How Often Should You Clean Everything in Your House? Here's a Handy Guide
Maintaining a beautiful household can be so rewarding, but that doesn't mean it's free from challenges, mainly cleaning. Yes. Having a home means lots and lots (and lots) of cleaning. It can really seem endless! So, to prevent you from any washing- and scrubbing-induced breakdowns in your near future, we decided to compile the ultimate list of how often you should clean every single thing in your home. From dirty dishes and your bathroom countertop, all the way to your beloved laptop (yep, you should be cleaning that, too), read on to make sure that your cleaning routine is right on schedule.
Every Day: Dishes
It can be tempting to just leave your dirty dishes in the sink, but this is always a no-no! Try to get in the habit of cleaning any used dishes every single day, whether you need to run the dishwasher or just do a couple by hand.
Every Day: Kitchen Countertops
To stay sanitary, be sure to wipe down your kitchen countertops at least once a day. And if you spend a lot of time cooking, always be sure to give them a good wipe-down after every meal to eliminate any lingering bacteria.
Every Day: Kitchen Sink
Your kitchen sink can be very unassuming, but it too needs good cleansing on a daily basis! A quick rinse of dish soap and warm water will do the job, and it won't even require a full minute of your time.
Every Day: Bathroom Surfaces
Just like your kitchen countertops, the surfaces in your bathroom require daily cleaning. Makeup residue, loose hair, and other allergens will quickly build up in a day's time, so try not to neglect this area of your home.
Every Day: Make Bed
Making your bed every day not only helps to maintain an orderly bedroom, but it also ensures that your sheets will stay crisp and fresh while you're away. Plus, nothing is better than climbing into a neatly made bed at night, right?
Every Week: Dust
While dusting isn't particularly exciting, it is absolutely necessary to do at least once a week. Making sure to hit tabletops, bookcases, and all of those harder-to-reach areas will guarantee a much cleaner home space for you and your family.
Every Week: Vacuum
Your carpets and hardwoods receive tons of foot traffic day in and day out, so don't forget to add vacuuming to your cleaning to-do list. Whether you have a handheld model, or are a fan of the automated Roomba, including this chore in your weekly routine won't be a mistake.
Every Week: Change Sheets
Bed sheets can become dirty rather quickly, so it's always a good rule of thumb to swap them out for a fresh pair (or do a load of laundry) at least once a week. This chore is especially a great one for Sunday night, so you can always start your new week on a fresh and clean note.
Every Week: Clean Out Pantry (and Fridge!)
Items in your pantry and fridge just have a tendency to pile up over time. Save yourself from any moldy/expired food discoveries (ew!) by doing a quick cleaning of these spaces once a week. Not only will you free up some extra room, but you'll also feel much better knowing these areas are clear of any germs.
Every Week: Mirrors
Mirrors can oftentimes be forgotten when it comes to the cleaning roundup, but these reflective items need to be wiped down once a week. Use a natural, all-purpose cleaner to gently smooth away any dust, fingerprints, and dried droplets of water.
Every Week: Mop
Vacuuming and mopping tend to go hand in hand, so this floor chore can also be filed under the weekly category. After you've cleared your floor of any extra dirt and debris, follow it up with a nice, refreshing mop down with your favorite cleaning mix.
Every Week: Laptop
This essential piece of technology can house tons of unwanted bacteria and germs if not properly cleaned, so take the time once a week to spray it down with your favorite all-purpose cleaner or a Clorox wipe. And while you're at it, do the same to your phone!
Every Month: Dust Blinds
Window blinds can be a sneaky culprit when it comes to gathering dust. And while this area of your home doesn't need as much constant attention as some others, it's a smart idea to clean them off about once every month.
Every Month: Mattress
Your mattress, believe it or not, needs to be cleaned about once a month, too! Simply use your upholstery attachment from your vacuum and go to work on this cozy surface, then follow up with a light spot cleaning for any stained or soiled areas.
Every Month: Vents
Air vents are also known collectors of dust and allergens. This tricky area is one that that can be easily overlooked, but it needs to be cleared and wiped down on a monthly basis.
Every Month: Light Fixtures
Light fixtures can serve as beautiful focal points for any room, but they require a monthly scrub-down. Carefully using a step ladder to reach this higher locale, lightly wipe down with your favorite cleaning essentials.
Every 6 Months: Kitchen Range Hood
Depending on how much activity your stovetop sees, your kitchen range hood can begin to collect tons of dirt and grime over time. And while this cleaning job is only necessary about once every six months, it's still one you can't afford to forget.
Every 6 Months: Inside Oven & Fridge
The interiors of both your oven and refrigerator need a good refresher about twice a year. And while the self-cleaning oven setting might make this particular appliance a no-brainer, you'll probably need to mark off a few hours when it comes to the fridge.
Every 6 Months: Pillows
Believe it or not, your pillows can (and should) go into your washing machine and dryer for a good clean once every six months. Simply toss them in as you would any other load, and let the machines do the rest.