This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more information.
Keeping your home clean and organized can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task, but don’t worry—I’ve got a 12-month cleaning plan that’ll help keep things manageable and stress-free throughout the year. By breaking down tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly categories, you’ll stay on top of things without the dreaded cleaning overload.
In this post, I’m sharing a cleaning schedule with a focus area for each month to ensure every part of your home gets the attention it deserves.
Let’s dive in!
Daily & Weekly Cleaning Tasks: The Essentials for a Clean Home
Before we get into monthly cleaning, let’s talk about the daily and weekly tasks that keep your home tidy and under control.
Daily Tasks:
- Wipe down kitchen counters: After every meal, wipe down counters to keep them clean and clutter-free.
- Load and unload the dishwasher: Keeping up with dishes daily prevents the clutter from piling up.
- Quick sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas: A swift sweep of common areas (like the kitchen or living room) helps maintain cleanliness.
- Tidy up the living room: Spend 5 minutes each night picking up stray items like toys, clothes, and other messes.
- Do a load of laundry: Keeping up with laundry means no laundry piles to deal with.
Weekly Tasks:
- Vacuum and mop all floors: Make sure to hit every room, especially the kitchen and bathroom.
- Clean bathrooms: Scrub sinks, toilets, and wipe down mirrors (ok if you skip the shower for now).
- Wipe down kitchen appliances: Clean the microwave, stove, and refrigerator handles.
- Dust surfaces: Tables, shelves, and electronics collect dust quickly. Stay on top of it weekly.
- Change bed linens: Fresh sheets make a huge difference in how your room feels. (not every bed every week)
Monthly Tasks: Digging Deeper
Monthly tasks help you keep your home in top shape without feeling overwhelmed. These should be done once or twice a month, depending on your schedule.
- Clean out the refrigerator: Toss expired food, wipe down shelves, and give it a quick scrub.
- Wipe down baseboards: Grime can build up over time, so wipe them down to keep them looking fresh.
- Vacuum deeper: Take the time to vacuum baseboards, corners, and around furniture. Don’t forget to clean the couch!
- Deep clean the bathroom: Give the bathroom a full once over.
- Wash throw pillows, blankets, and rugs: This keeps fabric items looking fresh.
- Clean makeup brushes and hair brushes: It’s easy to forget about these, but cleaning them monthly keeps them sanitary. (you should probably do more often, but at least once a month)
Monthly Focus Areas
Each month, focus on a specific area of your home to give it a deeper clean. These seasonal tasks help ensure that nothing gets overlooked.
January: Declutter the Home
Start the new year off by decluttering your space. Go through closets, drawers, and storage areas, and donate or toss items you no longer need or use. Consider setting up a “maybe” box for items you’re unsure about.
February: Focus on the Kitchen
This month, tackle the kitchen. Clean out the pantry, deep clean your oven, and wipe down the cabinets. It’s also a good time to organize your kitchen tools and gadgets.
March: Spring Clean Bedrooms
Focus on your bedroom this month. Vacuum under the bed, rotate your mattress, and organize your closet. Freshen up your space for the warmer months ahead.
April: Clean Windows & Screens
Spring cleaning wouldn’t be complete without cleaning your windows. Take time to wash both inside and out, and don’t forget the screens. Clean windows let in more light and will make your home feel brighter.
May: Deep Clean Bathrooms
Scrub grout, clean behind the toilet, and sanitize all bathroom surfaces. Also, go through your cabinets and declutter expired products.
June: Organize the Garage
It’s time to tackle your garage and shed. Organize tools, donate unused items, and sweep out the dust. With summer on the way, you’ll want this space ready for outdoor projects. I also recommend cleaning out your vehicles. I love sweeping mine out on a beautiful day.
July: Clean and Organize Closets
Go through your wardrobe and get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in a while. Organize shoes, accessories, and make sure everything is easy to find.
August: Focus on Floors
This is the month to focus on your floors. Shampoo your carpets, wax hardwood floors, or deep clean tile to keep your floors fresh and looking their best.
September: Refresh the Laundry Room
It’s easy to forget about this space, but September is a great time to deep clean the laundry room. Clean the lint trap, wipe down surfaces, and organize laundry supplies.
October: Declutter and Organize the Living Room
As the cooler weather rolls in, focus on decluttering your living room. Organize books, DVDs, or any other items that are taking up space. If you have kids, go through their toys and get rid of anything that’s no longer needed.
November: Tidy Up the Entryway
The holidays are just around the corner, so get your entryway organized. Clear out coats, shoes, and bags, and give the space a quick refresh. Take time to check through winter clothing to prepare for the season.
December: Holiday Preparation & Deep Clean
As we wrap up the year, take time to do a final deep clean before the holidays. Clean under furniture, give the windows one last wash, and freshen up your home for the festive season.
Stay on Track with Your Yearly Cleaning Plan
By breaking down your cleaning tasks into manageable chunks—daily, weekly, and monthly—you can keep your home sparkling clean without the stress. Focus on one area each month, and you’ll always have a fresh and tidy home.
If you found this guide helpful, make sure to download the PDF version linked below. I’ve included both a version that matches this exact plan and one where you can fill in the blanks yourself to personalize it to your home.
What area will you focus on first? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy cleaning, and don’t forget to check back for more tips!
Check Out My Articles