Annual Cleaning Checklist {free printable}

Looking for a way to stay on top of those big cleaning tasks that only need to be done once or twice a year? Check out this annual cleaning checklist printable, plus there is a blank one for you to customize for your cleaning needs too!

The final stop in our cleaning checklist process is what I call annual chores – those things that you might only do once or twice a year (or quarterly) but are equally important.

As I eluded to on here, if I don’t have a list to keep me on top of things then chances are they won’t get done.

Part of the process we went through in creating a monthly checklist was to go through our homes, room by room, to identify any of those big chores that don’t need to get done on a weekly basis.

While I was doing that I came across a few chores that didn’t need to be done monthly but every so often, hence our annual cleaning checklist.

When creating an annual checklist I realized that I had two types of chores – those that needed to be done quarterly (about 4 times a year) and those that only needed to be done once or twice.

So I created another handy-dandy useful printable to help keep track of all the chores and tasks around the house.

Below is a list of chores that I came up with that are relevant to me and my home.

Like always please don’t feel you have to copy my list if you don’t already have an annual chores list. Rather use mine as an inspiration to help get you started.

Annual Cleaning Checklist

Quarterly– These are the chores to complete every 3 months

• Clean all vents– dust with a rag and if they are super dirty I may even remove it to wash
• Wash mattress covers
• Wash blankets– these are the ones that we use in our living room and my kids use to build their forts (I’m sure this happens in your home too… right?) ?
• Vacuum dryer vent– not the actual tube that connects the dryer to the circulation vent (my husband does that one) but periodically I vacuum out the vent that when I remove the lint buildup.
• Clean and rotate personal toiletry products– switch out toothbrushes, wash makeup and hair brushes, replace contact cases, etc.
• Clean inside of all windows
• Deep clean refrigerator and freezer– I outline this process here.
• Test batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors  
• Closet purging and organization– I do my main purging twice a year, but I do keep on top of making sure the clothing in my wardrobe fits, isn’t damaged and is organized.
• Sweep and clean garage
• Rotate and store seasonal decor– This also includes rotating in seasonal books for my kids

Once or Twice a Year– These are the chores to complete every 6 months

• Flip mattresses
• Wash shower curtain and liner– I can usually get away with washing my plastic shower liner at least one time if not twice, and my shower curtain I have washed several times and still looks great. Just be sure to read the washing instructions on your curtain, usually, I wash mine in the delicate cycle on cold water (I may have melted part of my shower liner before due to a warmer cycle!) 
• Clean outside of windows
• Size children’s clothing– This is best done before the changing seasons (summer to fall/winter, and winter to spring/summer).
• Purge unnecessary items– We keep a giveaway pile in the attic and twice a year we make plans to either have it picked up or I take loads to our nearby donation center.
• Dry clean seasonal clothing– winter coats, linen dresses, etc.
• Clean Oven
• Clean and store outdoor furniture and planters- Any yard care items (lawn mowers, etc.) or seasonal play toys that get stored away for the season (snow shovels, sleds, water toys, etc.).
• Clean basement and attic storage
• Sort, organized and purge important files and documents

I also included a notes section because it always seems like some big cleaning task comes up that needs to get done but may not necessarily be something you do every year.

This could also be a place where you write down any major home renovation projects that you have planned for the year.

And of course, I have a blank annual checklist for you to write in the chores that work for you. You can keep this in a clear plastic page protector and use a dry erase marker to save paper.

It’s also editable which means that once you download it to your computer, you can type in your specific tasks and print off!

Both annual cleaning checklist printables are housed in our exclusive Creative Home Keeper Resource Library that is available for our email subscribers. To gain access, enter your email list below.

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What are some annual cleaning tasks that you do that I didn’t think to include on mine?