Cleaning Professionals Share Which Tasks You Can Skip

Cleaning can feel like an endless chore, with demands for more frequent and intensive upkeep. However, according to professionals, there are eight cleaning tasks you can skip without significant consequences for your home or health.

Dusting every nook and cranny isn’t necessary; focus on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and countertops for a truly hygienic space. Vacuuming upholstery and mattresses can be reduced to once a month or even less, especially if there’s no specific mess to clean up. Similarly, washing windows doesn’t need to be a monthly ritual unless visibly dirty; prioritize indoor surfaces and save full window cleanings for seasonal maintenance.

While clean baseboards add to the tidy appearance of a home, they don’t gather significant dirt daily. Wiping them down monthly or less frequently is sufficient. Vacuuming every room daily is excessive; focus on high-traffic areas and adjust based on usage to save time and extend your vacuum cleaner’s life.

Weekly wall washing is unnecessary unless there are noticeable stains or marks; spot cleaning as needed is generally enough. Cleaning light fixtures every week isn’t essential; a quarterly wipe down suffices unless visibly dirty or affecting light output. Finally, cleaning behind appliances every week is overkill for most households; quarterly or bi-annual cleaning is ample unless dealing with urgent situations like pest infestations.

While it’s essential to maintain a clean house for health and wellbeing, not every task needs to be done every week. Relaxing on some tasks and completing them as part of infrequent maintenance can help you rest and reset each week without stressing about getting everything done.

Re-reported from the article originally published in HOMES & GARDENS.