If you have been keeping up with my daily cleaning and weekly cleaning schedules, I am sure you are feeling better about being in your clutter-free home. You are now prepared for any last-minute guests and you no longer suffer from CHAOS! (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome). Today we’ll learn how to create a monthly cleaning list to take care of those items we tend to forget to clean.
Today, I’m posting my monthly cleaning list so you can see how I take my cleaning to the next level. Everyone in my family suffers from asthma, so I try to keep my home as clean and dust-free as possible to avoid any serious problems.
I usually perform the monthly duties on or near the first of the month (easier to remember!) and on a Saturday so it doesn’t interfere with my weekly cleaning.
To see what I clean weekly, click here to receive a free printable of my weekly cleaning schedule!
Flip the mattresses
This will help increase the life of the mattress anywhere from 5-7 years longer than a mattress that isn’t flipped. If you have a special mattress or one designed for back support, it does not need to be flipped.
Use Vinegar to Clean the Dishwasher
Make sure all dishes are out of the dishwasher, then pour a cup of white, distilled vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher and run a full cycle on the hottest setting.
Tackle the washing machine
Fill your machine with hot water and add 2 cups of white, distilled vinegar and let sit for one hour. While it is sitting, clean the lid and around the inside of the machine with vinegar or your favorite cleaner. Don’t forget about the top and knobs. When the hour is up, run the machine for a full cycle. It should be sparkling clean, but depending on how dirty it was, you may need to wipe down the inside with vinegar. *If you have a front-loading machine, put the vinegar in the detergent dispenser and follow the above instructions.
Wipe down the dryer
Since you are near the dryer you might as well clean it. First, clean out the vents with a vent cleaning brush if you have one. Next, Use your cleaner and wipe down the top and knobs. Finally, slowly slide your dryer out and vacuum behind it and on the sides.
Change the HVAC filters
We change our filters monthly because of our allergies and asthma. The air filters catch any spores in the air that can cause respiratory issues. Our HVAC technician suggested that we purchase the cheapest ones since we change them so frequently. Generally, you should change them when they are dirty and for some people that can take 6 months. Inspect yours regularly to get a handle on how often you should change yours.
Vacuum upholstery and under cushions
In our house, we only eat in the kitchen, so I don’t have to worry about crumbs in the sofas and chairs. However, I do like to run the vacuum over the sofas monthly to remove any dust that may have accumulated. Some people vacuum their upholstery twice a year. Do what feels best for you!
Wipe down the front of kitchen cabinets
During my weekly cleaning, I’ll wipe any fingerprints or smudges when I clean the kitchen. However, once a month, I mix Dawn dish detergent (one part) and warm water (2 parts) and clean all the cabinet doors. Murphy’s Oil Soap works well too.
Clean out the refrigerator
Throw away expired food-change baking soda box-wipe down shelves with warm water and soap
Wipe ceiling fans
Dust your ceiling fans so they are not spreading dust into the air when they are turned on.
Clean your air vents
Dust your air vents to also keep dust from blowing around in your home.
There you have it! Not too bad, huh? Remember, you don’t have to clean your house alone. Delegate some duties to able bodies that live in your home.
Do you have a monthly cleaning list that you follow? If so, is your list similar to or different from mine? How do you get your family motivated to help you clean? I’d like to know!
Don’t forget to click here to download your FREE Weekly Cleaning Printable!
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This is a great list! It makes it sound so doable, thank you!
I’m glad you found it helpful! 🙂
I love that you break it down so easily! I do all of those chores, but I don’t think to do them monthly – it’s usually when I think about it. Ah, another to-do list to add to my binder 🙂
Good, I’m glad you found it helpful! Let’s me know that all this typing is not in vain. I also used to do the chores when I thought about it, but then it felt like I was always in motion cleaning something. Doing them monthly allows me to sit down and relax (sometimes). Thanks for your comment!