1. Make beds.
To keep bedrooms cozy, inviting, and free of dust, be sure to always make the bed with neatly tucked-in sheets and pillowcases. Additionally, smooth out comforters or duvets along with any accent pillows for a polished look.
2. Dust surfaces.
Should include wiping down walls, shelves, and other flat surfaces with a damp cloth or feather duster. Pay special attention to any spots that tend to accumulate dust quickly.
3. Vacuum floors and carpets.
Use an upright vacuum cleaner or hand-held attachment on all carpeted areas of the home, paying close attention to high-traffic areas like entrances and hallways. Don’t forget to move furniture when necessary to ensure thorough cleaning underneath.
4. Wipe down furniture, appliances, and fixtures.
This includes polishing wood furniture with a soft cloth and an appropriate product; wiping kitchen appliances such as stoves and refrigerators with a light cleanser; and cleaning kitchen and bathroom fixtures with a cloth and mild cleaner.
5. Sweep kitchen and bathroom floors.
Sweeping is an important step to keep the tiles from getting scratched or dull-looking. Use a dustpan, long-handled broom, or other suitable sweeping tools to whisk away dirt and debris from these heavily used areas of the home.
6. Launder bath mats, towels, sheets, etc.
Regularly wash any linens used in the home such as bath mats, towels, sheets, pillowcases and more on a weekly basis. This can be done by hand or using a washing machine depending on the size of the load.
7. Clean toilet bowls and mirrors with appropriate cleanser or disinfectant.
Keep bathrooms clean by scrubbing around the toilet bowl with a brush and cleanser on a regular basis. Also, be sure to use a glass cleaner suitable for mirrors on all the reflective surfaces in the bathroom.
8. Mop kitchen or bathroom floors with cleaner.
Using either a mop and bucket or handheld spray bottle of cleaner, give hard surface floors such as tile, vinyl, or laminate a thorough mopping. Be sure to rinse off any excess cleaner after thoroughly cleaning the floor.
9. Polish any metal surfaces such as doorknobs or light switch plates.
To keep these areas of your home looking their best, use an appropriate polish to shine up any metal fixtures like door handles, light switch plates, etc.
10. Wash dishes in the sink after every meal preparation.
Promote a healthy kitchen environment by washing all dishes immediately after use. This will help cut down on bacteria and food-borne illnesses due to cross-contamination.
11. Wipe down and clean countertops.
Wipe down countertops with a damp cloth or sponge, along with an appropriate cleaner. Be sure to pay extra attention to any areas where food was prepared or stored (close to the stove, sink, and refrigerator).
12. Organize closets, pantry, and other storage areas.
At least once a month go through any closets, cabinets, or shelving units that store items such as clothing and food items. Remove any items that have expired and organize the remaining items as needed.
13. Vacuum upholstered furniture or curtains.
Use either an upholstery attachment or handheld vacuum to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from furniture such as sofas and chairs. Also, be sure to vacuum any curtains or drapes in the home as well.
14. Clean windows, both inside and outside (as needed).
Using a glass cleaner and lint-free cloth, wipe down all windows both inside and outside to remove any dirt or smudges. This should be done at least once a month, more often if the windows are frequently exposed to dust or debris.
15. Dust ceiling fans, bookshelves, table surfaces, etc.
Use a soft cloth and dusting spray to remove any collected dust or particles that have been left behind on surfaces such as fans, bookshelves, chairs, tables, and more.
16. Clean the exterior of appliances and cabinets.
Using a damp cloth, wipe down the outside of appliances such as microwaves and refrigerators as well as any cabinets or shelves in the kitchen and other areas of the home. This will help prevent grease from building up on surfaces.
17. Wipe down any built-in shelving units, such as those in bathrooms or closets.
Using a damp cloth and cleaner, wipe down any built-in shelving units in the home. This helps to remove dirt and dust that may have collected over time as well as keeping these units looking their best.