, and electronics
- Vacuum or sweep floors
- Vacuum upholstery and under cushions
- Clean windows and mirrors
- Wipe down tables and surfaces
- Organize and declutter
- Water plants
General Weekly Tasks
- Do all laundry (wash, dry, fold, put away)
- Vacuum all carpeted areas
- Sweep and mop hard floors
- Dust throughout house
- Clean all mirrors
- Empty all trash cans
- Wipe light switches and doorknobs
Monthly Cleaning Tasks (1-2 hours)
Once a month, tackle these tasks that don't need weekly attention but prevent long-term buildup:
Monthly Deep Cleaning
- Clean inside refrigerator thoroughly
- Clean oven interior
- Wipe down all baseboards
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Clean inside microwave thoroughly
- Vacuum mattresses
- Wash windows inside and out
- Clean door frames and tops of doors
- Vacuum or dust window blinds
- Clean washing machine and dryer
- Descale coffee maker
- Clean dishwasher filter and run cleaning cycle
- Vacuum furniture more thoroughly
- Clean inside cabinets and drawers
Seasonal Cleaning Tasks (Quarterly)
Four times a year—once per season—do these maintenance tasks:
Seasonal Deep Clean
- Wash curtains and drapes
- Clean under and behind furniture
- Organize and declutter closets
- Shampoo carpets or hire professional cleaning
- Clean inside all cabinets and drawers
- Wipe down all walls and trim
- Clean garage or storage areas
- Check and clean air vents and filters
- Clean outdoor spaces (patio, porch, entryway)
- Organize pantry and check expiration dates
Essential Cleaning Supplies
Keep these basics on hand to handle all your cleaning needs:
Cleaners
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner (or just use vinegar and water)
- Bathroom cleaner
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Floor cleaner appropriate for your flooring
- Dish soap
- White vinegar (natural cleaner for many surfaces)
- Baking soda (for scrubbing and odor removal)
Tools
- Microfiber cloths (multiple)
- Sponges
- Scrub brush
- Toilet brush
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop and bucket
- Broom and dustpan
- Duster or dusting cloths
- Rubber gloves
- Spray bottles for homemade cleaners
Time-Saving Cleaning Tips
- Clean as you go: Wipe spills immediately, put things away after use
- Top to bottom: Always clean from high to low so dust falls onto surfaces you haven't cleaned yet
- Room by room: Finish one room completely before moving to the next
- Set a timer: Challenge yourself to complete tasks in set timeframes to stay focused
- Keep supplies accessible: Store cleaning products in the rooms where you use them
- Multitask wisely: Spray shower cleaner and let it sit while you clean the toilet
- Maintain regularly: It's easier to maintain cleanliness than to deep clean neglected areas
Creating Your Cleaning Schedule
Everyone's schedule is different. Adapt these guidelines to your life:
- Daily tasks: Split between morning (make bed, wipe kitchen) and evening (dishes, quick tidy)
- Weekly tasks: Choose one day for major cleaning or spread tasks throughout the week
- Monthly tasks: Add 2-3 to your weekly routine each week so they all get done monthly
- Seasonal tasks: Mark your calendar four times a year for deep cleaning
Final Thoughts
A cleaning routine doesn't have to be complicated. Start with daily habits, add weekly tasks, and incorporate monthly deep cleaning as needed. The goal is a clean, comfortable home that doesn't consume all your time and energy.
Consistency matters more than perfection. Even if you can't complete everything on schedule, doing some cleaning regularly keeps your home in much better shape than sporadic deep cleans.