I don’t know if you’ve searched “Cleaning checklist” on Pinterest recently . . . but if you have, you’ve probably noticed something:
Most cleaning checklists these days are excessive, detailed, and–frankly–petrifying.
You know what I mean. I’m talking about the “Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your House” checklist that suggests dusting the top of your kitchen cabinets every day.
But as a person, I look at that and think “Umm . . . this is long. Am I the only one who—gulp—doesn’t clean like this?!”
A porcupine to the face sounds nicer than that. (Excuse the imagery . . . I promise I don’t condone animal abuse.)
Those cleaning lists just aren’t realistic. At least, they don’t seem to be for naturally messy people like me.
‘Cause while I love a clean house, I certainly would rather have fun moments with my family than wash my doorknobs every day.
So, I created a simple cleaning routine. It’s not perfect… But, I can say that this routine has worked for me (and that’s saying something).
Also, if you’re overwhelmed and need help now, check out my post on how to clean your house in a day when it’s a disgusting mess. Or, take a look at my overwhelmed mom quotes for inspiration (and maybe a laugh).
The Most Basic Cleaning Process Ever
I made a cute, editable, basic cleaning checklist of my routine. You can check it off digitally or print it out.
If you’d like to have it, fill out the form below.
It’s also in writing right here for you (if don’t want to exchange your email 🙂):
- Daily Tasks
- Trash (as needed)
- Dishes
- Wipe kitchen counters, stove, appliances
- Sweep
- Pick-up
- Weekly Tasks
- Run laundry
- Vacuum (dust easy-to-reach surfaces with brush attachment)
- Mop
- Clean bathrooms
- Clean Out Fridge
- Disinfect Kitchen Sink
- Monthly Tasks
- Vacuum/mop closets
- Clean Microwave
- As Needed Tasks (Done Quarterly, Biannualy, Annually, etc.)
- Deep-clean fridge
- Kitchen cabinets (tops, inside, and out)
- Clean out oven
- Clean baseboards & walls
- Deep dust (Blinds, wall vents, light fixtures, the ceiling fan, etc.)
- Clean windows
Why You Need Your Own Cleaning Checklist
I want to share a tragic truth of life.
House cleaning is about maintenance.
Because, unfortunately, houses get messier while we live in them. And, if the mess isn’t kept at bay through regular cleaning habits, it takes over your life.
That’s why this checklist is about creating a regular cleaning process.
When basic cleaning tasks are done daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly; they prevent the build-up of dirt, debris, bacteria, and random junk on your kitchen counters.
And if the mess can never build up, it never becomes overwhelming, (which is what we all need).
Why This Minimalist Cleaning Schedule is Better Than Other Schedules
But what makes this cleaning checklist better than other ones?
Well, the point of this routine is to take a more minimalist approach to cleaning.
By focusing on the most important cleaning tasks, all the other tasks either get reduced or left off your to-do list.
And you know what that does?
It saves you precious time. It makes room for what matters.
And it makes life doable.
Stuff fits.
How My Basic Cleaning Process Works
Daily Cleaning Tasks
- Daily Cleaning Tasks
- Trash (as needed)
- Dishes
- Wipe counters, stove, and appliances
- Sweep
- Pick-up
Some tasks have to be done frequently. And, unfortunately, if I don’t have a defined daily routine . . . tasks don’t get done until the mess is worthy of national monument status.
You know what I mean. It feels like you just did the dishes, but you turn around and there’s this scary pile of dirty dishes that spills out of your sink, across the counter, and onto your kid’s high chair. Or maybe even the floor.
Oh yeah . . . maybe it’s been a few days.
Doing little things on a daily basis saves you from that awful, my-house-looks-like-a-scene-from-the-walking-dead moment.
Additionally, little things–like sweeping daily–make a HUGE difference in your “clean house” feel. And that’s a perk.
(Trust me, this whole “cleaning every day” thing works.)
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
- Weekly Cleaning Tasks
- Run laundry
- Vacuum (dust easy-to-reach surfaces with brush attachment)
- Mop
- Clean bathrooms
- Clean Out Fridge
- Disinfect Kitchen Sink
There are two ways to do these weekly cleaning tasks. You can do one each day, or you can do most or all of them in a single “cleaning day” (See my post “How to Clean Your Whole House in a Single Day” for a starting point on this).
I have tried both ways and honestly, they work differently for different people.
My sister-in-law prefers having one cleaning day. But for me, with a toddler, I find it a little much to regularly do everything in one day. With the exception of laundry, I prefer breaking up the weekly tasks into big tasks for each day.
For example, I like to vacuum, dust, and mop (okay, I know that isn’t just one item) on Mondays. Then I clean my bathroom on Tuesdays, and I take care of my fridge on Fridays.
Finally, I have Wednesday and Thursday in between for whatever other big tasks are lying around my house.
(Because trust me, those big tasks come. You don’t need to wonder what you’ll do with yourself.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Weekly Cleaning Tasks
Is Weekly Fridge Cleaning Necessary in a “Minimalist” Cleaning Process?
Doing a little light fridge clearing as part of my weekly cleaning schedule saves me from later dealing with a disgusting, caked-goop-and-particles fridge (I’m certain this kind of fridge gives house cleaners nightmares).
But if the occasional heavy fridge cleaning feels easier for you, that is 100% okay. I think it comes down to personal preference and experimentation.
I love the Lazy Genius method of deciding what matters to you and making that what you do.
Should I Do All of My Laundry in One Day? Or A Load Every Day?
Here’s how I do my laundry:
As a part of my routine each morning, I look at my laundry. If there’s a load that needs to be run, I run it. If multiple loads are waiting, I evaluate things. Often, I wash a couple of loads and then save one or two for the next day (if needed).
I enjoy how this method results in smaller (and less overwhelming) quantities of dirty laundry at any given time.
However, the all-at-once method works better with some schedules and personality types. Feel free to experiment. (I did this when I had a newborn, and I found it easier than other methods. But now things have changed.)
By all means, please test things out and see what works for you.
Just find the best way for your family to get those dirty clothes back into your drawers and closets.
Monthly, Quarterly, and Biannual Cleaning Tasks
- Monthly
- Vacuum/mop closets
- Clean Microwave
- As Needed (Quarterly, biannually, or annually–you decide)
- Deep-clean fridge
- Kitchen cabinets (tops, inside, and out)
- Clean out oven
- Clean baseboards & walls
- Deep dust (Blinds, wall vents, light fixtures, the ceiling fan, etc.)
- Clean windows
These tasks are closer to what you see on a Pinterest “Deep Cleaning Checklist” or “Super Spring Cleaning Checklist.”
I do them rarely because I’ve decided that I would rather spend more time with my family (I got tired of only doing household chores in my life).
But just because I do them less, doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea to still do them. I prefer to have a clean home (generally), but I’m balancing keeping up with my house and doing stuff with the ones I love.
Pay special attention to your family’s needs and (please!) feel free to adjust this list and schedule as needed.
Concluding Thoughts About Having a More Minimalist Cleaning Routine
You don’t need to hire a house cleaning service to have a clean house. (though you totally can!)
But if you’re on a tight budget (like me) and want to keep order, focus your cleaning on the most essential and manageable tasks.
As you spend less time cleaning, other opportunities and relationships will get a chance to develop.
The change will be worth it (even if the free time starts as a trickle instead of a roaring river 🙂 ), and you’ll start to enjoy life as a mom more.
Good luck momma! And, if you’re interested, be sure to check out how to reduce your cleaning supplies with my minimalist cleaning supplies checklist (no self-mixing required).
Finally, share how you simplify your cleaning routine in the comments below! What tips do you have for my other readers? How do you handle weekly cleaning tasks? We’re all open to any extra help or tips we can get 🙂
Thanks,
Camilla
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!