A basic cleaning checklist is a simple but powerful tool that helps you maintain consistent cleaning standards across your home, office, or business. It ensures no task is forgotten, saves time, and creates accountability for your cleaning team or household members.
Whether you're managing a professional cleaning service, organizing household chores, or maintaining a commercial space, this guide explains what to include in your checklist and provides a free downloadable template you can customize to fit your needs.
Why a cleaning checklist matters
A cleaning checklist transforms a potentially overwhelming task into manageable, organized steps. It creates consistency - every room gets cleaned the same way, every time. When your team or family members follow a structured list, quality improves and nothing gets overlooked.
Checklists also save time by eliminating guesswork. Instead of walking around wondering what needs attention, you simply follow the list. For businesses, this means fewer client complaints, better efficiency, and easier training for new staff members.
In professional settings, cleaning checklists demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail. Clients appreciate knowing exactly what services they're receiving, and your team benefits from clear expectations and reduced stress.
Types of cleaning checklists
Different situations call for different levels of cleaning. Understanding these categories helps you choose or create the right checklist for your needs:
Basic/Standard Cleaning. Covers routine maintenance tasks performed daily or weekly. This includes dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and surface cleaning - the essentials that keep spaces tidy and presentable.
Deep Cleaning. Goes beyond surface-level work to tackle areas that don't need frequent attention. This includes cleaning behind appliances, washing windows, scrubbing grout, and detailed baseboard cleaning.
Room-Specific Checklists. Focused lists for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, or offices. Each room has unique requirements and different high-touch surfaces that need regular attention.
Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning. Comprehensive cleaning required when tenants move or properties change hands. This is more thorough than standard cleaning and often includes tasks like cleaning inside cabinets and closets.
Commercial/Office Cleaning. Tailored for business environments with emphasis on common areas, restrooms, break rooms, and workstations. Often includes sanitization protocols and COVID-19 safety measures.
What to include in your cleaning checklist
A well-designed basic cleaning checklist covers all essential areas without becoming overwhelming. Below are the core elements every cleaning checklist should include:
General/Living Areas. Dust all surfaces and furniture, vacuum carpets and rugs, mop hard floors, empty trash bins, wipe light switches and doorknobs, straighten cushions and decorative items.
Kitchen. Wipe down countertops and backsplash, clean sink and faucet, clean stovetop and exterior of appliances, wipe cabinet fronts, sweep and mop floors, empty trash and recycling, sanitize high-touch surfaces.
Bathrooms. Clean and disinfect toilet (bowl, seat, base), scrub sink and countertop, clean mirrors and fixtures, wipe down shower/tub, sweep and mop floors, empty trash, replenish supplies (toilet paper, soap, towels).
Bedrooms. Make beds or change linens, dust surfaces and furniture, vacuum floors or carpets, organize items, wipe mirrors, empty wastebaskets.
Entryways and Hallways. Sweep or vacuum floors, wipe down surfaces, organize shoes and coats, clean door glass and handles, shake out entry mats.
Office/Workspace. Wipe down desks and work surfaces, dust computer equipment, empty trash and recycling, vacuum or sweep floors, disinfect phones and keyboards, organize supplies.
Final Walkthrough. Check all rooms for missed areas, ensure all lights are off (or on as needed), lock doors and windows, verify all tasks completed, note any issues or damage.
How to create your own cleaning checklist
Start by identifying all the areas you need to clean. Walk through your space with a notepad and write down every room and zone. Then, for each area, list the specific tasks that need to be done. Be detailed but realistic - your checklist should be thorough without being impossible to complete.
Consider the frequency of each task. Some items (like vacuuming high-traffic areas) might be daily, while others (like dusting ceiling fans) might be weekly or monthly. You can create separate checklists for different time frames or color-code tasks by frequency.
Group similar tasks together to maximize efficiency. For example, do all the dusting in your home before vacuuming so you can pick up the dust that falls. In commercial settings, clean from top to bottom and from the back of rooms to the front.
Test your checklist and refine it based on experience. The first version is rarely perfect. After using it a few times, you'll discover tasks you forgot, items that take longer than expected, or steps that could be reordered for better efficiency.
Sample Basic Cleaning Checklist Template
Below is a comprehensive cleaning checklist you can use as-is or customize for your specific needs. It covers essential areas for homes, offices, and small commercial spaces.
BASIC CLEANING CHECKLIST Property/Location: _______________________ Date: ___________________________________ Cleaned By: ______________________________ Time Started: ______ Time Completed: ______ GENERAL/LIVING AREAS ☐ Dust all surfaces (tables, shelves, decor) ☐ Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures ☐ Wipe down all light switches and doorknobs ☐ Vacuum all carpets and rugs ☐ Mop hard floors ☐ Empty all trash bins and replace liners ☐ Straighten cushions and arrange furniture ☐ Clean window sills and baseboards ☐ Remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings ☐ Spot clean walls and doors as needed Notes: _____________________________________ ____________________________________________ KITCHEN ☐ Wipe down all countertops and backsplash ☐ Clean sink, faucet, and drain area ☐ Clean stovetop and range hood ☐ Wipe exterior of all appliances (fridge, microwave, oven, dishwasher) ☐ Clean microwave interior ☐ Wipe down cabinet fronts and handles ☐ Clean kitchen table and chairs ☐ Sweep and mop floors ☐ Empty trash and recycling bins ☐ Sanitize high-touch surfaces (handles, switches) ☐ Wipe down small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, etc.) Notes: _____________________________________ ____________________________________________ BATHROOMS ☐ Clean and disinfect toilet (bowl, seat, lid, base) ☐ Scrub sink, countertop, and faucet ☐ Clean and polish mirrors ☐ Scrub shower/tub and clean glass doors ☐ Wipe down all fixtures and hardware ☐ Clean toilet paper holder and towel racks ☐ Wipe down cabinet fronts and handles ☐ Sweep and mop floors ☐ Empty trash bins and replace liners ☐ Replenish supplies (toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels) ☐ Disinfect light switches and doorknobs Notes: _____________________________________ ____________________________________________ BEDROOMS ☐ Make beds and arrange pillows ☐ Change bed linens (if scheduled) ☐ Dust all surfaces (nightstands, dressers, shelves) ☐ Dust lamps and light fixtures ☐ Wipe down mirrors ☐ Vacuum carpets or mop floors ☐ Empty wastebaskets ☐ Organize visible clutter (with client permission) ☐ Wipe light switches and doorknobs Notes: _____________________________________ ____________________________________________ ENTRYWAYS & HALLWAYS ☐ Sweep or vacuum floors ☐ Mop hard floors ☐ Dust surfaces and furniture ☐ Clean door glass and handles ☐ Shake out or vacuum entry mats ☐ Wipe down any coat racks or hooks ☐ Organize shoes and coats (if applicable) Notes: _____________________________________ ____________________________________________ OFFICE/WORKSPACE (if applicable) ☐ Wipe down desks and work surfaces ☐ Dust computer equipment and electronics ☐ Empty trash and recycling bins ☐ Vacuum or sweep floors ☐ Disinfect phones, keyboards, and mice ☐ Wipe light switches and doorknobs ☐ Organize supplies and straighten paperwork (with permission) Notes: _____________________________________ ____________________________________________ FINAL WALKTHROUGH ☐ Check all rooms for missed areas ☐ Ensure all trash has been removed ☐ Verify all cleaning supplies are put away ☐ Check that all lights are off (or on as instructed) ☐ Lock all doors and windows ☐ Note any maintenance issues or concerns ADDITIONAL NOTES/ISSUES: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ QUALITY CHECK Supervisor/Client Signature (if required): ____________________________________________ Date: _______________ Overall Satisfaction: ☐ Excellent ☐ Good ☐ Fair ☐ Needs Improvement Comments: __________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Disclaimer
Important: This cleaning checklist template is provided for informational and organizational purposes only. While it follows industry best practices, you should always adapt it to fit your specific needs, property type, and local requirements.
This template is not a substitute for professional cleaning training or safety protocols. Always follow proper safety procedures, use cleaning products according to manufacturer instructions, and comply with OSHA guidelines and local health regulations. No legal liability or responsibility is accepted by or on behalf of Everhour, Shifts, or their partners for any errors, omissions, or statements within this document. Everhour and Shifts accept no responsibility for any loss, damage, or inconvenience caused as a result of reliance on this template.
How to implement your checklist effectively
Start by introducing the checklist to your team or household members. Explain why it's important and how it will make their work easier and more consistent. People are more likely to use tools they understand and see value in.
Make the checklist easily accessible. Print copies and laminate them so they can be used with dry-erase markers for repeated use. For digital teams, share the checklist via email, cloud storage, or a team management app where everyone can access it from their phones or tablets.
Establish a routine. Checklists work best when they become part of a regular habit. Schedule cleaning sessions at consistent times - whether that's Monday mornings for office cleaning or Saturday afternoons for home cleaning - and make the checklist part of that routine.
Review and update your checklist regularly. As seasons change, new furniture arrives, or business operations evolve, your cleaning needs will shift. Schedule a quarterly review to ensure your checklist remains relevant and comprehensive.
Benefits for your team and business
Cleaning checklists create accountability. When tasks are written down and checkable, completion rates increase dramatically. Team members know exactly what's expected, managers can verify work completion, and clients can see what services they're paying for.
For cleaning businesses, checklists reduce callbacks and complaints. When cleaners follow a comprehensive list, fewer tasks get overlooked. This improves client satisfaction, leads to more referrals, and protects your reputation in a competitive market.
Checklists also speed up training. New team members can start contributing immediately by following the list, rather than shadowing experienced cleaners for weeks. This accelerates onboarding and helps maintain consistent quality as your team grows.
In homes, checklists reduce stress and family conflicts. Everyone knows what needs to be done, who's responsible, and when it should happen. Cleaning becomes less about nagging and more about completing simple, clear tasks.
The bottom line
A basic cleaning checklist is one of the simplest tools you can implement to improve cleaning quality, save time, and reduce stress. Whether you're managing a professional team or organizing household chores, the clarity and structure a checklist provides is invaluable.
Start with our free template, customize it to match your specific needs, and make it part of your regular routine. You'll quickly discover that consistent, thorough cleaning isn't about working harder - it's about working smarter with the right systems in place.
