How Often Should I Clean My Home?

You may think it is common sense, but many of the things we use daily should be cleaned and sanitized more often than you think.

According to science, you should clean and disinfect certain areas of your home at least once a day. Because I have two elementary schoolers and a baby, I tidy our home often. For a quick clean, I use a lot of Lysol wipes to disinfect surfaces, toys, and electronics throughout the day.

Germs and bacteria build quickly in high-traffic areas of your home. The more your family hangs out there, the more often you should clean the space. Depending on how big your home is, you may need to enlist some help to get the job done.

If you can, have everyone in your family work with you to keep the house clean. Designate tasks to each person to help get the job done quicker. Here is a list of practical and age-appropriate chores for kids of all ages.

If the kid is old enough to make the mess, the kid is old enough to help clean up the mess.

As a young girl, I remember Saturday was “cleaning day” in our house. My mom would wake up on Saturday morning, turn the stereo on, and start cleaning. My sister and I knew that when Mariah Carey starting signing in the background, it was time for everyone in the house to get up and start our cleaning routines.

20 years later, Saturday is still cleaning day at my house. Only this time, I am the mom blasting music and waking everyone up to start cleaning.

Here’s the timetable that I use to keep our house clean:

Daily

• Sanitize cell phone (I use these Lysol wipes to wipe down my phone screen and case)
• Sanitize kitchen and bathroom sinks
• Sweep kitchen floors
• Wipe down kitchen counters
• Wipe down tables
• Wipe down bathroom counters
• Take out the trash
• Wash dishes
• Clean coffeemaker

Every Week

• Wash bed sheets and linens
• Wash Bath towels
• Sanitize toilets
• Disinfect dish rags
• Toss out and replace kitchen sponges
• Sanitize remotes in common areas
• Clean stove
• Declutter your purse and wallet
• Clean bathtub and shower liners
• Vacuum, sweep, and mop floors
• Vacuum upholstery
• Wipe down appliances
• Wipe down mirrors
• Sanitize computer keyboard and mouse

Once a Month

• Clean small appliances
• Disinfect refrigerator
• Sanitize washer (my washer has a self-clean cycle)
• Clean fans and air vents
• Vacuum vents and woodwork
• Dust and clean light fixtures
• Dust blinds
• Clean dishwasher
• Wash bathmats

3-6 Months

• Wash pillows
• Clean oven

6 Months

• Clean mattresses
• Deep clean carpets
• Wash windows
• Clear out the medicine cabinet
• Clear out pantry
• Clean under and behind furniture
• Clean deck surfaces and furniture
• Clean drains and garbage bin
• Clean out freezer

Once a Year

• Disinfect shower heads
• Wash grout and tiled surfaces
• Clean fireplace and chimney
• Clean upholstery
• Deep clean windows
• Clean curtains
• Clear out gutters
• Clean around dryer and vents

Do you have any cleaning tips? Share them in the comments below.