Every January, we take down the holiday decorations and eagerly anticipate a fresh start. Keeping the house clean and tidy may be a New Year’s resolution, but often these resolutions are quickly forgotten. That’s why in 2025, we are implementing a new plan. This year, we will focus on cleaning one area of the house each month. There are several essential deep cleaning tasks that apply to all rooms, such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and wiping down walls, baseboards, and doors. Dusting and cleaning every visible surface is crucial, including usually overlooked items like lampshades and curtain rods. However, don’t let this list overwhelm you before you even begin. Remember, you have a whole month to tackle each room, and once you start, the visible results will motivate you to continue.
As you progress through the house, check off some maintenance tasks like testing and replacing smoke alarm batteries, changing air filters and light bulbs, cleaning air vents and registers, and sanitizing door handles and light switches. And of course, take a moment to relax and appreciate the clean doors and fresh linens you’ve achieved.
January: Kitchen
After the hustle of the holidays and baking numerous Christmas treats, our kitchens are in need of some care. Begin by discarding expired foods and leftovers from the pantry, fridge, and cabinets. This gives you a chance to clean the surfaces before restocking (don’t forget to defrost the freezer). Once the food is taken care of, assess your kitchen supplies like silverware and storage containers, while also wiping down drawers and shelves. Focus on cleaning the appliances, moving them to clean the floors and targeting hard-to-reach areas like door seals. Give your oven a thorough cleaning inside and out. Don’t forget to freshen up the sink drain and wash any rags or sponges.
February: Storage Spaces
The basement, attic, and closets are often the least frequented areas in your home. As you declutter and reorganize, aim to make frequently used items easily accessible. Pick one storage space to concentrate on, empty it out, sort items into keep and discard piles, and clean the area thoroughly. After removing any cobwebs, sweep, vacuum, and mop the floor. Organize and label boxes before returning items to the space in an orderly manner.
March: Bathrooms
Empty out your bathroom cabinets and drawers completely, then clean them inside and out. Sort through the contents, discarding expired items and replacing necessities like toothbrushes and towels. Look for items that need cleaning or replacement due to grime. Clean your makeup brushes and reseal any grout lines that need attention. Regularly replace the shower curtain liner to maintain cleanliness.
April: Outdoors
Before the weather gets too hot, focus on outdoor spaces to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably.
In preparation for the upcoming months, it’s time to focus on various areas of your home:
April: Outdoor Spaces
– Start by sweeping away cobwebs and then power wash your patio, porch, deck, exterior, driveway, and sidewalk.
– Clean out debris from your gutters or hire a service to take care of it and consider any necessary repairs.
– Freshen up your windows inside and out for clear views of the outdoors.
– Don’t forget to clean outdoor furniture, cushions, and pillow covers.
– Vacuum pollen from window screens and wipe down screens for a better view.
– Set up your grill and refill propane tanks.
– Tend to yard maintenance by clearing weeds, trimming plants, adding fresh mulch, and replacing any necessary plants.
May: Garage
– Declutter by removing items from the garage and begin cleaning from top to bottom, including walls and garage doors.
– Organize items into categories and invest in storage solutions like shelving units and wall hooks.
– Replace batteries in garage door openers.
June: Primary Bedroom
– Declutter your closet, dressers, and nightstands by discarding items that are unused or no longer needed.
– Organize belongings to maximize space and accessibility.
– Store off-season items in the back of the closet.
– Wash bedding and clean the mattress.
July: Office
– Sort through documents, shred unnecessary items, and scan essentials.
– Address junk mail and opt-out of mailing lists.
– Assess office supplies and dispose of items like dried-out pens.
– Optimize organization systems for efficiency.
– Dust electronics, sanitize keyboard and mouse, and manage cords.
August: Laundry Room
– While the laundry room keeps our clothes clean, it often gets neglected in household cleaning routines.
Please let me know if you would like more assistance or further details on any of these tasks.
The first step to enhancing the efficiency of your laundry appliances is to move your washer and dryer. Before starting the cleaning process, ensure you gather any lost socks or washcloths that may be lurking around. It’s crucial to begin by washing your lint trap filter and dryer vent. This simple task can significantly improve your dryer’s heating capabilities, resulting in faster drying times for your clothes and a reduction in your energy bill.
Once the lint trap filter and dryer vent are clean, you can proceed with putting your washer and dryer back into place. Before doing so, take the time to clean the floor and the back of the appliances to ensure a thorough job. To complete your laundry room cleaning routine, don’t forget to clean your washing machine as well as organize and take stock of your laundry supplies.
As September rolls around, it’s time to shift your focus to the entryway and mudroom. With summer coming to an end and the onset of colder weather and upcoming holidays, now is the perfect opportunity to spruce up these high-traffic areas. Pay close attention to items such as shoes, jackets, and mats. Evaluate what needs cleaning, patching, donating, or discarding to keep the space functional and organized.
The entryway and mudroom often accumulate dirt and sand, especially in overlooked corners. Take the time to declutter by removing items like boots and beach bags to thoroughly sweep and scrub the floor and baseboards. Creating a clean and welcoming entryway sets a positive tone for the rest of your home.
Moving into October, shift your cleaning focus to the dining room. With a new season of hosting and gatherings on the horizon, begin by assessing your linens and cushions for any stains or damage. Treat or dispose of these items as necessary before laundering and pressing the remaining linens, paying special attention to any cherished heirlooms. Additionally, hand wash your china and polish your silverware to ensure they are ready for future entertaining occasions.
November calls for attention to the living and family rooms, especially with Thanksgiving approaching. Beyond decluttering these spaces, prioritize cleaning the fabric elements that often go unnoticed in daily maintenance. Wash slipcovers, pillow covers, and blankets to refresh the room and create a cozy atmosphere for your guests. Following this, focus on spot cleaning and vacuuming the sofa and chairs, ensuring they are inviting and comfortable for visitors.
Take this opportunity to clean any area rugs in the room. While smaller, washable rugs can be laundered, larger ones may require spot treatment or professional dry cleaning. Don’t overlook dusting electronics, particularly in difficult-to-reach areas, and sanitizing frequently used items like remote controls to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
December rounds off the year with a focus on kids’ bedrooms. As holiday gifting increases, so does the clutter. Collaborate with your children to declutter clothes that no longer fit, neglected toys, and unnecessary knickknacks. Reorganize their closets, sanitize plastic toys, and wash.
