The Ultimate Home Maintenance & Cleaning Schedule

If there’s one thing I know as a Type‑A interior designer who loves being at home, it’s this: a beautiful home stays beautiful when it’s maintained consistently—not when you’re panic‑cleaning before guests arrive. 😅

This is the exact framework I use to keep my home running smoothly year‑round. Think of it as a realistic, designer‑approved reset system that prevents overwhelm, protects your investment, and keeps your space feeling calm, elevated, and lived‑in (in the best way).

Instead of tackling everything at once, break home care into daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, and yearly rhythms. When each task has a place on the calendar, nothing feels heavy—and nothing gets forgotten.

Daily: Small Tasks That Keep Your Home From Spiraling

These are the non‑negotiables. They take minutes, but they make the biggest difference in how your

home feels.

• Make the bed

• Wash dishes or load the dishwasher

• Wipe kitchen countertops

• Wipe kitchen sink

• Clean stovetop after use

• Quick wipe of bathroom sink

• Wipe toilet seat and rim

• Tidy high‑traffic areas (entry, living room, kitchen)

Designer tip: A tidy entry and kitchen instantly make the whole house feel clean—even if nothing else gets done.

Weekly: Your “Reset the House” Essentials

This is your baseline clean—the reset that makes the next week easier.

• Vacuum floors and rugs

• Mop hard floors

• Clean all bathroom surfaces

• Clean mirrors

• Dust furniture

• Change bed sheets

• Quick clean of fridge shelves (check for spills)

• Empty household trash bins

Pro tip: I always do this on a Sunday reset. Fresh sheets + clean floors = instant mental reset.

Monthly: Often Forgotten (But Makes a Huge Difference)

These tasks keep grime, odors, and wear from building up over time.

• Clean washing machine drawer and door seal

• Clean dishwasher filter

• Dust blinds

• Wipe baseboards and skirting boards

• Clean inside the microwave

• Wipe kitchen cabinets (outside only)

Why it matters: These are the details that separate a surface‑level clean from a home that truly feels fresh.

Every 3–6 Months: Deeper Cleaning to Stay Ahead

Think of this as preventative care for your home.

• Deep clean oven

• Clean range hood and filters

• Wash pillows and duvets

• Clean shower curtain or glass screen

• Descale kettle and coffee machine

• Vacuum under furniture

• Properly clean inside the refrigerator

Designer note: Clean textiles (pillows, duvets, upholstery) matter just as much as clean floors.

Seasonal Resets (Perfect for Spring & Fall)

These are my favorite resets—when function meets a fresh start.

• Rotate wardrobes

• Wash throws and cushion covers

• Flip or rotate mattres

• Declutter cabinets and closet

• Refresh entryway or hallway

• Check smoke alarms

This is also when I reassess storage, edit clutter, and make small styling updates.

Yearly: Big Maintenance Items Most People Forget

These protect your home long‑term and are worth scheduling ahead.

• Deep clean carpets and upholstery

• Clean windows (inside and outside)

• Wash or dry clean curtains

• Clear gutters

• Clean dryer vents

• Pressure wash patio and walkways

Important: These tasks extend the life of your home and help prevent costly repairs later.

Fall: Weatherproof & Protect Systems

Fall is all about prepping your home before colder weather hits.

• Clean and inspect chimney

• Cover outdoor furniture, grill, and AC

• Turn off exterior water and disconnect hoses

• Seal cracks around windows and doors

• Rake leaves and clean yard

• Winterize sprinkler system

• Clean gutters and downspouts

• Overseed and aerate lawn

• Insulate outdoor faucets

• Check attic vents

• Install or replace door weatherstripping

• Bring in outdoor décor

Winter: Emergency Prep & Indoor Focus

This season is about safety, warmth, and indoor upkeep.

• Stock emergency food, water, and flashlights

• Insulate hot water heater

• Install storm doors or windows (if needed)

• Inspect fire extinguishers

• Clean garbage disposal

• Cover delicate plants

• Set ceiling fans to clockwise

• Service snow blower before first snow

• Clean range hood and replace filter

• Prevent frozen pipes (open cabinets, drip faucets if needed)

Spring: Post‑Winter Reset & Warm‑Weather Prep

Spring is when your home comes back to life.

• Wash exterior windows and siding

• Inspect attic and basement for leaks

• Inspect roof and chimney

• Clean gutters and downspouts

• Service air conditioner

• Inspect driveway, deck, and fencing

• Re‑seal deck or fence as needed

• Inspect sprinkler system and heads

• Check window screens

• Clean dryer vent and vacuum fridge coils

• Organize garage and shed

• Replace exterior light bulbs

• Test smoke detectors

Summer: High‑Use Season & Exterior Upkeep

Summer puts your home to work—these tasks keep everything running smoothly.

• Uncover outdoor furniture, grill, and AC unit

• Touch up exterior paint and trim

• Clean refrigerator coils

• Clean bathroom exhaust fans

• Clean behind washer and dryer

• Fertilize lawn

• Wash trash and recycling bins

• Set ceiling fans to counter‑clockwise

• Repair window screens

• Power wash driveway, walkways, and patio

• Check foundation and basement for cracks

• Sharpen mower blades

Final Thoughts

A well‑maintained home isn’t about perfection—it’s about systems. When you know what to do and when to do it, your home stays calm, clean, and elevated without constant effort.

Save this checklist, screenshot what you need, and remember: small habits done consistently will always beat one giant, exhausting clean.

If you want more designer‑approved routines, resets, and home systems—this is exactly what I love sharing. 🤍