We make schedules for everything in our lives — from work meetings to play dates to even scheduling some 'me time' when you know you need a reset. But one thing that can easily be forgotten? Cleaning schedules. From the bathroom to the kitchen and every area in between, it can be hard to keep track of all the things that need to be cleaned — and when.
You may have seen stories from our "How Often Should You?" series where we talk to experts and break down when and how to clean certain areas, devices and more in your home. But we know that it can be overwhelming! To make it easier for you, we've created a schedule organized by day, week, month and year. Read on to start checking these areas off your to-do list, and click into the articles to learn more about the best ways to get the job done.
What needs to be cleaned every day
Your phone
We keep our phones with us for the majority of the day, so you would be surprised how much dirt and grime they accrue in just 24 hours.
Cleaning expert Jessica Ek recommends using a microfiber cloth on the screen and a disinfecting wipe on the case. At minimum, you should be wiping your phone every day.
Stovetops
Home cooks are no stranger to saucy spills or crumbs on their stovetop. Cleaning expert Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, recommends cleaning your stove immediately after the food is spilled or, at least, within a few hours.
We know that's not always possible, though. So whether you have an electric, gas or glass stovetop, experts provided steps to clean them efficiently.
What needs to be cleaned weekly
Garbage disposals
If you're lucky enough to have a garbage disposal, you probably use it fairly often to grind away small bits of leftover food. In a week, that disposal can see a lot of waste, so experts say it needs to be cleaned weekly.
Humidifiers
When not cleaned, a humidifier can grow mold. To avoid this, you should clean out the device at least once a week.
Ceiling fans
The top of your ceiling fan is probably out of sight and out of mind, but it's also hiding a bunch of dust that builds up throughout the week. And once you turn on the fan, it all blows everywhere (yuck!).
To keep the dust to a minimum, a cleaning expert recommends cleaning it once a week.
Bed sheets
Sweat, body oil and dead skin cells are just a few of the things that can get in between your sheets every time you go to bed, according to experts. To avoid dust mites and other germs, it is best to wash your sheets on a weekly basis.
Keurig and Nespresso coffee machines
A cup of coffee might be the very first step in your morning routine, but it can seriously ruin your day if it comes out funky due to a dirty machine. To avoid mold or mildew in your water tank, you'll want to clean it weekly.
If you have a Nespresso, you should also plan on cleaning out the tank weekly to avoid mold growth.
Kitchen sponges
If you use your sponge to do everything from clean your dishes to clean your counters, your best bet is to stock up on sponges and swap them out every week. The pros also offer tips for sanitizing them if you prefer to use the same one.
Showers
Your shower is no stranger to mold, mildew and grime. To avoid deep grime and buildup, you should be cleaning your shower door, floor and wall tiles with a cleaning agent every week.
Bathroom towels
Once your towels start to smell a little moldy, that means they're definitely overdue for a clean. To avoid this smell, laundry experts say you should be washing your towels every week.
Pajamas
Just like your bedding, your pajamas can be home to body oils, sweat and dead skin cells. In order to keep your sleeping environment in tip-top shape, some experts suggest washing your pajamas about every three wears.
Hairbrushes
The key to having a good hair day is to keep a clean hairbrush. While you may remove excess hair from the brush every week, you should be also soaking your brush to get rid of residue. Dr. Melissa Piliang, a board-certified dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic, has said the average person should clean their brush every one to two weeks.
Microwaves
Your microwave is probably familiar with its fair share of spills and debris. To keep your food tasty and the space clean, you should be cleaning it out every week with a wipe.
Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner
According to the brand, this weekly spray can help eliminate the need for elbow grease.
$20.98
$29.99
Amazon
$20.98
Home Depot
Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover
This cleaner promises to remove stains without scrubbing.
$4.68
$6.75
Walmart
$5.49
Target
Coralpearl Utility Brushes (Set of 2)
Hard to reach areas are now easier with these brushes.
$13.99
Amazon
The Pink Stuff The Miracle All Purpose Cleaning Paste
Editors love this easy-to-use paste for all kinds of messes.
$5.97
Amazon
$5.97
Home Depot
$5.99
Target
Mr. Clean Small Reusable Latex Gloves (Set of 2)
Protect your hands with these gloves on cleaning days.
$7.25
Amazon
Oxo Wiper Blade
Keep mirrors, windows or showers streak-free with this tool.
$10.99
Amazon
$10.99
Target
$10.99
The Container Store
Bar Keeper's Friend Soft Cleanser & Foam Spray
For all surfaces, this cleaner will be your best friend.
$15.00
$19.99
Amazon
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray
Treat fresh or dried stains with this formula, says the brand.
$9.99
The Container Store
$7.97
$12.00
Walmart
What needs to be cleaned monthly
TV remotes
An oft overlooked device, your TV remote is a high-traffic spot that holds a lot of germs. According to experts, you should clean it monthly.
Shower curtains
If you see some black dots pop up on your shower curtain, it's probably a sign that you need to give it a good wash to get rid of pesky mold and mildew. An expert says you should be cleaning them monthly.
Washing machines
"Laundry soils, detergent and hard water minerals build up in areas you can’t see, and mold and mildew can thrive in the washer lid and the door," according to green cleaning coach Leslie Reichert. She says you should be deep cleaning your drum every month or around every 30 washes.
Dishwashers
The truth is, your dishes aren't really clean if you don't take care of your dishwasher (especially if you're anything like us and don't bother rinsing off your dishes before loading up the machine).
In any case, cleaning experts advise deep cleaning your dishwasher at least once a month.
Vent covers
As you're reading this, your air vent covers are probably looking a little dusty. Skip the annual dirty deep clean by wiping down your covers every month.
What needs to be cleaned every couple of months
Mattresses
At first glance, your mattress probably doesn't look too dirty, but what you don't see are a bunch of dead skin cells, sweat, dust mites and hair and food particles. Experts say you should be vacuuming your mattress at least every 6 months.
Pillows
A great pillow can last you years and it can be pretty hard to part with. Reichert recommends cleaning pillows every three months to get rid of dead skin cells, drool and more.
What needs to be cleaned every year
Carpets
Vacuuming is a pretty regular activity for most homeowners, especially those who own pets. While a vacuum might get dirt and pet hair off your carpet, it doesn't typically get rid of deep-set stains or spills. Because of this, experts recommend deep cleaning your carpets with hot water extraction once a year.
Freezers
You know the drill: you buy a bunch of freezer items that then stay in there for way too long and eventually, you forget about them. Every once in a while, a bag pops open or some crumbs escape into the abyss.
Experts advise deep cleaning your freezer once a year to get rid of any accumulated grime.
Dryer vents
Depending on your household, you might do a lot of laundry which can lead to the clogging up of your dryer vent. A clogged vent means your clothes will take longer to dry. Experts recommend cleaning it at least once a year.
How we determine these answers
For each of these cleaning articles, we consulted a wide array of industry professionals — from textile experts to scientists to owners of cleaning companies — to determine the best timeline to keep your home clean.
Meet the experts
- Jessica Ek is the senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute. She’s previously spoken with Shop TODAY about why you shouldn’t be using dryer sheets, how to clean puffer jackets and how to wash baseball hats.
- Marla Mock is the president of Molly Maid, a professional home cleaning service.
- Dr. Melissa Piliang, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the chairman of the department of dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic.
- Leslie Reichert, also known as the “Green Cleaning Coach,” is an author, TV personality and cleaning expert.
Read more stories about the best steam mops, the best multipurpose cleaners and more cleaning-related topics here.
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