How Often Should You Actually Clean Each Part of Your Home?

Most cleaning advice is vague. "Clean regularly." But what does that actually mean for a busy Bay Area family? Here's what professional cleaners recommend.

Daily

• Kitchen counters and sink: Food residue attracts bacteria within hours
• Dishes: Leaving dishes overnight in a Bay Area kitchen invites fruit flies

Weekly

• Vacuum all carpets and rugs (twice weekly with pets)
• Mop hard floors
• Bathroom surfaces: sink, toilet, shower walls, mirror
• Change bed linens
• Dust all surfaces

Have pets? Vacuum twice a week minimum. Pet dander is one of the most persistent allergens in Bay Area homes.

Monthly

• Inside microwave
• Refrigerator shelves and door seals
• Stovetop burner grates
• Light switch plates and door handles
• Baseboards and window sills

Every 3-6 Months

• Inside oven and refrigerator full clean
• Behind and under appliances
• Window tracks and cabinet exteriors
• HVAC filter replacement

Annually

• Full professional deep clean
• Carpet steam cleaning
• Mattress vacuuming and flip
• Gutter cleaning

The Honest Reality

Most Bay Area families can manage the daily and weekly items. A recurring bi-weekly clean from Thrive Cleaners covers the weekly and monthly items, leaving your home consistently clean without consuming your weekends.