Sure, a weekly cleaning schedule leads to a more livable home, but did you know it also works wonders for your mental health? Surveys have found people who clean regularly are happier, more relaxed and more productive. Clutter can lead to procrastination and even poor diet decisions. So, if you do one thing this month, create a weekly cleaning schedule. Your future self will thank you. Here’s how to create one, along with a sample cleaning schedule we’ve created—feel free to make it your own (or just steal it outright).
RELATED: 18 ESSENTIAL CLEANING SUPPLIES FOR TACKLING MESSES OF ALL SIZES
FIRST, WHAT ARE YOU DEALING WITH?
Before you can create a weekly cleaning schedule that works for you, you’ve got to know what you’re dealing with. The same schedule will not apply to everyone, since we’re all juggling different work, school and at-home demands. Plus, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms will dramatically increase the time you spend cleaning. Also: pets. A two-dog household might require extra vacuuming than say, a one-goldfish household. Start with what we’ve outlined below and tweak as needed.
SECOND, ORGANIZE YOUR SUPPLIES
Honestly, the biggest trick to maintaining a consistent weekly cleaning schedule is having the right supplies in an organized spot. When it’s time to mop the kitchen floor, it’s much easier if the mop, bucket and soap are easy to find and a cinch to put away. If you spend too much time searching for the gear you need, it’ll create frustration and likely discourage you from cleaning in the future. Make sure you invest in high-quality items, too. No use in buying a vacuum that isn’t equipped to handle your rugs or that will break down after a few months.
THIRD, IDENTIFY YOUR DAILY CHORES
According to Rescue My Time Cleaning Service, some tasks should happen every day if you want to maintain a clean home. These shouldn’t take more than a few minutes each. We like to call them “As You Go” tasks, because they can pretty much be completed as you move through your normal routine. For instance, in the mornings, toss dirty clothes into a hamper and make your bed. Wipe down the bathroom sink and hang wet towels. Put any dirty breakfast dishes into the dishwasher. Take out the trash on your way out the door. Wipe down counters and load the dishwasher as you cook dinner (this is a big one!).
Spending 10 minutes to remove clutter when you get home from work (or any outing) can dramatically improve your home’s cleanliness (and your mood). Just like cleaning supplies, have designated spots for items like toys, shoes, gloves, keys, blankets and others that are often tossed on a chair and forgotten about. When you know where everything goes, it makes clearing up clutter infinitely more doable and less time-consuming.
SOFIA KRAUSHAAR
OUR SAMPLE WEEKLY CLEANING SCHEDULE
Monday
Focus on the dining room
Ryan Kahn, a career coach, told Forbes it’s best to keep Mondays light when it comes to workload. We think that sounds like a good idea when it comes to housework, too!
- Remove clutter in the dining room
- Wipe down dining room furniture with a microfiber cloth and/or a vinegar cleansing solution
- Vacuum upholstery
- Lightly dust china cabinets, hutches, etc.
Tuesday
Focus on shared living spaces
Go wild on dusting, vacuuming and Windex-ing shared living spaces. This is also a good opportunity to clean small bathrooms (powder rooms) or guest bedrooms that rarely get used.
- Vacuum shared living spaces (living room, dining room, kitchen, hallways, mudroom)
- Dust knick-knacks and books on shelves
- If you have a powder room, wipe down the sink, toilet and other surfaces
- Vacuum guest bedroom and dust as needed
- Use Windex or vinegar and newspaper on mirrors and glass*
*You don’t have to go wild on windows all over the house. However, wiping down windows in doors or above sinks is a good idea.
See the full schedule here: https://www.purewow.com/home/weekly-cleaning-schedule