Most adults describe their schedules as busy, and finding time to clean can feel overwhelming to some. The best way to keep your home clean is to create routines, and focus on manageable daily and weekly tasks.
Using monthly maintenance checklists, you can keep your home clean and your stress levels down. Cleaning checklists are available on apps or as downloadable checklists. You can find them easily on Pinterest and even customize your own using Canva.
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Monthly home maintenance checklist
Things to do weekly:
- Disinfect bathroom and kitchen counters.
- Clean mirrors with mirror cleaner.
- Scrub toilets.
- Dust easy-to-reach surfaces.
- Vacuum and mop hard floors. You can make an inexpensive homemade mop solution using 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water.
- Vacuum all carpeted surfaces, including missed areas like stairs and closets. Don't forget to use a broom or dust mop to reach under couches, ovens, cabinets, tables, etc
- Change bed sheets.
- Wipe down kitchen appliances, toss out old food in the fridge.
- Water plants.
- Take out the garbage.
Things to do each month:
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Batteries should be changed twice a year; replace alarms every 10 years.
- Change out your air filters and check that no air vents are blocked.
- Dust harder-to-reach places and nooks and crannies, like high shelves, blinds and windows, bookshelves and entertainment centers.
- Wipe down kitchen cabinets.
- Check tub and sink drains; unclog if needed.
- Wash bath mats and rugs
- Clean faucet heads and shower heads to remove mineral deposits.
- Clean the garbage disposal. Better Homes and Gardens recommends dropping ice cubes in the disposal, turning it on then flushing with warm water and baking soda.
- Inspect electrical cords for wear.
- Wipe down floorboards.
- Wipe down inside and outside of refrigerator and freezer.
- Clean out microwave. Place a microwave-safe bowl with water and 2 tablespoons vinegar inside and heat on high for 5 minutes. Leave microwave door closed for 3 minutes, then carefully remove bowl and wipe down interior of microwave with a rag.
- Bathe pets and wash pet bedding.
- Vacuum and wipe down furniture.
Spring maintenance tasks by month
April
This is a good time to start preparing your home's exterior for warmer weather.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Power wash your home if needed.
- Seal holes where bugs or mice could enter your home.
- Check that door handles and locks are secure.
- Give your garage or shed some TLC -- sweep, dust and organize. Check for cracks that need to be sealed.
- Check out WRAL's spring lawn care guide.
May
This month, consider summer-proofing your home.
- Set your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise, which will push cool air down
- Check sealing on windows and doors ahead of intense summer heat.
- Consider installing drapes on windows that let in a lot of sunlight. This can help keep rooms cool.
- 5 On Your Side has 5 ways to cut down on your energy bill.
- Prepare for severe weather by making a hurricane kit.
Summer maintenance tasks by month
June/July
- Have your air conditioning unit checked and serviced
- Inspect showers and tubs; replace caulking if needed.
- Repair or repaint the outside of home, if needed.
- Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct.
- Inspect outdoor play equipment for safety.
- Inspect fencing.
- Refill or repair cracks in cement or driveway.
August
Take a break this month. You deserve it!
Fall maintenance tasks by month
September
Start getting your yard and home ready for winter.
- Schedule an inspection for your heating system before cold weather arrives.
- Inspect roof for missing or damaged shingles; repair if needed.
- Inspect your home's siding; repair if needed.
- Seal cracks in doors and windows.
- Power wash your home.
- Stock up on winter supplies like ice scrapers and snow shovels.
October
Late September and early October is a great time to prepare your lawn for winter.
- Rake leaves and aerate your lawn.
- Drain hoses or in-ground sprinkler systems.
- Repair or replace your home's siding.
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters or downspouts.
November
Right before the holidays is a great time to focus on appliances and deep cleaning.
- Tune-up major home appliances.
- Consider having your carpets professionally cleaned.
- Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
- Clean windows and window screens.
Winter maintenance tasks by month
December
This month is also focused on preparing for cold winter weather ahead of January, when North Carolina usually sees snow and freezing temperatures.
- Switch the direction of your ceiling fan to turn clockwise
- Turn off outdoor faucets.
- Cover or store outdoor furniture.
- Consider covering your air conditioning unit to protect it from the elements.
- Have your chimney and fireplace inspected.
January
Start the new year off right by organizing your home.
- Clean out closets, cabinets and garages, getting rid of unused or unwanted items. I'm a big fan of Marie Kondo, who recommends only keeping items that spark joy.
- This is also a great time to organize books, photos and movies.
- Gently used items should be donated.
- Clean out your kitchen pantry, tossing expired items. Don't forget to check the expiration dates on your spices.
February
Take a month off. You deserve it!
March
This month, focus on interior spring cleaning tasks.
- Wash curtains, drapes and sheers.
- Dust blinds.
- Wash windows inside and out.
- Dust overhead lights and ceiling fans; replace bulbs if needed.
- Wipe down floorboards and walls; assess where repainting may be needed.
- Deep clean bathrooms.
- Toss expired makeup, medicines and other personal care products.
- Flip mattresses and wash all bedding, including bedspreads, blankets, pillow shams, etc.
- Clean carpets or schedule a carpet cleaning.
- Sanitize children's toys and wash stuffed animals.