House cleaning is a big job, and sometimes it never seems to end! If you’re chasing around tidying up after little ones, a messy partner, or pets (or perhaps all three), then it can be easy to lose track of exactly what needs cleaning.
From dirty kitchens and bathrooms which seem to ALWAYS need your attention, through to easily forgotten sections of the house such as bedroom fans and the tops of cupboards, house cleaning includes many tasks that can take days to complete.
To make the job easier, we’ve compiled a complete house cleaning checklist!
Use this guide as a reminder of all the parts of the home you need to keep clean, and print the page or bookmark it, if you’re prone to forgetting.
Of course, if you need help with your weekly house cleaning, enlist the professionals! Clean House Melbourne is here to help you every step of the way with your cleaning chores, so you don’t need to lift a finger.
House Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen cleaning tasks:
- Wash and disinfect counter tops, sink and taps
- Clean stovetop and remove grills or racks
- Wipe and clean exterior of cabinets
- Wipe down and sanitise fridge – inside and out
- Clean exterior and interior of dishwasher. Run one empty hot cycle.
- Mop floors
- Wipe baseboards/skirtings
- Sanitise door knobs and handles
- Dust walls and corners
- Clean window glasss, frames and sills
- Clean extractor fans
- Sanitise chopping boards, placemats
- Wipe over machines such as coffee machines, toaster, Kettle etc
- Clean inside and outside microwave.
- Wash kitchen towels and replace cloths and sponges
- Empty and disinfect bins
- Clean under the sink
- Organize all the cleaning products
Bathroom cleaning tasks:
- Wash and disinfect bench tops, sink and taps
- Wipe vanity cabinet inside and out
- Sanitise bathtub/shower including grout, taps, shower head and shower door.
- Clean and sanitise toilet – inside and exterior and around the base
- Mop floors
- Wipe down the door on both sides
- Sanitise any handles, knobs
- Wipe down walls
- Clean exhaust fans
- Clean window sills and windows
- Empty bins
Entryways and Hallways
- Vacuum and/or mop floors and stairs
- Shake out welcome mats and hall runners
- Sanitise front door handles, knobs, knockers
- Clean exterior of front door
- Dust any entry tables and knick-knacks
- Dust fans and lighting fixtures
- Wipe down walls and skirtings
- Clear and tidy entryway mess-points where shoes and umbrellas collect
- Spot clean walls
Bedroom cleaning tasks:
- Mop/Vacuum floors
- Wipe skirting boards/baseboards
- Dust ceiling fans, floor fans, other light fixtures
- Dust tallboy, dressing table
- Dust walls – especially corners
- Put away clothes, organise closets, vacuum inside cupboards
- Dust and clean mirrors
- Clean window sills and windows in & out if possible.
- Sanitise door handles, knobs and light switches
- Clean and change the sheets
- Schedule mattress cleaning every 6-12 months
Living & Dining room cleaning tasks:
- Dust all furnishings including entertainment units, dining tables, chairs, sofas, armchairs, coffee tables.
- Shake out rugs and cushions
- Remove any pet areas or toys, and wash
- Mop/Vacuum floors
- Wipe down doors
- Sanitise door handles, switches, remote controls
- Dust skirting boards/baseboards
- Dust ceiling lighting and table lamps, fans
- Dust corners of cobwebs
- Clean window sills and windows from inside
- Tidy and put away children’s toys, books, knick-knacks
Laundry cleaning tasks:
- Wipe down washing machine and dryer inside and out
- Run a hot wash (empty) in washing machine if necessary
- Remove dryer lint
- Wipe down cabinets and shelves
- Mop floors and organize cleaning products
- Wipe down baseboards, corners
- Clean sink and faucet
- Clean window areas
- Remove mould from vents and extractor fans
As you can see, the complete house cleaning checklist is long! In modern, busy homes there is just so much that needs cleaning, that the task can become overwhelming.
House Cleaning Tips:
- If you’re short on time, consider breaking up the house cleaning into sections that you tackle day-by-day. For example, you may set aside the weekend for kitchens and bathrooms, and look at the bedrooms on a Monday. That way, you always know where you’re up to, and the job feels a lot easier!
- Enlist the help of family or housemates – if possible, try to dedicate certain house cleaning tasks to other members of the household to lift the burden from yourself. Once everyone knows their duties, it will be a lot easier to pull together and get the job done quickly
- Use quality machinery – if you find you need to clean your house often, then investing in a quality vacuum cleaner is the first step! Don’t labour for any longer than you have to by using an ineffective machine that doesn’t do the job properly. Check out this article for top tips on buying the right vacuum.
- Use the right materials and cleaning products – there is a right and a wrong way to clean, and this knowledge is what professionals rely on to get house cleaning done to a high standard. If you’re going to tackle house cleaning personally, then it pays to buy the right cleaning products for the task at hand. Don’t think that one product will work for all surfaces. A kitchen cleaner won’t work on wooden flooring, and a bathroom sponge isn’t right for dusting bedrooms! If in doubt, there are plenty of Youtube tutorials which will show you the right and wrong way to clean.
FAQs about House Cleaning:
- What is the importance of having a house cleaning checklist?
A house cleaning checklist ensures every area of the home is covered systematically, preventing any spots from being missed. It helps maintain a consistent cleaning routine, saving time and ensuring a comprehensive clean each time. - How should I organise my house cleaning checklist?
Divide the checklist by rooms (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, living room) and specify tasks within each. This makes it easy to manage and keeps cleaning structured, allowing you to track progress efficiently. - What essential tasks should be included in a kitchen cleaning checklist?
Key tasks include disinfecting countertops, cleaning appliances like the oven and microwave, wiping down cabinets, sanitising sinks, and mopping floors. A thorough approach ensures a hygienic cooking environment. - How often should bathrooms be cleaned according to a checklist?
Bathrooms should be cleaned at least weekly, with tasks including sanitising sinks, scrubbing tiles and grout, cleaning the toilet, and wiping down mirrors and taps to prevent the build-up of mould and bacteria. - What are the must-do tasks for bedroom cleaning?
Bedroom tasks should include dusting surfaces, vacuuming or mopping floors, cleaning under the bed, changing sheets, and organising wardrobes. This helps maintain a fresh and inviting sleeping environment. - How can a cleaning checklist help maintain living and dining areas?
A checklist for these spaces should include dusting furniture, vacuuming carpets, wiping down electronics, and sanitising high-touch areas like light switches and remotes. Regularly following these steps keeps these high-use areas clean. - Why is it important to include outdoor areas in the house cleaning checklist?
Cleaning outdoor areas such as patios, balconies, and entryways helps create a welcoming first impression. Tasks like sweeping, wiping down outdoor furniture, and cleaning windows ensure these spaces are tidy and ready for use. - How can a house cleaning checklist reduce allergens in the home?
By systematically including dusting, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and cleaning air vents, the checklist helps minimise allergens such as dust mites and pet dander, contributing to better indoor air quality. - What should be on the checklist for laundry rooms?
Essential tasks include wiping down the washing machine and dryer, removing lint, disinfecting surfaces, and mopping floors. Keeping this area clean prevents mildew and ensures appliances run efficiently. - Can a professional cleaning service assist with a comprehensive house cleaning checklist?
Yes, professional cleaners follow detailed checklists to cover every aspect of home cleaning efficiently. Hiring a service ensures a thorough and deep clean, saving time and guaranteeing high standards.
- What is the importance of having a house cleaning checklist?
If you need help with your house cleaning, then help is only a phone call away. Contact Clean House Melbourne for a quote that’s tailored to your house cleaning needs.
0407 094 444