Our Weekly Cleaning Schedule Will Help You Stay on Top of Household Chores

Staying on top of household cleaning can be difficult, especially when you're busy. But a manageable weekly cleaning schedule can help you tackle every area of your home without getting overwhelmed.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by assigning each room to a specific day of the week. Not only will this help you remember what you're supposed to clean each day, but tackling one room at a time can feel more manageable than cramming a bunch of different tasks into a single day.

To help you get started, we spoke to cleaning experts who helped us curate a weekly schedule you'll be able to stick to.

Monday: Kitchen

Get one of the biggest chores checked off your list early in the week by starting with the kitchen. "The kitchen might be the messiest after the weekend," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "Starting the week with a clean kitchen helps to set a positive mindset and ensures a clean and hygienic food preparation area."

• Clean the sink
• Load the dishwasher
• Wipe down countertops
• Wipe down cabinet exteriors
• Throw away any expired food
• Wipe the microwave
• Take out the trash
• Sweep and mop the floors

Tuesday: Bathroom

Bathrooms require regular attention to maintain optimal hygiene and cleanliness. "Cleaning them early in the week helps keep the germs and grime away," says Sokolowski.

• Wash towels
• Wipe down the sink, bathtub, and shower
• Clean the mirror and any glass surfaces
• Wipe down the toilet seat and clean the bowl
• Take out the trash
• Sweep and mop the bathroom floor
  

Wednesday: Bedroom

Use Wednesday as an opportunity to tidy up your bedroom. "Making sure the bedroom is clean helps to promote better sleep and relaxation," says Sokolowski. "We also recommend changing the bed linens every one to two weeks to maintain hygiene."

• Change bedding
• Tidy up the closet
• Dust surfaces (end tables, dressers, etc.)
• Clean up clothing lying around
• Organize closets and drawers
• Take out the trash
• Vacuum the floor

Thursday: Living Room and Dining Area

Common areas like the living and dining room can become a catch-all for clutter throughout the week. Cleaning this space on Thursday ensures it is presentable and welcoming for weekend relaxation, says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids.

• Put away loose items lying around
• Dust and wipe down surfaces (tables, windowsills, etc.)
• Dust and wipe down electronics (TVs, remotes, etc.)
• Vacuum upholstery
• Vacuum floors and carpets

Friday: Entryway and Hallways

Take time on Friday to tidy your entryway and hallways. "Clean entryways create a welcoming atmosphere for both family and guests," says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.

• Put away loose items lying around
• Wipe down surfaces
• Clean mirrors
• Wipe down doors and handles
• Sweep and mop floors

Saturday: Deep Clean

Use Saturday to deep clean one specific areas of your home or tackle larger cleaning tasks you didn't have time for during the week, like the refrigerator, oven, windows, or washing machine. "Rotate deep cleaning tasks each week so you cover all areas of the home," says Cohoon.

Sunday: Rest and Laundry

After the week, it’s important to find time to rest and relax. "Doing an easy chore on Sunday, such as laundry, doesn’t require a lot of effort or time, and it ensures you have your clothes clean and ready for the new week," says Sokolowski. While your clothes and linens are in the washer, take time to tidy up any messes that accumulated throughout the week.