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The Ultimate Cleaning Checklist

These are the tasks to tackle, according to the pros. Follow the plan loosely or to a tee—either way, you’ll be pleased with the progress and your house will never get too dirty.

Daily

  1. Check

    Make your bed

  2. Check

    Wipe down bathroom counters after getting washed up morning and night

  3. Check

    Empty/load dishwasher

  4. Check

    Take out trash

  6. Check

    Do a nighttime sweep to put toys, loose papers, and other stray objects in their place

  7. Check

    Wipe down counters, table, and sink

Weekly

  1. Check

    Dust all hard surfaces

  2. Check

    Vacuum and/or mop floors

  3. Check

    Wipe down appliances

  4. Check

    Wipe down and disinfect countertops

  5. Check

    Wipe down mirrors

  6. Check

    Scrub and disinfect the kitchen sink

  7. Check

    Scrub and disinfect toilets

  8. Check

    Clean and scrub showers and tubs

  9. Check

    Change and launder sheets and towels

  10. Check

    Toss any food that has expired

Monthly

  1. Check

    Vacuum upholstery

  2. Check

    Wipe out and disinfect wastebaskets

  3. Check

    Wipe down and disinfect doorknobs, light switches and TV remotes

  4. Check

    Dust ceiling fans and vents

  5. Check

    Dust moldings

  6. Check

    Scrub stovetop, including burner grates

  7. Check

    Wipe down kitchen cabinets

  8. Check

    Clean and deodorize the microwave (heat a mug of water with a lemon wedge, then wipe down)

Every Three to Six Months

  1. Check

    Launder or hand-wash curtains

  2. Check

    Vacuum mattress (every three months) and flip or rotate 180 degrees (every six months)

  3. Check

    Clean and condition leather and wood furniture

  4. Check

    Clean blinds

  5. Check

    Vacuum drapes and fabric shades

  6. Check

    Dust lampshades

  7. Check

    Wipe down baseboards

  8. Check

    Shake out rugs

  9. Check

    Scrub grout

  10. Check

    Wash windows inside and out

  11. Check

    Clean and degrease the stove hood

  12. Check

    Polish stainless steel appliances

  13. Check

    Clean refrigerator and freezer interiors

  14. Check

    Clean and descale coffee maker

Every Six to 12 Months

  1. Check

    Clean oven interior

  2. Check

    Wash or dry clean slipcovers

  3. Check

    Wash or dry clean pillows

  4. Check

    Wash or dry clean comforters

  5. Check

    Empty and clean cabinet and pantry shelves

  6. Check

    Vacuum or dust refrigerator condenser coil

  7. Check

    Wash and dry stove hood filter

Every Year or So

  1. Check

    Have rugs professionally cleaned

  2. Check

    Pull out large appliances and furniture to clean behind and underneath

  3. Check

    Wipe down walls

  4. Check

    Wash window screens

  5. Check

    Clean dryer duct

  6. Check

    Have upholstery and drapes professionally cleaned (every two years)

The Real Simple Checklist App

Create your own to-do lists from scratch or use the 100+ customized lists we’ve created to help you in any situation. Get the app.

With this free download, you will be able to:

  • Get organized with 15 free Real Simple Checklists
  • Share tasks with your friends and family
  • Create your own custom checklists
  • Receive helpful tips and advice from Real Simple editors
  • Set reminders on tasks so you won't forget anything

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