Those gorgeous colonial-era homes along Water Street and throughout Exeter's historic downtown weren't built with modern HVAC systems in mind, which means many homeowners here battle the seasonal humidity that seeps into every corner come summer. Between the moisture rolling in from the Squamscott River and New Hampshire's notoriously damp spring months, you're likely dealing with mildew in bathrooms, musty basements, and that particular challenge of keeping hardwood floors clean without letting water sit too long. Add in the sand and salt tracked through from October through April, and the pine pollen that blankets everything each May, and it's clear that maintaining a home in Exeter requires a more strategic approach than your standard cleaning routine.
That's where a room-by-room master cleaning checklist becomes essential rather than optional. Instead of wandering from space to space wondering what you missed last month, a structured checklist ensures you're addressing the specific challenges each room presents while accounting for our local conditions. You'll know exactly when to deep-clean those window sills collecting pollen, how often to tackle humidity-prone areas before problems develop, and which tasks deserve weekly attention versus quarterly deep-dives. The key is building a system that works with your home's specific needs rather than against them.
Daily Tasks (10–15 minutes)
- Wipe kitchen counters after cooking
- Load/run dishwasher; empty in the morning
- Wipe stovetop after use
- Wipe bathroom sink and counter
- Make beds
- Pick up and put away items in main living areas
- Sweep or Roomba kitchen and entry floors
Weekly Tasks by Room
Kitchen
- ☐ Clean stovetop — remove grates or burner covers
- ☐ Wipe down all appliance exteriors
- ☐ Clean microwave interior
- ☐ Sanitize sink basin and faucet
- ☐ Wipe down cabinet faces and handles
- ☐ Clean refrigerator exterior and door seals
- ☐ Empty and sanitize trash can
- ☐ Sweep and mop floor
Bathrooms
- ☐ Scrub toilet bowl; wipe tank, exterior, base
- ☐ Scrub tub/shower — tile walls and floor
- ☐ Clean and sanitize sink and counter
- ☐ Clean mirror streak-free
- ☐ Empty trash; replace or wash bath mat
- ☐ Mop floor
Bedrooms
- ☐ Change and wash bedding
- ☐ Dust all surfaces — nightstands, dressers, shelves
- ☐ Wipe ceiling fan blades
- ☐ Vacuum floor and under bed
- ☐ Clean mirrors; empty trash
Living Areas
- ☐ Dust all furniture and shelving top to bottom
- ☐ Vacuum upholstered furniture including cushion crevices
- ☐ Vacuum or sweep all floor surfaces
- ☐ Mop hard floors
- ☐ Clean TV screen; wipe remotes
- ☐ Dust picture frames and artwork
Monthly Tasks
- ☐ Clean inside refrigerator — shelves, drawers, door bins
- ☐ Clean oven interior
- ☐ Clean dishwasher filter and spray arms
- ☐ Clean washing machine drum and door gasket
- ☐ Wipe down all baseboards
- ☐ Clean window sills and tracks
- ☐ Dust ceiling corners and light fixtures
- ☐ Clean HVAC vents and returns; replace filter
Seasonal Tasks for Exeter
| Season | Priority Tasks |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Post-winter deep clean; remove road salt residue from entries; replace furnace filter |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Open-window dust management; clean window screens; address humidity in basements |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Pre-winter deep clean; dryer vent cleaning; service furnace before cold season |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Salt and mud entry management; humidifier cleaning; post-holiday deep clean |
Professional vs. DIY
Weekly self-cleaning plus a professional deep clean every 4–8 weeks keeps most Exeter homes in excellent condition. Book TotalCare Cleaning when your schedule is full, before a special event, or for the quarterly deep clean that goes beyond weekly maintenance.
Schedule recurring or one-time cleaning in Exeter: (888) 378-7451