This seems basic. I mean how often something should be cleaned is how often does it gets dirty, right? Seems simple enough however where you live and what you do and how you run all take into account in this. Someone who never cooks might not need to scrub the oven, ever. Someone who lives out in the desert areas doesn’t have the pollen issue the South has for outside furniture but the sand storms can be brutal.
Part of something I do in my lifestyle and coaching is helping people stay organized and clean. Both are important and they are also NOT the same thing. For example I am currently in a messy room filled with unorganized papers, books and a pile of clean laundry that needs putting away. Most people when I talk to them want to be Organized when they say clean! However, clean is something different. My room is vacuumed, my shelves have zero dust, and I am currently running a humidifier with air purifier in it. the room is clean.
For the most part this list I am about to share is a basic line up for an average person and household. Unless specified it is to be used as the back drop of common cleanliness and deep cleaning schedules.
Vacuum – a home should not be vacuumed based on its size but on how many people live there. If you have three people living in a trailer that means vacuum the entire main areas three times a week. If you live in a mega square foot home with five kids and your spouse then vacuum it every-day. Bedrooms are the same. How many people live in that space. A master bedroom with two people equals twice a week.
*Note: If you have a pet with fur – each animal adds two extra times a week for vacuuming. Example: A house of four with a golden retriever should be vacuumed six times a week in the common areas.
Bathrooms – Some people do this every week others do this every other. I say once a week for counters and toilets and every other for tubs. Use a shower spray for daily sprucing of standing showers and you can prolong showers to a deep scrub for every other as well. Floors should be mopped once month minimum
Laundry – To be done weekly. Some people do everything in one day once a week and others do smaller sections daily but either way do not go for weeks on end without touching this topic. This is when you see people with piles and piles of clothes and closets stocked but nothing to wear.
Desks – I would do this daily. I know this sounds extreme but for most of us, we work from home after 2020. So not tiding this area every single day just leaves the mess for the next day and less productivity for the next days tasks.
Tables – After Every Meal disinfect and wipe down
Mirrors – Every Week use a glass cleaner
Windows – Inside – couple times a year or if you have young kids in the picture it could be a couple times a month due to finger prints. Outside – A good pressure wash once a year
Cabinets and Shelves – A good scrub and touch up twice a year but a good wipe down every month
Baseboards – Baseboards need a vacuum or duster cleaning once every three months to collect dirt, dust and buildup. You can also use a microfiber cloth to run along the side of your baseboards for tougher-to-reach areas
Fans and Lights – This needs a vacuum or duster cleaning once every three months to collect dirt, dust and buildup. Think air filters in the house…to be done every season.
Blinds – Every two weeks or at the very least once a month
Counters – Every Evening. Coming in to sparkling clean counters for the start of the waking hours is a great way to have a great day!
Furniture – Every two weeks or at the very least once a month vacuum big couches and chairs.
Outside Items – This is dependent on where you live. If you have snow you know when things have to come in and get winterized. If you have pollen you know when the pressure washer comes out every spring. A good rule of thumb is seasonally when you are shifting decor do a big clean up. The flag goes up for flag day in may and stays through Fourth of July so when that happens do a big outside cleanup. When Christmas lights go up do another one and also when pumpkin season hits and when the spring wreath goes on the front door.
Garages and storage areas- Should be cleaned out yearly. This is a space many people love to use as a catch all. It often holds cleaners, yard supplies, weed killer and bug sprays, the kids bikes, a car or two, sometimes a chalk board wall, golf gear, grill supplies, coolers, extra fridge, extension cords, donation supplies, lawn chairs, trash cans and Christmas decor. If you don’t go through this on a yearly schedule things pile up fast.
As you launch into summer I hope this encourages you to grab your favorite cleaning products and launch in a deep clean!
Creating Exceptional 