Printable Yearly Cleaning Checklist

It's that time of year where we all start thinking about spring cleaning! Do you dread it? Or maybe you've just opted out and there's some areas of your home - the top of the fridge or under your couch - that get pushed aside. Keeping a clean and organized home is a never-ending task, especially when you're juggling kids, work, and everything in between. There's some great 30 day spring cleaning challenges out there, but adding in all that extra deep cleaning to an already packed schedule just isn't doable for some people. Eventually those neglected tasks feel so overwhelming that you just decide not to do any of it. Sound familiar? That's why I prefer a Yearly Cleaning Checklist - to help stay on top of those once-in-a-while cleaning jobs without feeling like I'm missing out on the beautiful spring weather while I'm inside scrubbing the tile grout.

Why Use a Yearly Checklist?

Have you ever found yourself thinking 'when was the last time I washed my shower curtain?' Life gets busy and when it does, the things we don't do regularly are typically the first things to fall off the to-do list. When dust, grime, and clutter build up, they can make your home feel chaotic and even effect air quality. This can have negative impacts on both your mental and physical health. This checklist breaks those often-neglected chores down into manageable monthly goals - just one extra task per week - so you don't have to remember or think about everything all at once! By following it, you'll stay on top of everything to keep your home fresh and organized all year long!

How It Works

Each month, focus on just a few deep-cleaning tasks. These aren't your everyday chores like wiping counters - I've got another checklist for those. These are your jobs that often get forgotten. I like to tackle them first thing Saturday morning, or if I've got some extra time during the week. Here's a quick peek at what's included:

• January: Refresh showerheads, clean behind appliances, and tackle your oven.

• March: Deep clean your washer, dryer, and ceiling fans.

• July: Get under furniture and give your stove vents some TLC

• October: Clean out the fridge and freezer before the holiday season hits!

By the end of the year, your entire home will have had a thorough cleaning - without the stress of doing it all at once.

Tips for Sticking to the Plan

Sticking to a cleaning schedule can be touch, especially when you'd rather be outside or enjoying your family. Here are a few ways to make it easier:

• Set reminders - Add the monthly tasks to your planner or phone calendar so you don't forget.

• Do one task per week - I'm a big fan of breaking tasks up into small chunks. I've set up this schedule so that most months have four tasks. If there are more, it's because some of the tasks are super easy. This means you only have to worry about one extra task per week.

• Get the family involved - Put on some tunes and make it fun! Kids can help with simple tasks like wiping baseboards or organizing toys. Set a timer to turn it into a challenge rather than a chore!

Grab Your Free Printable Yearly Cleaning Checklist!

To make things even easier, I've put together a free printable checklist that you can download and use. Print it out, put it on your fridge, and check off each task as you go. It's a simple way to stay motivated and keep your home fresh all year long!

[Download Your Free Yearly Cleaning Checklist Here]

Do you prefer spreading out deep cleaning or tackling everything at once? Let me know in the comments - I'd love to hear what works best for you!

How Tos

Some of these deep-cleaning tasks might seem straightforward, but if you've never tackled them before - or just want to make sure you're doing it right - it helps to have a step-by-step guide. Here are some handy how-tos to walk you through the process.

Kitchen

• Inside Oven - Grease, baked-on food, and spills can make your oven a mess. Self-cleaning cycles can be scary with littles around. Try this method instead!

• Stove Vents - Grease buildup can sneak up on you! Here's the easiest way to degrease your vents.

• Garbage Disposal - What's that funky smell coming from your sink?? Time to clean your garbage disposal.

• Dishwasher - Did you know your cleaning appliances need cleaned too? A quick scrub of the filter and vinegar rinse can make a huge difference!

Bathroom

• Shower Heads/Taps - Mineral buildup can clog your shower head over time. Here's a simple way to get it sparkling again.

• Makeup Brushes - Did you know dirty brushes can cause breakouts and bacteria buildup? When was the last time you cleaned yours?

• Tile Grout - Scrubbing can be a pain, but with the right technique, you can get those lines looking fresh again. Here's how to do it with minimal effort.

Living Areas

• Window Tracks - Dirt and dust love to settle in these tiny crevices. Get them spotless with minimal effort.

• Blinds - Blinds can be one of the more annoying/tedious chores. Here's the easiest way to tackle them.

• Air Registers - Dust and allergens love to hide in these spots, but a little attention can help you breathe easy.

• Baseboards - Nobody is running their finger along your dusty baseboards (hopefully!) but it doesn't hurt to get rid of some of that dust every once in awhile.

• Walls - Scuffs, fingerprints (especially those tiny ones!), and stains can build up over time. Here's how to clean your walls the easy way.

Miscellaneous

• Washing Machine - Over time, soap scum and mildew can build up, making your washer less effective (and sometimes a little smelly!). Here's how to deep clean it properly.

• Dryer - Lint buildup can be a fire hazard. Here's how to get rid of it properly.

Things like curtains and some rugs can often be laundered in the washing machine. Check the care tag or look up the specific materials that yours are made of for specific guidance!

I hope this checklist helps you keep track of everything and reduces a bit of your mental load. As always, happy cleaning!