Keeping your home clean can feel like endless housework. With so many things to clean, it’s easy to overlook something. With the right plan in place, you can break it down into manageable steps and stay on top of it without spending your entire weekend cleaning the house.
That’s where a house cleaning checklist comes in handy! It helps you stay organized, track what needs to be done, and ensure no spot is left behind.
This guide will provide checklists for daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly tasks. Keep reading.
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Daily Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen:
- Wash dishes and clean the sink
- Wipe down kitchen counters and stovetop
- Sweep the floor and spot mop spills
- Take out the trash and replace the liner
- Wipe down kitchen appliances (microwave, coffee maker, toaster)
Bathroom:
- Wipe down sink, faucet, and countertops
- Clean the toilet bowl and wipe the seat
- Change hand towels if needed
- Empty bathroom trash bin if full
- Spot-clean mirrors and shower walls
Living Room & Bedrooms:
- Make the bed
- Tidy up clutter and put items in their proper place
- Dust and wipe surfaces (coffee tables, nightstands)
- Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas
- Fluff and arrange pillows and cushions
Make your bed as soon as you get up. It sets a tidy tone for the day.
Wash dirty dishes and clear the kitchen sink to keep the area neat. Wipe down counters in both the kitchen and bathroom with an all-purpose cleaner.
Dust doorknobs and other high-touch surfaces like light switches. Sweep or vacuum floors to remove dirt quickly. Use a microfiber cloth for glass tables or mirrors, paired with glass cleaner, for streak-free results.
Keep daily tasks short—it saves time later!
Weekly Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen:
- Clean inside the microwave
- Sanitize kitchen sink and garbage disposal
- Wipe down cabinet doors and backsplash
- Mop the entire kitchen floor
- Disinfect frequently touched areas (handles, light switches)
Bathroom:
- Scrub and disinfect the toilet
- Clean the shower/tub, including grout and glass doors
- Wipe down bathroom cabinets and shelves
- Replace bath towels and washcloths
- Mop the bathroom floor
Living Room & Bedrooms:
- Dust furniture, shelves, and decor
- Wipe light switches and doorknobs
- Vacuum or mop all floors
- Change bed sheets and pillowcases
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
General:
- Take out all trash and replace liners
- Organize mail and papers
- Clean pet areas (litter boxes, bedding)
- Launder rugs and doormats if needed
Clean toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks with cleaners to remove grime. Don’t forget showerheads—they need scrubbing, too! Wipe mirrors for a streak-free shine.
Flush kitchen drains with boiling water to keep them clear.
Dust furniture in every room. Vacuum carpets or clean upholstered furniture where dust collects.
Mop hard floors for a fresh look. Wipe down appliances like the microwave and stove—grease builds up fast!
Pay attention to blinds; they trap dirt easily.
Monthly Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen:
- Deep clean the refrigerator (wipe shelves, discard expired food)
- Clean oven and stovetop burners
- Wipe and sanitize trash can inside and out
- Organize pantry and wipe down shelves
- Clean dishwasher filter and run a cleaning cycle
Bathroom:
- Deep clean tile grout and showerhead
- Wash or replace shower curtain and liner
- Clean and disinfect bathroom vent fan
- Scrub baseboards and hard-to-reach corners
- Living Room & Bedrooms:
- Rotate and vacuum under furniture
- Wash blankets, comforters, and mattress protectors
- Deep clean upholstery and vacuum under couch cushions
- Organize and declutter closets
General:
- Clean windows inside and wipe down windowsills
- Dust ceiling fans and air vents
- Wash doors and remove scuff marks
- Clean outdoor spaces (porch, patio furniture)
- Replace air filters if needed
Scrub grout in the bathroom and kitchen. Use vinegar or a gentle cleaner for tough stains. Dust fans, light fixtures, and vents to prevent buildup. Flush drains with baking soda and vinegar to keep them flowing smoothly. Wash your shower curtain or replace it if needed.
Deep clean inside appliances like your oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Wipe down kitchen cabinets to remove grease or fingerprints.
Rotate your mattress for even wear—vacuum it too!
Yearly Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen:
- Deep clean behind and under appliances
- Reorganize cabinets and discard expired food/spices
- Check and replace smoke detector batteries
- Reseal countertops if necessary
Bathroom:
- Check for leaks and re-caulk sinks and bathtubs
- Replace showerheads if needed
- Organize and purge expired toiletries and medications
- Living Room & Bedrooms:
- Flip or rotate mattresses for even wear
- Steam clean carpets and rugs
- Wash or dry clean curtains and drapes
- Polish wooden furniture
General:
- Clean gutters and inspect the roof
- Power wash exterior walls and driveway
- Inspect and service HVAC system
- Declutter storage spaces (garage, attic, basement)
- Check for needed repairs around the home
Deep clean your oven and refrigerator.
Scrub mattresses to remove dirt and allergens.
Get behind large appliances like the laundry machine or dryer—dust build-up can affect performance.
Check air ducts for blockages or debris.
Clear gutters to avoid water damage.
Organize the garage by sorting tools or old items you no longer need.
Use a carpet cleaning tool for rugs and upholstery that collect dust year-round.
Tips for Staying on Track with Your Cleaning Routine
Make cleaning part of your routine—small steps each day. Use tools like a smartphone or tablet to keep everything on track!
1. Use a printable or digital checklist
A printable cleaning checklist can keep your tasks organized. Molly Maid offers a great one for quick access. Digital checklists, like those from doForms, work on many devices—smartphones, tablets, and even cloud-based systems like SharePoint or Salesforce.
They’re easy to use and eco-friendly.
Save time by syncing digital lists with apps such as QuickBooks or CRM tools. This boosts user-friendliness while managing household chores. Access your list anytime and stay efficient in the bedroom or near the washing machine!
2. Break tasks into manageable chunks
Tackle cleaning in small steps. Break big tasks into smaller sessions. Focus on one room or area at a time. For example, clean the living room today and the kitchen tomorrow. This keeps you motivated and prevents burnout.
Use tools like microfiber cloths to make tasks easier. Prioritize areas that need attention most, then move to less-used spaces. Small goals are simpler to complete and help you stay on track with your checklist!
3. Assign tasks to family members
To keep things fair, assign each family member a task. Dividing chores makes cleaning faster and less tiring for everyone.
You can assign older kids tasks like vacuuming or dusting. Younger kids can handle smaller jobs, like sorting laundry or wiping surfaces. Adults can manage bigger tasks, such as the chimney or deep-cleaning spots.
This teamwork keeps your house spotless without all the stress falling on one person!
4. Set reminders or schedule cleaning days
Use your phone or a user-friendly app to set reminders. You can choose daily, weekly, or monthly alerts based on your cleaning plan. This will keep you on track and help you build a routine.
Mark specific cleaning days on your calendar. For example, schedule vacuuming for Saturdays or dusting for Wednesdays. Sticking to planned dates makes housekeeping less overwhelming.
5. Keep cleaning supplies organized and accessible
Store cleaning supplies in one spot. Use a cabinet, caddy, or shelf to keep everything together. Arrange items by how often you use them—daily cleaners up front and less-used ones in the back.
Place the caddy or basket where it’s easy to grab. This saves time and effort during chores. Keep separate supplies for bathrooms and kitchens to avoid cross-contamination.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to be hard. A good checklist makes it simple and effective. You can easily tackle daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly tasks. Using these steps saves time and keeps your space fresh and cozy.
Small efforts each day make a big difference over time. Make cleaning part of your routine—and enjoy a spotless home!
