The Ultimate Cleaning Checklist

Make your bed

Wipe down bathroom counters after getting washed up morning and night

Empty/load dishwasher

Take out trash

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

Wipe down counters, table, and sink

Dust all hard surfaces

Vacuum and/or mop floors

Wipe down appliances

Wipe down and disinfect countertops

Wipe down mirrors

Scrub and disinfect the kitchen sink

Scrub and disinfect toilets

Clean and scrub showers and tubs

Change and launder sheets and towels

Toss any food that has expired

Vacuum upholstery

Wipe out and disinfect wastebaskets

Wipe down and disinfect doorknobs, light switches and TV remotes

Dust ceiling fans and vents

Dust moldings

Scrub stovetop, including burner grates

Wipe down kitchen cabinets

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

Launder or hand-wash curtains

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

Clean and condition leather and wood furniture

Clean blinds

Vacuum drapes and fabric shades

Dust lampshades

Wipe down baseboards

Shake out rugs

Scrub grout

Wash windows inside and out

Clean and degrease the stove hood

Polish stainless steel appliances

Clean refrigerator and freezer interiors

Clean and descale coffee maker

Clean oven interior

Wash or dry clean slipcovers

Wash or dry clean pillows

Wash or dry clean comforters

Empty and clean cabinet and pantry shelves

Vacuum or dust refrigerator condenser coil

Wash and dry stove hood filter

Have rugs professionally cleaned

Pull out large appliances and furniture to clean behind and underneath

Wipe down walls

Wash window screens

Clean dryer duct

Have upholstery and drapes professionally cleaned (every two years)