Creating a Cleaning Schedule

"She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness."

Proverbs 31:27

Why should I clean? Why should I have a cleaning schedule?

What is clean to you? A clean house might look different for different people.

What’s your first thought when you think about cleaning? Do you view it with ease and all smiles, or as a trek up a never ending hill? No matter where you’re at, here are some benefits of having a cleaning schedule and tips for how to make one!

Discipline

Time Management

Service

Keeping your home clean is a lifelong discipline. Being disciplined in this specific area can lead to growth in your overall discipline as you cultivate faithfulness in all areas of your life.
Get what you need to get done when you need to get it done. Our life does not revolve around cleaning, but having a cleaning schedule will help you prioritize and free up time for other things!
Consistently serve those in your home and those who come into your home. Working together with your family or roommates to keep a clean home can be an opportunity to joyfully serve one another.

"She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27

Ultimately, consider the Proverbs 31 woman. Her motivation to clean and look well to the ways of her household is the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 31:30)!

What is a cleaning schedule?

Simply put, a cleaning schedule should help you keep track of what and when to clean!

What options are out there? We are all not the same, and we live in different homes as well! There is not a one-size-fits-all cleaning schedule. Consider where you’re starting from, and where you want to be.

Where do you fall under these cleaning styles?
All or Nothing Annie
  • The “all or nothing” cleaner tends to “save up” for a big cleaning spree. They enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes from seeing a messy room transform into a clean one!
  • Strengths: The potential for everything to get extra clean from a big cleaning spree!
  • Weaknesses: It may be time-consuming and there is a bigger impact if cleaning is skipped.

    Tips: This style lends well to using a checklist to make sure that everything is completed during a “deep clean session.” You can choose your desired frequency (e.g. monthly, biweekly) to focus your cleaning efforts
Scheduled Shelby 
  • The scheduled cleaner tends to clean in sprints at specific times during the day for specific amounts of time. They enjoy routines and focus!
  • Strengths: This allows you to block off specific times in your calendar for cleaning sessions.
  • Weaknesses: This can get repetitive, or you may leave out tasks that take longer because you’re restricted by the specified time.

    Tips: Use a cleaning challenge or calendar to keep things interesting! You can also use a checklist for bigger tasks and schedule them on a less frequent basis to make sure you don’t forget them. Consistency allows you to be flexible! You don’t need to serve the schedule.
Focused Florence
  • The batched processor tends to clean one zone or task at a time. They enjoy efficiency and having a specific set of tasks to do!
  • Strengths: Making focused tasks and goals can yield a sense of accomplishment!
  • Weaknesses: Focus areas lack the “whole house clean” feeling.

    Tips: Regular cleaning will decrease the need for a more thorough clean. Take advantage of a weekly schedule to batch tasks!
Habitual Helen
  • The habitual cleaner maintains cleanliness as they go and cleans soon after a mess is made. They enjoy order and cleanliness!
  • Strengths: Finding that somehow everything is already clean even though you don’t remember doing anything.
  • Weaknesses: Leaving out tasks that you don’t notice on a daily basis. You may also lose track of time or get distracted from other tasks by trying to clean everything.

    Tips: Use a schedule or checklist to make sure tasks aren’t missed! You can take advantage of your existing routines to form new, good habits. Assess your current cleaning habits to come up with strategies for greater efficiency!
You might not fall entirely into one category, and as life goes on, you might change! Feel free to take tips and tricks from each one and learn from others around you. Keep scrolling to find a sample schedule to get you started! 

How should I approach making a cleaning schedule?

Arm yourself! 
Get the right equipment, and don’t let a lack of equipment be an excuse to not clean.
  • A minimal cleaning arsenal includes:
    • Scrubbers: sponge, old toothbrush
    • Wipers: microfiber cloth, old t-shirts, bar mop towels
    • Cleaning agents: water, dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda
      • However, do not use white vinegar and baking soda together.
    • Gloves: rubber or disposable
    • Floors: broom, vacuum, mop or swiffer
Make it easy for yourself!
  • Get organized!
    • A clear surface is easier to clean than a cluttered one.
  • Make good habits
    • Empty the dishwasher in the morning.
    • Make your bed when you get out of it.
    • Squeegee glass shower doors after taking a shower.
    • Keep a wiping cloth by your bathroom and kitchen counters to do a quick wipe after using.
    • When you’re done with something, put it back!
    • Clean from top to bottom, left to right.
      • As you clean, dust will move and fall down! Cleaning doesn’t mean spreading dirt around! Having a system can help.
  • Have fun with it!
    • While cleaning, listen to a sermon, audiobook, or music.
    • Set a timer with a satisfying countdown.
    • Make and/or use a pretty checklist that you want to look at.
    • Do a cleaning challenge with a friend.
    • Motivate yourself by inviting people over! 
      • Allow people to enjoy the fruits of your labor! The purpose of cleaning is to serve those who live in your house and those who come in.
Make it collaborative!
The purpose of a cleaning schedule is to serve others and should not cause friction or lead to passive aggressiveness in the home.
  • Your roommates
    • Part of living together with others is to communicate your different needs and preferences.
    • Be encouraging and work together!
    • Come up with a system to share the work.
    • Resolve to do your own part.
  • Your family
    • Take initiative to serve your parents.
    • Set an example of selfless service for your siblings.
    • Be a good testimony to your non-believing family members.
  • Your husband
    • Don’t let a cleaning schedule cause marital strife.
    • Your husband is the leader and ultimately responsible for managing the home. Communicate together about how you want to work together and joyfully serve each other through the cleanliness of your home.
  • Your children
    • Teach the discipline of cleanliness to your children.
    • Instill the character traits of self-control, selflessness, care for others, and hospitality.
Now what? Make your schedule! Depending on your preferences, you may make a weekly schedule, a deep cleaning checklist, a 31-day cleaning routine, or something else! Take a look below for free sample schedules that you can print out to get started!

If you’re feeling new or overwhelmed, start small! Add a cleaning habit to your life one at a time. This is no cause for worry, and ultimately, cleaning and serving others with it is another way we can glorify God!

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17
Sample Cleaning Schedule - Weekly
Sample Multi-Interval Cleaning Schedule
Sample Cleaning Schedule - Monthly

A Sample Weekly Cleaning Schedule

Monday
uncheckedClear floors
uncheckedVacuum carpets
uncheckedMop floors
uncheckedLaundry: Bed linens

Tuesday
uncheckedClean shower and toilet
uncheckedClean counter and mirrors
uncheckedChange towels
uncheckedLaundry: Towels, bath mats

Wednesday
uncheckedClean counters and appliances
uncheckedDust surfaces
uncheckedClean windows and mirrors
uncheckedLaundry: Kitchen rags, towels

Thursday
uncheckedThrow out trash
uncheckedPut things back (toys, craft supplies, pantry items)
uncheckedLaundry: Clothes, kid’s toys

Friday
uncheckedLoad laundry
uncheckedFold clothes
uncheckedPut clothes away
uncheckedLaundry: Clothes

Saturday
unchecked20 minute cleaning session
uncheckedGeneral maintenance or monthly tasks (such as deep cleaning)

A Sample Checklist

For Monthly Use or Deep Cleaning Task list

In the entire home
uncheckedClean ceiling fans
uncheckedClean garbage bins
uncheckedClean blinds and wash curtains
uncheckedReplace air filters
uncheckedClean baseboard and door frames
uncheckedClean light switch plates
uncheckedCheck fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
uncheckedPest control

Bathroom
uncheckedClean grout
uncheckedWash shower curtain and scrub liner
uncheckedClean toothbrush holder
uncheckedClean sinks and faucets

Living Room
uncheckedWash or shampoo carpets and rugs
uncheckedWash pillow covers and throw blankets

Kitchen
uncheckedClean fridge
uncheckedClean oven and stove
uncheckedClean backsplash and counters
uncheckedClean dishwasher (empty filter, clean drain and control panel)
uncheckedClean microwave
uncheckedClean freezer
uncheckedOrganize cabinets and pantry
uncheckedClean utensil holders

Bedroom
uncheckedWash bedding, comforter, throw blankets, and pillow covers
uncheckedFlip or rotate mattress
uncheckedClean out drawers and closets
uncheckedDust end tables and dressers
uncheckedWash curtains
uncheckedClean under the bed

Outside
uncheckedClean gutters
uncheckedClean outdoor furniture
uncheckedClean doors
uncheckedClean porch
uncheckedPressure wash outdoor surfaces

Additional Resources

Creating a Cleaning Schedule pamphlet
Creating a Cleaning Schedule AUDIO
Creating a Cleaning Schedule SLIDES