Home Cleaning The Ultimate Cleaning Checklist This cleaning checklist includes all of the essential chores to tackle, according to the pros. Follow the house cleaning schedule loosely or to a T—either way, you’ll be pleased with the progress and you'll enjoy a cleaner home every day. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 24, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Getty Images Daily Make your bedWipe down bathroom counters after getting washed up morning and nightEmpty/load dishwasherTake out trashDo a nighttime sweep to put toys, loose papers, and other stray objects in their placeWipe down counters, table, and sink Weekly Dust all hard surfacesVacuum and/or mop floorsWipe down appliancesWipe down and disinfect countertopsWipe down mirrorsScrub and disinfect the kitchen sinkScrub and disinfect toiletsClean and scrub showers and tubsChange and launder sheets and towelsToss any food that has expired Monthly Vacuum upholsteryWipe out and disinfect wastebasketsWipe down and disinfect doorknobs, light switches, and TV remotesDust ceiling fans and ventsDust moldingsScrub stovetop, including burner gratesWipe down kitchen cabinetsClean and deodorize the microwave (heat a mug of water with a lemon wedge, then wipe down) Every Three to Six Months Launder or hand-wash curtainsVacuum mattress (every three months) and flip or rotate 180 degrees (every six months)Clean and condition leather and wood furnitureClean blindsVacuum drapes and fabric shadesDust lampshadesWipe down baseboardsShake out rugsScrub groutWash windows inside and outClean and degrease the stove hoodPolish stainless steel appliancesClean refrigerator and freezer interiorsClean and descale coffee maker Every Six to 12 Months Clean oven interiorWash or dry clean slipcoversWash or dry clean pillowsWash or dry clean comfortersEmpty and clean cabinet and pantry shelvesVacuum or dust refrigerator condenser coilWash and dry stove hood filter Every Year or So Have rugs professionally cleanedPull out large appliances and furniture to clean behind and underneathWipe down wallsWash window screensClean dryer ductHave upholstery and drapes professionally cleaned (every two years)Have gutters professionally cleaned. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit