Cleaning Checklist: 8 tasks not to miss

Read the sequence from the top before cutting, painting, or moving pieces.

Make sure your cleaning checklist contains these 8 tasks. Plus, tips to do them right.

See also: How to create a cleaning schedule – Tips for Cleaning with Kids – and – Handmade Cleaning Binder Printable Pack.

Cleaning Checklist: 8 Tasks Not to Miss

and tips to do them right

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1. Clean your Stainless Steel

Use a light mist of wax-based aerosol spray once or twice a week. Don’t put on too much — you don’t want to soak the surface and make it greasy. Wipe the mist with a clean, lint-free cloth, and never use oils to keep away fingerprints — dust will stick to the oil. Don’t miss the slim edges of any doors and use toothpicks and cotton swabs to clean around handles.

2. Organize Closets

Definitely a cleaning checklist item not to miss! Get rid of unused clothes and accessories, and organize the rest by how you get dressed in the morning and by color. Try these Great Closet Organization options and get great inspiration from this beautifully remodeled closet.

If it’s your linen closet that needs attention, we’ve got you covered: 5 Problems Everyone Has With Linen Closet Organization and How to Solve Them

3. Remove Stains and Odors from Upholstery

Carefully inspect your upholstered furniture for lingering stains and odors. To clean away what you find, put a plastic liner or a garbage bag between the cushion and the fabric to keep the contaminant from going into the cushion then flush with water as best you can. Blot and flush again.

Did you know you can change up the color of your upholstery with paint?

4. Take Care of Your Tiles

Mix baking soda and water for a homemade cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into 2 gallons water and mix very well. Then apply the liquid with a string mop or sponge mop. look at more Handmade household cleaners here.

5. Reorganize Bookshelves

Switching up your bookshelves can make a big difference, so it deserves a spot on your cleaning checklist! A few tips:

Sort books by size and subject.
Remove and discard any ripped dust jackets (unless you think they might have value) or make new dust jackets with this walkthrough.
Line books, some vertically, some horizontally, in a rhythmic pattern. This will relieve the monotony of rows.
- For decorating inspiration, see the shelves in this traditional home office and this timeless living room, both from the Parade of Homes.
- For help with design, see How to Create a strong Library and Styling Secrets: Decorating Shelves and Decor Accents to Add Interest and Variety

6. Maintain Hardwood Floors

The keys to keeping your wood floors looking new:

damp-mop once a week with a quality mop and mild soap like Murphy Oil Soap
avoid water damage by using trivets or saucers under plants and place rugs with a water-resistant backing at exterior doors and around the sink and dishwasher
use floor protectors on chair and furniture legs to avoid scratches

7. Be Thorough

Don’t overlook anything! Polish all metals, wipe down the light bulbs in your lamps, wash the walls, clean out window tracks and light fixtures. Make everything gleam and glisten. And remember to write it all down on your cleaning checklist so you can do it regularly with less effort!

See How to Create a Cleaning Schedule to stay on top of all your tasks.

8. Create a Different Mood

If you’re getting tired of cleaning all the same things all the time, freshen up your space with a new mood. You can make a fast, straightforward change with bedding, towels, or table linens.

Switch things out seasonally, or for a special event, or whenever you want to play with a certain color or pattern. Our walkthrough, How to Create a Mood Board for Your Space, will show you how to make any room come together with items you already have and a few new things.

look at all our Spring Cleaning options, and even more:

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This list created using info from Dan Hechtkopf and Reid Heidenry of South Beach Investment Realty (sbirealty.com, website no longer in service), who are experts in home remodeling and cleaning.

Originally published 03.31.2014 // Updated 02.12.2021