Short answer: split the work into small daily habits (dishes, wiping benches, a quick tidy), one weekly clean (bathrooms, kitchen, dusting, vacuuming and mopping) and a few monthly jobs (inside the microwave and fridge, skirting boards, window tracks). Clean top to bottom and dry to wet, so dust falls onto floors you haven't cleaned yet.
The golden rules
- 1Top to bottom: dust shelves and surfaces before vacuuming floors.
- 2Dry before wet: dust and vacuum first, then wipe and mop.
- 3Let products sit: spray the bathroom first, then dust another room while it works.
- 4One room at a time: finish a room before moving on, so you can see progress.
Daily (10–15 minutes)
- Wash dishes or run the dishwasher
- Wipe kitchen benches and the stovetop
- Quick tidy of living areas
- Squeegee the shower screen after use
- Take out rubbish when full
Weekly clean
Kitchen
- Wipe benchtops, splashback and appliance fronts
- Clean the sink and tapware
- Wipe the microwave outside and quick inside
- Wipe cupboard handles and light switches
- Empty and wipe the bin
- Mop the floor
Bathrooms
- Clean the toilet inside and out
- Clean the basin, taps and mirror
- Clean the shower and bath (see our shower guide)
- Wipe the vanity top
- Wash bath mats and change towels
- Mop the floor
Bedrooms
- Change bed linen
- Dust surfaces and bedside tables
- Vacuum floors, including under the bed edges
Living areas
- Dust surfaces, TV unit and shelves
- Wipe the coffee table
- Vacuum couches and cushions
- Vacuum and mop floors
Monthly
- Clean inside the fridge and throw out old food
- Clean inside the microwave
- Wipe skirting boards and door frames
- Vacuum and wipe window tracks (see our window tracks guide)
- Dust blinds and ceiling fans
- Wash the rangehood filters (see our rangehood guide)
- Wipe light switches and power points
Every 3–6 months
- Clean the oven (see our oven guide)
- Wash windows inside
- Clean inside kitchen cupboards
- Wash curtains or wipe blinds thoroughly
- Spot clean walls
Tips to make it faster
- Keep a caddy with your cleaning products and cloths so you're not hunting for them.
- Use microfibre cloths. They pick up dust instead of moving it around.
- Set a timer. 20 minutes per room keeps you moving.
- Share the jobs. A shared list on the fridge works well.
Short on time?
If weekends are precious, a regular clean takes the weekly list off your hands. Fresh Plus regular home cleaning starts from $169, with discounts for weekly (15%), fortnightly (10%) and monthly (5%) bookings.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a weekly clean take? For a typical 2–3 bedroom home, expect 2–4 hours, depending on size and how much daily upkeep you do.
What should I clean first? Start with the bathroom spray (so it can soak), then dust from top to bottom, then vacuum, then mop last.
How often should I mop? Weekly for most homes. Kitchens and entry areas may need it more often.
