The Ultimate Cleaning Checklist

This cleaning checklist includes all of the essential chores to tackle, according to the pros. Follow the house cleaning schedule loosely or to a T—either way, you’ll be pleased with the progress and you'll enjoy a cleaner home every day.

By
Real Simple Editors
Real Simple Author
Real Simple Editors

An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.

The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue.

Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on August 24, 2021
The Ultimate Cleaning Checklist and House Cleaning Schedule
Photo: Getty Images

Daily

  • 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

Weekly

  • 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

Monthly

  • 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)

Every Three to Six Months

  • 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

Every Six to 12 Months

  • 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

Every Year or So

  • 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)

  • Have gutters professionally cleaned.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles
How to Fix Household Odors, sofa with dog on it
16 Surfaces That Are Trapping Bad Odors in Your Home—And How to Fix Them
Spring Cleaning Shortcuts, gloves and sponge
10 Brilliant Spring Cleaning Shortcuts
White kitchen with stainless refrigerator and double ovens and an island with wooden stools
7 High-Touch Surfaces You May Be Forgetting to Clean
The Best Route to a Cleaner Kitchen
how to improve indoor air quality - tips for cleaner air indoors: kitchen with window left open
How to Improve Air Quality in Your Home to Help You Breathe Better
Clean supplies, sponges and brushes
10 Ways to Clean Smarter, Not Harder
clean-vacuum
Yes, You Really Do Need to Clean Your Vacuum Cleaner—Here's How
woman vacuuming floor, cleaning routine
Your 5-Day Spring Cleaning Plan, According to a Microbiologist
Citrus peel used to deodorize garbage pail
96 Surprising Ways to Clean With Household Items
Best Vacuums
The 13 Best Vacuums of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Move out cleaning, home packed up before a move
The Ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: 20+ Things You Don't Want to Forget
Best steam cleaners
The 4 Best Steam Cleaners, According to Our Testing
A female hand in a rubber yellow glove wipes a blue teapot with a rag.
Yes, You Should Be Cleaning Your Tea Kettle—Here's How
9-best-mold-removers-of-2022-tout
The 9 Best Mold Removers of 2023
Robot Vacuum Testing With Badge
We Tested 31 of the Best Robot Vacuums, and These 9 Models Are Actually Worth Buying
A robot vacuum on a colorful rug
The 5 Best Robot Vacuums for Carpets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed