Heart & Hearth
Weekly Cleaning Routines to Keep Your Home Guest-Ready
There’s something so peaceful about knowing your home is always ready to welcome guests. I’m officially in my “mother era,” and while I’d love to be ready at all times, we all know that unless we’re expecting someone, it’s a mad dash to tidy up before they arrive! All it takes is effort and a little love. When I walk into someone’s home, I’m not thinking, “Wow, they cleaned their baseboards”. No, I’m just happy to be there, surrounded by kind people. That said, a clean home does create a calm and inviting atmosphere for you and your family.
Establishing a weekly cleaning routine can help you stay on top of household chores without feeling overwhelmed. I’ve been implementing this myself for the past couple of weeks. Here’s how to build a manageable routine that will keep your home guest-ready all week long.
“Home isn’t a place. Home is the people who love you. Forever and ever, no matter what”.
– Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Why a Weekly Cleaning Routine Works
Having a schedule tailored to my needs has made all the difference. For example, vacuuming twice a week to keep the floors tidy, cleaning the shower every two weeks to stay on top of grime, and wiping down the kitchen after every meal. At the end of the day, I like to “put my kitchen to bed” by doing a final wipe-down and ensuring everything is in its place. These small habits help keep the house manageable and welcoming, even with a busy family life.
Having little ones around the house creates extra mess, but it’s also a reminder of the joy they bring. Cleaning up after them—whether tidying, preparing meals, or doing laundry—is an act of love. Embracing this perspective turns routine chores into moments of gratitude.
“What a privilege it is to clean a house made dirty by healthy children playing, to wash dishes because we were able to eat 3 meals today, to clear away the bath toys because we had hot water and to do piles of laundry because we all have clean clothes to wear every day”.
– Unknown
A weekly cleaning routine breaks down tasks into manageable chunks, ensuring you don’t have to spend an entire day deep cleaning. By staying consistent, you’ll prevent messes from piling up and make hosting guests—whether planned or spontaneous—a stress-free experience. Maintaining a clean and organized home doesn’t just benefit your physical space—it can also improve your mental health. A tidy environment helps reduce stress, fosters a sense of calm, and creates a welcoming space for family and guests alike.
What does being guest-ready mean to you? Do you find it challenging to stay on top of daily chores?
Daily Essentials
Before diving into your weekly schedule, make it a habit to tackle these daily tasks:
- Make the Beds: A made bed instantly makes a bedroom feel tidier. See video below.
- Wipe Down Counters: Keep kitchen and bathroom surfaces clean and clutter-free. These are my favorite Swedish Dishcloths! They are reusable just by placing in your dishwasher – in a way they have replaced my paper towels.
- Do a Quick Tidy: Spend 10-15 minutes picking up things that are out of place. If you haven’t read my post about How to Make Your House a Home With Heart, it has some good information. Linked is a free download of my Homemaking List in that post!
- Do the Dishes: Prevent a pile-up by washing dishes or loading the dishwasher after every meal. I try to pick up/clean as I am in the process of making my meals, it makes the clean up afterwards go a lot faster.
Weekly Cleaning Schedule
Here’s an example of a cleaning schedule to keep your home fresh and guest-ready. Remember, you don’t have to do it all—just choose what works for you in your current season of life. Adjust it as needed!
Monday: Tidy the Living Areas
- Dust surfaces like coffee tables, shelves, and TV stands.
- Fluff pillows and fold blankets.
- Vacuum or sweep floors.
Tuesday: Kitchen “Deep” Clean
- Wipe down cabinets, appliances, and backsplashes.
- Clean out the refrigerator and toss expired items.
- Mop the kitchen floor.
Wednesday: Bathroom Refresh
- Scrub sinks, toilets, and showers.
- Wipe mirrors and countertops.
- Replace towels and restock essentials like toilet paper and soap.
Thursday: Bedrooms
- Change bed linens and pillowcases.
- Dust nightstands and dressers.
- Vacuum or sweep floors.
Friday: Entryway and Hallways
- Sweep and mop entryway floors.
- Wipe down light switches and door handles.
- Organize shoes, coats, and bags.
Saturday: Outdoor Areas
- Sweep porches or patios.
- Tidy outdoor furniture.
- Water plants or clean up the garden.
Sunday: Rest and Reset
- Relax and enjoy your clean home!
- Do a final walkthrough of the home, tidying up any lingering messes.
- Plan meals and prep for the week ahead.
Tips for Success
- Set Timers: Dedicate a set amount of time to each task to stay focused. Even just 10-15 minutes works wonders! This has been helpful for me when it comes to folding laundry that needs to be done before bedtime.
- Use Quality Tools: Invest in efficient cleaning tools like microfiber cloths. Love the idea of having different colors of cloths for different tasks, like bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
- Involve the Family: Assign age-appropriate tasks to everyone in the household. This actually helps young children/teens feel like they have purpose, and help them develop good cleaning habits before they leave the house.
What are your favorite tools or tricks for making cleaning easier? How do you involve your family in the process? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
The Guest Ready Test
To quickly gauge if your home is guest-ready, ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable hosting a friend or family member right now?” If the answer is yes, your routine is working! If not, adjust your schedule to focus on high-traffic areas.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your home guest-ready doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a simple, consistent weekly cleaning routine, you can enjoy a clean, inviting space every day. You’ll be prepared for unexpected visitors and create a more peaceful environment for your loved ones.
To make it even easier, I’ve created a free printable version of this cleaning schedule! Download it and customize it to fit your home and lifestyle. I love to print off and keep where I am going to see daily as a reminder, even if it’s only 10 minutes a day!
What part of this routine are you excited to try? Let me know in the comments how you keep your home guest-ready!