Since the change of season is often a good time for deep cleaning and wardrobe swaps, we figured it was the perfect moment to share a realistic and efficient cleaning routine with you. We’re not talking about spending your weekends scrubbing your baseboards with a toothbrush. The idea is to adopt a simple and consistent cleaning routine that keeps your home clean without eating up all your free time.
Here’s a list of tasks to include in your daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, and yearly routines.
Once a Day
If a task takes less than a minute, do it right away. That’s the golden rule for keeping your place clean without major effort.
- Make your bed
- Put away any items lying around
- Wipe down kitchen counters (before and after use)
- Sweep the entrance (and around the litter box if you live with a feline friend)
- Do the dishes
Once a Week
Block off one or two 45-minute time slots for these slightly bigger but totally manageable tasks. And honestly, each of these will take less time than you think—just get started.
- Clean the bathroom (mirror, toilet, sink, shower and tub)
- Change your bedding (sheets, pillowcases)
- Do laundry (clothes, sheets, towels, bath mat)
- Vacuum everywhere, including sofas and rugs
- Wash the floors
- Dust all surfaces (coffee tables, nightstands, lamps)
- Clean the coffee maker
- Sort through the fridge and freezer
- Water the plants
Once a Month
These tasks take a bit more time and energy, but since you only need to do them once a month, they’ll be behind you in no time.
- Clean small and large appliances (microwave, oven, fridge)
- Clean interior windows and shake out the curtains
- Wash the shower curtain and make sure it’s fully dry before your next shower
- Disinfect the trash and recycling bins
- Clean and tidy the balcony, yard, or garden
Once a Season
Season changes are the perfect time to sort things out and tackle places you ignore the rest of the year. Sort pantry food
- Sort pantry food
- Go through closets, cabinets, and drawers to keep only seasonal clothing
- Check expiration dates on bath products, creams, and medications
- Dust and clean under heavy furniture (bed, fridge, TV stand)
- Rotate the mattress
Once a Year
The biggest jobs deserve to be tackled just once a year (and no judgment if you call in reinforcements to help!).
- Clean rugs and sofas
- Clean drains and the ventilation system
- Defrost the freezer
- Clean the washer and dryer
- Wash the exterior of the windows
Adopting an effective cleaning routine doesn’t mean sacrificing your free time. With a bit of organization and a few good habits, your apartment will stay fresh, clean, and pleasant all year long. And let’s be honest, that’s way better than scrambling the night before a dinner party with all your friends!
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