Annual Cleaning Schedule: Keep Your Home Fresh All Year Long

Keeping your home clean isn’t just about daily tidying or weekly chores—some tasks only need attention a few times a year. The cleaning schedule I follow is organized by month, which helps me plan time to complete each one without feeling overwhelmed. If you prefer, you can group them by season and break them down even further. You’ll notice some chores repeat every six months or so, ensuring your home stays fresh and well-maintained all year long.

Why an Annual Cleaning Schedule Works

Big cleaning projects can feel daunting when you try to tackle them all at once. Breaking them into monthly tasks keeps things manageable, prevents procrastination, and ensures nothing gets overlooked. Plus, this method works for any home—big or small.

Month-by-Month Annual Cleaning Checklist

January

  • Declutter & organize holiday decor
  • Clean out & organize garage

February

  • Clean carpets & area rugs
  • Declutter & organize closet

March

  • Dust ceiling fans
  • Dust light fixtures

April

  • Clean windows
  • Dust blinds

May

  • Clean/change vacuum filters
  • Declutter kitchen

June

  • Wipe cabinets inside & out
  • Organize pantry

July

  • Wipe baseboards
  • Wipe doors & walls

August

  • Clean carpets & area rugs
  • Declutter & organize closets

September

  • Dust ceiling fans
  • Dust light fixtures

October

  • Deep clean refrigerator
  • Deep clean oven
  • Clean behind appliances

November & December

  • Rest, bake & enjoy the holidays!

Seasonal Option

If you’d rather group tasks into larger chunks, try tackling them seasonally:

Spring: Wash windows, organize closets, deep clean kitchen.
Summer: Clean garage, wash patio furniture, dust ceiling fans.
Fall: Deep clean kitchen appliances, check insulation, organize the pantry.
Winter: Wash curtains, clean vents, declutter storage.

Tips for Success

  • Work in natural light to spot dust and smudges.
  • Tackle one room at a time so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
  • Play music or a podcast to make the time pass quickly.
  • Reward yourself after big tasks—coffee, a snack, or a quiet break.

With a little planning and consistency, you’ll keep your home feeling fresh, organized, and ready for every season—without the stress of last-minute deep cleans.

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I’m Vicky!

I’m a home organization enthusiast, cleaning schedule creator, and coffee-fueled mom who loves finding simple ways to keep life running smoothly. I started Vanilla & Sunshine at Home to share easy, practical tips for keeping your home clean and clutter-free—without the overwhelm. From annual cleaning schedules to quick daily routines, I believe a tidy home brings more peace and joy to everyday life. When I’m not organizing a closet or testing a new cleaning hack, you can find me baking with my kids or enjoying a quiet moment with a good book. Let’s make home your happy place—one checklist at a time!

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