Say Goodbye to Over-Cleaning: 9 Tasks to Save for Once a Year

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There’s such a thing as over-cleaning! While regular tidying is important, some tasks only need to be done annually. Let’s take a look at 10 home chores that are best saved for once a year, with a few exceptions.

1. Curtains & Drapes

Dusting curtains regularly is essential, but when it’s time for a deeper clean, once a year is sufficient. You can either take them to be dry cleaned or wash them yourself, depending on the care instructions.

2. House Gutters

If you live near trees, gutter cleaning can seem like a frequent task. But with gutter guards, you can minimize it to just once a year—usually in the fall, after the leaves have fallen.

3. Fireplace & Chimney

After winter, give your fireplace a cleaning, vacuuming up any remaining embers. Don’t forget to wash the tools and schedule a professional chimney sweeping to ensure everything is in good shape.

4. Carpets

While vacuuming is a regular task, deep cleaning your carpets should happen once a year—ideally right after summer, when the dirt has had time to settle.

5. Outdoor Furniture

The best time to clean your outdoor furniture is when you pull it out for spring. If accidents happen during the season, though, be sure to clean them immediately to prevent stains from setting.

6. Mattress

Mattresses are an investment, and they deserve care. At least once a year, clean it thoroughly and rotate it to ensure even wear.

7. Kitchen Cabinets & Pantry

Early November is an ideal time to clean your kitchen cabinets, drawers, and pantry. Empty everything out, wipe down the shelves, and line them with fresh shelf paper if needed.

8. Linen Closet

Once a year, give your linen closet a deep clean. Vacuum away dust, remove spiderwebs, and reline any shelves to keep it looking fresh and organized.

9. Garage, Basement, & Attic

While you don’t need to have these spaces spotless, cleaning them once a year will help you spot issues like moisture or pests. It’s also a great time to declutter and get rid of things you no longer need.