Daily tasks
Adding these simple tasks into your daily routine will make it easier to keep your home clean:
- Make your bed every morning. It’s where you spend the most time every day. A made-up bed at the end of a hard day is inviting and leads to restful, sweet sleep.
- Wipe down kitchen counters after every meal.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes overnight.
- Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas.
- Spot-clean your pets’ living areas and litter boxes.
- Do a 15-minute pick-up. Set a timer for 15 minutes and go room to room tidying as much as you can. If you have children, you can turn this into a game to see who can tidy up the most in the allotted time.
Tips:
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products wherever possible to protect the environment and reduce the harmful chemicals you are exposed to.
- Keep a spray bottle with a mixture of water and tea tree oil for quick counter wipe-downs.
- Use microfibre cloths for efficient cleaning and to reduce waste.
- Invest in a cordless stick vacuum for easy daily touch-ups.
Once a week:
Set aside time each week for these more thorough cleaning tasks:
- Vacuum or sweep and mop all floors.
- Dust surfaces, including shelves, tables, and electronics.
- Clean bathrooms thoroughly (toilet, shower, sink, and mirrors).
- Change and wash bedding.
- Wash towels and bath mats.
- Empty and clean indoor rubbish bins.
- Wash your pets’ beds, blankets and toys, and deep clean litter boxes.
Tips:
- Don’t forget to vacuum under furniture and in corners where dust bunnies like to hide.
- Use a damp cloth when dusting to trap dust particles more effectively.
- Clean your vacuum filters regularly.
- Keep a toilet brush and cleaner in each bathroom for quick cleaning.
- Keep an air freshener or spray in each bathroom to keep the space smelling fresh, or better yet, keep a window open at all times and let sunlight into the room.
Monthly routine:
These tasks, done monthly, will help maintain a deeper level of cleanliness:
- Wash windows and mirrors.
- Clean the inside of your fridge.
- Wipe down light switches and door handles.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture.
- Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures.
- Wipe down the kitchen cabinets.
- Wash blankets, throws and cushion covers.
- Clean your cleaning equipment. Brooms, cloths, vacuums and toilet brushes all need to be sanitised regularly.
Tips:
- When you clean your fridge, check the expiry date of items like sauces and spreads.
- A mixture of baking soda and water works wonders on stubborn fridge stains.
- Leave a small open container of baking soda in your fridge to absorb odours.
Every 3 to 6 months:
- These less frequent but essential tasks will keep your home in top shape:
- Deep clean the oven and the cooker hood.
- Wash duvets and pillows. You can also hang them outside on a sunny day to air out thoroughly. Be sure to always check the cleaning instructions before you wash anything.
- Wash your curtains and clean your blinds.
- Declutter and organise storage spaces. Check your pantry for food that is nearing its expiry date.
- Clean gutters and outdoor areas.
- Have your air conditioning units serviced. Clean filters will improve the air quality in your home.
- Clean out your cupboards. Wash or wipe down any clothes, shoes and belts that you don’t use often. Watch out for mould if you live in a humid area. Wipe your cupboard walls and shelves down with hot water and tea tree oil.
Tips:
- Sprinkle your mattresses with baking soda and vacuum to freshen them.
- When you declutter, pack your unused, good-condition items into a box that can be dropped off with a charity for resale.
Annual deep clean
Once a year, tackle these big cleaning projects:
- Clean behind and under large appliances.
- Clean the top of the fridge and kitchen cabinets with a degreaser.
- Clean walls and ceilings.
- Wash the outside of your house and your driveway with a broom, hosepipe and soapy water
- Deep clean and organise the garage.
- Shampoo carpets or have them professionally cleaned.
Tips:
- Use a long-handled duster or a mop with a microfibre cloth for walls and ceilings.
Bonus tips for a fresh home
- Open windows regularly to allow fresh air circulation.
- Use air purifiers in bedrooms and living areas.
- Add some pet-friendly indoor plants to your home to naturally purify the air.
- Use essential oils or natural air fresheners for a pleasant scent. Always make sure they’re safe to use around your pets first.
- Place doormats at entrances to reduce dirt tracked inside.
- Implement a ‘no shoes indoors’ policy to keep floors cleaner.
The power of tea tree oil in home cleaning
Tea tree oil is a natural powerhouse for keeping your home clean and fresh. This essential oil has potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it an excellent alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. You can easily incorporate tea tree oil into your cleaning routine by adding a few drops to your all-purpose cleaner, laundry, or diffuser. It’s particularly effective for tackling mould and mildew in bathrooms, freshening up musty areas, and boosting the cleaning power of your usual products.
![]() | Meluca is a proudly South African tea tree oil that is grown, distilled and bottled on the East Coast of South Africa where the climate is ideal for our Melaleuca Alternifolia trees. This unique environment contributes to the exceptional quality of our product. Meluca is 100% pure tea tree oil, tested by internationally accredited laboratories, meeting established global standards for quality, efficacy and safety. With over 100 different uses, just a few drops can provide effective solutions for a variety of needs, from skincare to natural antiseptic properties. Order Meluca here: Meluca – 100% pure tea tree oil. |
Keeping your home fresh and clean doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking tasks into daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal and annual chores, you can create a living space that’s welcoming, healthier and more comfortable. Remember, consistency is key – small efforts daily reduces the need for time-consuming deep cleans. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a cleaner, fresher home that’s a true haven for you and your loved ones.
References and additional reading:
- The only tips you’ll need to clean every part of your home. Available at: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g2550/best-cleaning-tips/
- 5 essential benefits of a clean home (2023) 4 Senses House Cleaning. Available at: https://4senseshousecleaning.com/5-essential-benefits-of-a-clean-home/
- AllisonDickman (2024) 13 efficient housecleaning tips, Insurance & Personal Finance Articles. Available at: https://blog.nationwide.com/home/home-maintenance/how-to-clean-house-fast/
- Cleaning, J.O. (2024) The benefits of a clean home: More than just aesthetics, Joy of Cleaning. Available at: https://joyofcleaning.com/2024/08/10/the-benefits-of-a-clean-home-more-than-just-aesthetics/
- Kate (2021) 1 week schedule to a clean and organized house, House Mix. Available at: https://www.housemixblog.com/2017/08/29/1-week-schedule-to-clean-and-organize-the-house/
- Lynn, T. (2024) Take back your Saturdays with a daily, weekly, monthly cleaning guide!, Declutter in Minutes. Available at: https://declutterinminutes.com/daily-weekly-monthly-cleaning/