Many people do a thorough cleaning of their house or apartment the day before vacation. There is nothing quite like coming home to a spotless house with nothing to clean and no laundry in sight other than that inside your luggage. It is such a feeling of relief after traveling. Wouldn’t it be nice if your home was always this clean, especially after a busy day in bustling Los Angeles? And who wants to spend their well-deserved weekends doing a week’s worth of cleaning?
You have a couple of options to get a handle on your home cleaning routine. You can create a detailed daily cleaning schedule with a manageable checklist. It makes sense to break down your household cleaning into manageable tasks by day, week, month, or season. That way you have every cleaning project covered. Not everything needs to be cleaned daily, so use your judgment. If sticking to your list of daily cleaning tasks just isn’t working out, you can always hire a professional cleaning service like MaidThis to tackle your checklist either on a routine basis or seasonally.
Here is a daily cleaning checklist and tips for tackling weekly, monthly, and yearly house cleaning projects.
Ideal Daily Cleaning Checklist by Area
Spending just a few minutes each day to clean and tidy up can make a profound difference in how comfortable and healthy your home feels. Addressing small cleaning projects each day ensures that the tasks don’t pile up and cause a meltdown later. A good rule of thumb is to clean what is within sight and reach. You will be surprised how these simple exercises will simplify your life. And “exercises” is what you can think of them as because they have the added benefit of getting you moving.
Bedrooms:
- Make your bed as soon as you get up
- Fold blankets and fluff pillows
- Open up window coverings to let the sun in
- Place dirty clothes in the hamper or put a wash on
- Fold and put away clean clothes
Bathrooms:
- Make your bed as soon as you get up
- Fold blankets and fluff pillows
- Open up window coverings to let the sun in
- Place dirty clothes in the hamper or put a wash on
- Fold and put away clean clothes
Kitchen:
- Wipe down countertops
- Wash the dishes or put them in the dishwasher after each meal
- Clean out pet bowls
- Sanitize cutting boards
- Thoroughly wipe clean the sinks
- Take full garbage bags and recycling outside
- Place all uneaten food in containers and into the fridge
- Sweep or dry mop kitchen and mudroom floors
- Change out dish towels and sponges (can be done 3x weekly)
Living Areas:
- Fluff pillows and fold loose throws
- Organize clutter and stack reading material
- Use an appropriate cloth to wipe down technology screens
- Put the kids’ toys away at the end of the day
Miscellaneous:
- Empty waste bins
- Clean the litter box
- Wipe up any spills right away
- Clean washer and dryer surfaces
- Wipe down gym equipment
These are the basics that you will want to incorporate into your daily routine. This list is the foundation for keeping your home tidy, pest-free, and sanitary. While it looks like a lot, you will sleep better knowing that you are going to wake up to an organized house and come home to a clean environment. The list is doable and will become a healthy habit that is simply part of your day.
Suggested Weekly or Bi-Weekly Cleaning List
Daily cleaning is important for maintaining order within the home. Weekly cleaning goes a little deeper by addressing dust, laundry, and sanitizing. If you don’t have the time for weekly or bi-weekly cleaning tasks, consider using a service like MaidThis.
- Change and wash sheets and towels
- Scrub bathroom fixtures
- Clean mirrors and shower enclosures
- Dust furnishings, shelves, and light fixtures
- Mop floors
- Vacuum carpets
- Wipe down kitchen appliances
- Water plants
Monthly Cleaning Projects
Once per month, you can tackle some areas of the home that you don’t routinely clean. These are things that might be considered out of sight and out of mind. If left unattended, these areas can become a real chore to clean after a few months. Enlist the help of a cleaning service if you need it.
- Launder bath mats and small, washable throw rugs
- Flush sink drains with baking soda and vinegar or boiling water
- Clean tub and shower surrounds/walls
- Wipe down kitchen and bathroom cabinets and hardware
- Sanitize the interior of the washing machine
- Dust wood blinds and HVAC registers
- Vacuum curtains and upholstery
- Wipe down doors, trim, and window sills
- Sanitize light switches, remotes, keyboards, and mice
- Polish wood surfaces
- Clean out the fridge and wipe down the inside of the microwave
- Hose out the garbage and recycling bins
Tackling Seasonal Cleaning Projects
Most people do spring cleaning once the temperatures rise and you are opening the windows. This is an opportunity to do some deep cleaning and a lot of purging. It is recommended that you do this again in the fall after the leaves have fallen from the trees.
- Scrub tile grout
- Clean out bathroom and kitchen cabinets
- Toss expired food and cosmetics
- Clean the range hood and oven thoroughly
- Vacuum or wipe down fans and space heaters and change HEPA filters
- Launder pillows, blankets, and bedspreads
- Vacuum and flip mattresses
- Wipe down baseboards and moldings
- Have carpets professionally cleaned
- Clean windows and framed artwork glass
- Swap out clothing and donate some
- Organize and sweep out the garage
Is Daily Cleaning Necessary?
Think of your home as your sanctuary. It is a safe place that should feel comfortable and healthy. Keeping it clean and organized is one of the best things you can do to maintain that sense of security. It is also nice when friends or family drop by.
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes a day to keep your home tidy. You can certainly spread out the tasks on the daily checklist. It doesn’t have to be accomplished all at once. If you slack, don’t beat yourself up. Sometimes you are simply exhausted or maybe not feeling your best. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Cleaning shouldn’t be an activity that causes anxiety. If you are someone who simply can’t keep your home clean regularly, call the professionals at MaidThis in Los Angeles and we will help you with your daily cleaning schedule or one that works within your schedule and budget. Our house cleaners can take the burden off of you and ensure your home is organized and healthy.
