IN THIS POST
Who doesn’t want their home to look clean and organized at all times? However, thanks to our busy schedules, tending to your house on a daily basis is not an option. In fact, spending your weekend taking care of all the housework can also be rather draining. Therefore, to help you cross off at least a few big items off your regular to-do list, we have put together a list of household chores to do once a year.
Yes, you read it right.
There are quite a few household tasks that should only be done once every 12 months, so once you accomplish them, you won’t have to worry about them until the next year.
Sounds great, doesn’t it?
List of Household Chores to Do Once a Year
Here are some yearly house chores that can make your space look cleaner, tidier and brighter.
Let’s get started.
Clean and Polish Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture tends to collect a lot of dust and dirt. While it is imperative to wipe the furniture, vacuum the cushions, and remove any stains on the fabric every couple of months, please note that you only need to deep clean it once a year. If you have wooden patio furniture, consider polishing it once a year to instantly make it look brand new.
Since most people prefer placing teak wood furniture on their patios, you can wipe it with a clean cloth dipped in a mild solution of liquid soap and water. In case you have plastic or cane outdoor furniture, you can use a relatively strong mixture of water and dishwashing liquid or any other detergent to wash the dirt away. Just make sure you take on this household chore on a sunny day so your furniture dries quickly.
As for the cushions and pillows, you can either vacuum or shampoo them depending on their condition.
Meanwhile, if you are looking to spruce up your patio, check out the rates of different types of outdoor furniture in Pakistan. You may also find our guide on how to waterproof wooden furniture helpful.
Best Time to Accomplish This Household Chore: Spring
Deep Clean Upholstered Furniture
This is yet another item to add to your annual house cleaning checklist.
Depending on your budget and the condition of your furniture, you may want to get the upholstery professionally shampooed or washed. However, if your couch and chairs only require some minor scrubbing and cleaning, consider using these DIY tips to clean upholstery.
Regardless of whether you have fabric, leather or synthetic upholstery, always start by vacuuming your furniture using a brush attachment before moving on to any cleaning solutions. In case your sofa or another piece of furniture has a stubborn stain, you can use a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and detergent to gently scrub it out.
Best Time to Accomplish This Household Chore: Summer/Autumn
Dry Clean Curtains and Drapes
Your curtains and drapes are also included in the list of things to clean once a year.
While blinds require to be dusted on a monthly basis, the vertically hanging curtains and drapes can be cleaned once a year to restore them to their former glory. Although you might not be able to see it, the material of your window treatment can catch a lot of dust particles. Therefore, it is imperative to properly wash them at least once a year.
However, since curtains for larger windows are usually rather heavy, it is suggested to get them dry cleaned professionally. In the meantime, you can wipe the curtain rod, dust the window frames and wash the window pane to make your home look and feel cleaner.
Don’t forget to take a look at our tips on how to keep your curtains clean, as they may come in handy. Also, if you are looking to replace your window treatments, here is a comprehensive guide on different types of curtains and their rates in Pakistan.
Best Time to Accomplish This Household Chore: Spring
Shampoo Carpets and Rugs
Much like your curtain and upholstered furniture, the carpets and rugs in your house also need to be shampooed and deep cleaned once a year and, therefore, must be added to your house chores calendar.
If you want to keep your carpet looking new and smelling fresh for longer, make sure to clean any spills and stains as soon as you spot them. You can also use store-bought cleaners to make your carpet and rugs look clean and brand new. However, if it is really stained, you should hire a professional cleaning service to get the job done.
In case you take the DIY route, make sure to start by thoroughly vacuuming the carpet to get rid of all the dirt, pollen, dust mites, pet dander and other debris trapped under the surface. Then, clean the rug or carpet with a cleaning solution or rent a professional carpet cleaning machine to property shampoo and wash it.
Once done, turn on the fan in the room to ensure the carpet dries quickly and thoroughly, otherwise, you might have to deal with a musty smell that may eventually result in mould infestation.
Best Time to Accomplish This Household Chore: Summer
Clean Behind Appliances
While we all pay special attention to our kitchen counter and the outer surface of electronic appliances, we rarely get a chance to clean out the dirt and debris accumulating behind them in the enclosed space. So, if you are looking for household chores to do once a year, this should definitely be on your list.
Most guides on how to clean your house ignore this problem area as moving the refrigerator, oven, and washing machine away from the wall often requires an extra pair of hands. However, if you want to learn how to clean a house professionally, you must thoroughly clean, vacuum and wipe the hidden spots behind these household appliances at least once every 12 months. You can also use this opportunity to deep clean your appliances to make sure they keep functioning for a long period of time.
Note: Please ensure you have disconnected your electronic appliances before cleaning them.
Best Time to Accomplish This Household Chore: Winter/Spring
So, this is all for our guide on household chores to do once a year. If you want to share your personal house cleaning tips with us, please do so by writing to us at blog@zameen.com.
For more tips on how to clean your house, stay connected to Zameen Blog – the best lifestyle and real estate blog in Pakistan. You can also visit and like our Facebook page to stay up-to-date about the latest property trends in the country.
