10 Household Chores You Should Actually Be Doing Weekly, Experts Say

While doing a deep clean or a massive decluttering can be both satisfying and rewarding, most will agree that it’s generally better to tackle your chores on a regular basis. But if you’re trying to create a weekly schedule, where to begin?

Here’s what a few of our favorite cleaning pros had to say about creating a weekly schedule of chores that will keep you and your home on track.

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Organize the Pantry

According to Tina Priestly, founder of Ready, Set, Refresh, pantry organization is one of the most commonly overlooked chores people tackle each week.

“It's essential to check for expired food regularly to avoid food waste and unnecessary grocery purchases,” she says.

Not only is organizing your pantry a great way to stay on top of what you have, but it also is an easy one to maintain once you create a great system.

Spot-Clean the Bathroom

Regardless of how often you deep clean your bathroom, Marla Mock, the president of Molly Maid, says a weekly spot-clean is a must. This can be done quickly and is more of a maintenance clean than the full top-to-bottom scrub.

“Start by clearing things off your surfaces,” Mock says. “Next, you’ll want to spray an all-purpose cleaner on the faucets, basin, and countertops, and wipe clean with a cloth.”

You can also tackle the soap dish and sink, as well as any mirrors or glass surfaces. This will keep build-up down and make your bigger cleanings much easier.

Wash Your Bedding

One chore Delah Gomasi of MaidForYou wishes people would do far more often is washing their bedsheets—particularly pillowcases—to keep your bedroom feeling and smelling fresh.

“These are often left too long, especially for people who shower when they wake up," he says.

Mop Hardwood Floors

Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO at AspenClean, says mopping is often done far too little.

“Mopping your hard floors once a week helps to remove any remaining dirt or stains that were missed by sweeping or vacuuming,” she says. “It also helps keep your floors clean and shiny for longer.”

Vacuum Under the Bed

If you’re currently on a bi-weekly or monthly vacuuming schedule, Priestly says you might want to change things up—especially in your bedroom. Along with the major areas, she’s noticed that under the bed is often overlooked.

"This area can collect dust and clutter,” Priestly says. “Regularly vacuuming and decluttering under the bed can significantly improve indoor air quality."

Dust Accessible Surfaces

Another great weekly chore, according to Mock, is dusting—especially areas you and your family use the most. You can do it quickly, but it has an instant impact on making your home look and feel cleaner.

“We recommend using a microfiber cloth,” Mock says. “These cloths work well for surfaces you can easily reach, like coffee tables, side tables, and furniture.”

Then, save the out-of-sight areas for your monthly deep cleaning—which will be even easier with the rest of your more accessible surfaces already sorted.

Wash Towels and Washclothes

If you hang onto your bath towel for more than a week, Sokolowski says it’s time to make a major change. This is an important thing to do weekly as it prevents mold and bacteria growth, making both you and your bathroom more hygienic.

“Our towels can harbor a lot of bacteria and odors, especially when used frequently,” she says.

Clean Pet Areas

If you have any furry family members, Sokolowski says cleaning their space weekly is critical. Think dishes, litter boxes, cages, and bedding.

“This is to maintain a clean and healthy environment for both your pets and your family,” she says.

Wipe Down Your Screens

If you’re reading this on a laptop or phone, pause—go clean your screen. Sokolowski says this should be done at least once a week with a microfiber cloth to enhance both appearance and functionality.

“Ensure you’re paying attention to high-touch surfaces as those tend to accumulate dirt and fingerprints and can contribute to spreading germs and bacteria,” she says.

Clear Out the Fridge

Carol Mehas, the founder of the cleaning laundry product brand arbOUR Products, has created a weekly ritual of clearing out her fridge every Friday.

“We call it Friday Fridge Fun,” Mehas says—referring to the time they set aside to eat up the week’s meals, toss leftovers, and give your fridge a wipdown.

“Then you can hit the weekend farmer’s market with a clear vision of what’s needed and plan your meals for the upcoming week,” she says. “Done and dusted!”

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Read the original article on The Spruce.