What to Clean and When: A Housekeeping Guide

With clear daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks, this housekeeping guide will help you manage your home with ease—leaving you more time for what truly matters.

Have you ever felt like life at home is harder than it needs to be? Sometimes, as homemakers, we unintentionally add stress to our days simply by not staying on top of simple tasks. Today, let’s talk about what to clean and when—it might just save you time and energy in the long run!

Whether you’re raising a big, boisterous family like I did or it’s just you at home, you’re a homemaker. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 31:27 that the virtuous woman “looks well to the ways of her household.” This verse encourages us to approach homemaking with purpose and intention, rather than striving for perfection.

Homemaking isn’t about making your home look picture-perfect; it’s about creating an environment where your family feels comfortable, safe, and loved. One of the best ways to simplify homemaking is by understanding what needs to be cleaned and when.

A thoughtful routine will help you stay on top of chores, free up your time, and reduce stress. Here are some suggestions. Remember that there is no one right way to keep your house clean, but these suggestions are a good starting point.

The Daily Chores: Building the Foundation

Daily chores form the basis of a tidy home. These small, simple tasks are quick to complete but make a huge difference in how your house feels. When done consistently, they help prevent messes from piling up and make weekly and seasonal cleaning much easier.

The Daily Chores:

1. Make beds – A made bed instantly transforms a room and starts your day on the right note (5 minutes).
2. Start laundry – Get in the habit of washing, drying, and folding as part of your daily rhythm (10 minutes total).
3. Sweep or vacuum floors – A quick sweep keeps dirt and crumbs under control (5–10 minutes).
4. Tidy the kitchen – Clean up after each meal to prevent buildup (20–30 minutes).
5. Wipe down bathrooms – Keep sinks and counters clean with a quick daily wipe (2 minutes per bathroom).
6. Straighten the house – A quick tidy of living areas sets the tone for your day (30 minutes or less).
7. 10-minute declutter – Focus on one small area that needs attention (10-15 minutes).
8. Take out the trash – An easy way to keep your home smelling fresh (2 minutes).

Starting your morning with these chores will set a positive tone for your day. Plus, it eliminates the stress of feeling unprepared when unexpected visitors arrive!

The Weekly Chores: Deep Cleaning for Comfort

Weekly chores are a little more involved and focus on deep cleaning tasks that keep your home feeling fresh and comfortable. You can schedule these chores for one day each week or spread them out, depending on what fits your lifestyle.

I like to do the same chores on each day of the week. For instance, Mondays are for bathrooms; Thursdays are for bed linens. Some of these chores only happen when I have time.

The Weekly Chores:

1. Scrub bathrooms – A thorough cleaning leaves them sparkling and hygienic.
2. Mop and Sweep floors – Nothing feels better than walking barefoot on freshly mopped floors.
3. Clean out the refrigerator – Prevent spills and odors by tidying shelves weekly.
4. Wash bedding – Clean sheets make bedtime more inviting.
5. Dust furniture and bookshelves – Keep surfaces free of allergens and grime.

Weekly cleaning helps maintain a home that not only looks clean but feels clean, too. Don’t underestimate the power of fresh sheets or a polished bathroom to lift your spirits!

The Monthly or Seasonal Chores

Monthly or seasonal chores tackle those often-overlooked areas of the home. These tasks don’t need to be done frequently, but addressing them on a schedule keeps your house in great shape.

The Monthly or Seasonal Chores:

1. Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures – Keep the air fresh and clean.
2. Wash walls, doors, and light switches – These areas accumulate grime over time.
3. Clean window treatments – Dust and vacuum curtains or blinds.
4. Spot clean furniture and carpets – Address spills and stains before they set.
5. Dust under and behind appliances and large furniture – Hidden dust can impact air quality.
6. Replace filters – Ensure your HVAC systems are running efficiently.
7. Check fire alarms – A small task with a big impact on safety.
8. Wash windows – Let the light in with sparkling clean panes.
9. Organize one drawer or closet – Keep clutter under control.
10. Clean the stove, oven, and appliances – Tidy the heart of the home.

These tasks can be done as needed or when you notice areas that require extra attention. The goal is to stay proactive rather than reactive.

Creating Your Routine

Every homemaker’s schedule looks different. The key is to create a cleaning routine that works for you. If you have a busy week, spread out tasks over several days. If you have a day off, tackle several chores at once and enjoy the rest of the week.

Ask yourself:

• What does my schedule look like?
• When do I have time for daily, weekly, and monthly chores?
• Are there areas I tend to procrastinate on?

Remember, homemaking is not about following someone else’s perfect plan—it’s about finding what works best for your home and your family.

As a homemaker, you get to be the one who makes your house a home. What a sweet privilege! By breaking cleaning into manageable routines, you free up time to focus on what matters most: spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, and making memories.

Balancing everything can feel overwhelming, but the Purpose 31 Weekly Checklist is designed to make it easier. This perpetual chore planner provides a clear and practical roadmap for managing your daily and weekly chores with efficiency and grace.

1. Daily and Weekly Tasks Organized for You – Never wonder what to clean next. Each day has clearly defined tasks to keep you on track.
2. Rotating Weekly Chores – Spread out larger tasks over the week to avoid burnout and keep your home feeling fresh.
3. Inspiration Built In – Each week features a new Bible verse to encourage your spirit as you manage your home.
4. Customizable Space – Add your own notes or to-do items to personalize the planner for your lifestyle.

How It Can Work for You:

• Saves Time: Spend less time figuring out what to do and more time enjoying your home.
• Creates Consistency: Develop habits that keep your home clean and manageable without extra stress.
• Encourages Rest: The planner incorporates balance, ensuring you find time to recharge instead of overworking yourself.

With the Purpose 31 Weekly Checklist, you can maintain a tidy and welcoming home while juggling your busy schedule. It’s a tool that supports your homemaking goals and helps you focus on what matters most. If you’re a member of the Homemaker’s Society, you can find this planner inside the Resource Library.

With a little planning and dedication, you can create a home that reflects love, care, and faith. Let’s embrace the ministry of homemaking, one simple chore at a time!