10 Weekly Cleaning Habits That Save Time & Keep Mess at Bay

Keeping a clean home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing your mental and physical well-being. According to a survey, 80% of Americans engage in spring cleaning annually, recognizing the importance of a tidy living space.1

But why limit deep cleaning to once a year?

Regular cleaning habits can significantly impact your quality of life. Say goodbye to chaos and hello to a fresh, organized home.

Here are 10 weekly habits that will revolutionize your cleaning routine and help you achieve the spotless home you’ve always wanted.

STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically

✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing

✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed

✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round

Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.

1. Make Your Bed Every Morning

10 Weekly Cleaning Habits That Save Time & Keep Mess at Bay - fixing bed dp379868858
Image Credit: tongchai_mod@hotmail.com/Deposit Photos

Start your day off right by making your bed as soon as you wake up. This simple act sets the tone for a tidy home and creates an instant sense of order in your bedroom.

It’s a small task that takes just a few minutes but has a big impact on the overall appearance of your space.

Studies have shown that making your bed every morning can lead to increased productivity. (ref) Plus, coming home to a neatly made bed can be a comforting sight after a long day.

It’s a habit that’s easy to adopt and can make a world of difference in how you perceive your living space.

2. Do a Load of Laundry

10 Weekly Cleaning Habits That Save Time & Keep Mess at Bay - laundry basket with washing machine ss2456771377
Image Credit: Irya kt/Shutterstock

Tackle your laundry situation by doing at least one load per week. This prevents dirty clothes from piling up and becoming an overwhelming task.

Sort your laundry as you go, making it easier to throw a load in when you have a full basket.

Consistency is key when it comes to laundry. By doing a little bit each week, you’ll avoid the dreaded mountain of dirty clothes that can make your home feel cluttered and chaotic.

Don’t forget to fold and put away your clean laundry promptly to maintain a tidy appearance in your bedroom and closets.

3. Wipe Down Kitchen Surfaces

woman cleaning kitchen
Image Credit: HayDmitriy/Deposit Photos

Keep your kitchen sparkling by wiping down countertops, appliances, and the stovetop at least once a week. This prevents the buildup of grease, grime, and food particles that can make your kitchen look and feel dirty.

Use a disinfectant cleaner to ensure you’re not just cleaning but also sanitizing these high-touch areas.

A clean kitchen is not only more pleasant to cook in but also more hygienic. Regular cleaning can help prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Plus, a tidy kitchen can inspire you to cook more meals at home, potentially saving you money and improving your diet.

4. Vacuum & Mop Floors

10 Weekly Cleaning Habits That Save Time & Keep Mess at Bay - vacuum hair ss2412740667
Image Credit: Kryuchka Yaroslav/Shutterstock

Give your floors some love by vacuuming carpets and rugs, and mopping hard surfaces weekly. This removes dirt, dust, and allergens that accumulate over time, keeping your home looking and feeling fresh.

Pay special attention to high-traffic areas that tend to get dirtier faster.

Clean floors can dramatically improve the overall appearance of your home. They not only look better but also contribute to better indoor air quality.

For those with allergies or respiratory issues, regular floor cleaning can significantly improve comfort and health.

5. Clean the Bathroom

10 Weekly Cleaning Habits That Save Time & Keep Mess at Bay - bathroom cleaner dp13886387
Image Credit: diego_cervo/DepositPhotos

Dedicate time each week to thoroughly clean your bathroom. This includes scrubbing the toilet, wiping down the sink and counters, cleaning the mirror, and giving the shower or tub a good scrub. Don’t forget to replace towels with fresh ones.

A clean bathroom is essential for maintaining good hygiene and preventing the growth of mold and mildew. It’s also one of the rooms that can make the biggest impression on guests.

By keeping it clean on a weekly basis, you’ll always be prepared for unexpected visitors and enjoy a more pleasant space for your daily routines.

6. Dust Surfaces

10 Weekly Cleaning Habits That Save Time & Keep Mess at Bay - sponge in baseboard duster dp645730996
Image Credit: NewAfrica/Deposit Photos

Grab a microfiber cloth or duster and tackle the dust that accumulates on furniture, shelves, and other surfaces throughout your home. Pay attention to often-overlooked areas like ceiling fans, baseboards, and window sills.

Regular dusting not only improves the appearance of your home but also helps reduce allergens in the air.

Dusting is more than just an aesthetic task; it’s crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality. Dust can contain a variety of particles, including dead skin cells, pollen, and pet dander, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.

By making dusting a weekly habit, you’re creating a healthier living environment for you and your family.

7. Declutter & Organize

10 Weekly Cleaning Habits That Save Time & Keep Mess at Bay - two people decluttering clothes ss2229720803
Image Credit: Veja/Shutterstock

Set aside time each week to declutter and organize one area of your home. This could be a drawer, a shelf, or even a whole room if you’re feeling ambitious.

Remove items you no longer need or use, and find proper homes for things that tend to accumulate in common areas.

Regular decluttering prevents your home from becoming overwhelmed with unnecessary items. It can also have a positive impact on your mental health, reducing stress and anxiety associated with living in a cluttered space.

Plus, an organized home is easier to clean and maintain in the long run.

8. Take Out the Trash

10 Weekly Cleaning Habits That Save Time & Keep Mess at Bay - man throwing garbage ss1817801918
Image Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Make it a habit to empty all trash cans in your home at least once a week, if not more frequently. This prevents unpleasant odors and keeps your home feeling fresh.

Don’t forget to clean the trash cans themselves periodically to prevent the buildup of grime and bacteria.

Taking out the trash regularly is crucial for maintaining a hygienic home environment. It helps prevent the attraction of pests and reduces the risk of unpleasant smells permeating your living space.

This simple habit can make a big difference in the overall cleanliness and comfort of your home.

9. Clean Out the Refrigerator

10 Weekly Cleaning Habits That Save Time & Keep Mess at Bay - refrigerator ss2228995297
Image Credit: Zephyr_p/Shutterstock

Once a week, go through your refrigerator and remove any expired or spoiled food. Wipe down the shelves and drawers to prevent sticky spills from becoming stubborn stains.

This habit not only keeps your fridge clean but also helps you stay on top of your food inventory.

A clean refrigerator is more efficient and can help your food stay fresh longer. It also makes meal planning and grocery shopping easier when you can clearly see what you have on hand. Plus, a tidy fridge is much more pleasant to open and can inspire healthier eating habits.

10. Change & Wash Bedding

10 Weekly Cleaning Habits That Save Time & Keep Mess at Bay - pillowcase dp99541618 1
Image Credit: nito103/Deposit Photos

Strip your beds and wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers, on a weekly basis. This habit ensures you’re always sleeping in a clean, fresh environment.

Don’t forget to rotate or flip your mattress regularly for even wear.

Clean bedding is essential for good sleep hygiene and can improve the quality of your rest. It also helps reduce allergens and dust mites that can accumulate in bedding over time.

Fresh sheets feel great and can make your bedroom feel like a luxurious retreat at the end of each day.

By incorporating these 10 weekly habits into your routine, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a cleaner, more organized home. Consistency is key. Start small if you need to, and gradually build up to tackling all these tasks each week.

Your future self will thank you for the effort, and you’ll love coming home to a spotless space every day.

Source:

  1. Statista
nancy
Author & Editor |  + posts

Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.