Every House Cleaning Checklist You Need for Your Cleaning Business [With Downloadable Templates]

WHY TRUST US? The ZenMaid team has eight current and past cleaning business owners, including our CEO and founder Amar, who know the ins and outs of the maid service industry like the back of their hands. They share their expertise with us in product development, with the customer success team, and content, which includes the article you’re about to read. We also partner with some amazing leaders in the cleaning industry, like Debbie Sardone, Angela Brown, Courtney Wisely, Chris Schwab, and more, to provide you with the latest industry insights. The tips and advice you’ll find on our blog have helped our team grow their maid services, and we’re excited to share them with you to help you grow your business too.

Running a maid service comes with its challenges, but making sure every residential clean is up to your standards shouldn’t be one of them. That’s where a solid house cleaning checklist comes in. It helps you stay on top of every detail, keeps your team organized, and ultimately keeps your clients happy. In this guide, you’ll get our favorite house cleaning checklist tips and share some ready-to-use templates.

Coming Soon: ZenMaid Checklists

📲 Downloadable house cleaning Checklist templates

Our team of maid service experts swear by these checklists. Swipe your copy below and then personalize them to fit your cleaning business.

👇 Download Your Customizable Templates 👇

Canva Template Link

Basic house cleaning Checklist template [SPREADSHEET]
Deep cleaning Checklist template [SPREADSHEET]
Move-in/Move-out cleaning Checklist template [SPREADSHEET]
Office cleaning Checklist template [SPREADSHEET]

How to introduce cleaning checklists to your team

Introducing a new system, like a house cleaning checklist, can feel like a big change for your team — especially if they’re used to doing things a certain way. So, how you introduce it really matters. You want to make it clear that checklists aren’t about micromanaging — they’re about setting everyone up for success and ensuring no detail is missed.

Here’s how to roll out cleaning checklists smoothly with your team:

1️⃣ Explain the Why: Start by explaining the benefits. Let your team know that checklists aren’t there to restrict them, but to help them stay organized and ensure every job is done right the first time. Make it clear that it’s a tool to make their lives easier, not harder.

2️⃣ Involve Them in the Process: Get their input. Ask your team for feedback on the checklist and see if they have any suggestions. When your cleaners feel involved in creating the system, they’re more likely to embrace it.

3️⃣ Provide Training: Make sure everyone knows how to use the checklist properly. Walk them through it, and show them how it can help streamline their workflow. This step is crucial, especially for newer team members who might need a little more guidance.

4️⃣ Add Quality Control Checks: Make it clear that these checklists aren’t just a formality — they’re part of your quality control process. Perform regular checks to ensure everything on the checklist is being completed to your standards. This shows your team that using the checklists isn’t optional; it’s essential for maintaining the quality your clients expect.

5️⃣ Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on how things are going. If something isn’t working, tweak the checklist. Stay flexible and open to making improvements as your team gets used to the new system.

Building the perfect house cleaning checklist 🤩

Your residential cleaning checklist should be detailed enough to cover every aspect of the cleaning process but flexible enough to be adapted for different types of services, such as deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, or regular maintenance cleaning.

Here’s a breakdown of what to include in your house cleaning Checklist, categorized by area:

1. General cleaning tasks (Pre-departure)

Oven switched off
Lights turned off
Doors locked
Air conditioning and heating systems turned off
Windows closed and secured

✅ Pro Tip: These tasks are crucial for ensuring the safety and security of your client’s home. Consider placing these items at the top of every checklist to ensure they are never overlooked.

2. Kitchen cleaning tasks

Clean and sanitize sinks and taps
Wipe down countertops and backsplashes
Clean exterior and interior of all appliances (including fridge, oven, and microwave)
Sweep and mop the floor
Empty trash bins and replace liners

✅ Pro Tip: Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces in the kitchen, such as appliance handles and light switches. These areas can harbor bacteria and should be sanitized regularly.

3. Living area cleaning tasks

Dust and wipe down all surfaces (including shelves, tables, and picture frames)
Vacuum carpets and rugs
Sweep and mop hard floors
Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
Tidy up any clutter and organize items

✅ Pro Tip: Encourage your cleaners to move furniture slightly to clean underneath and around it — these hidden areas often accumulate dust and dirt.

4. Bathroom cleaning tasks

Clean and disinfect sinks, countertops, and faucets
Scrub and disinfect toilets, showers, and bathtubs
Wipe down mirrors and glass
Sweep and mop floors
Restock toiletries (if applicable)

✅ Pro Tip: Use a squeegee on shower walls and doors after cleaning to prevent water spots and soap scum buildup, leaving a streak-free finish.

5. Bedroom cleaning tasks

Change bed linens and make beds
Dust all surfaces, including nightstands and dressers
Vacuum carpets and rugs
Wipe down light switches and door handles
Empty trash bins

✅ Pro Tip: Pay attention to detail in bedrooms — fluff pillows, straighten bed skirts, and ensure that everything looks inviting and comfortable.

6. Specialty cleaning tasks (as needed)

Clean and organize closets
Wipe down baseboards and molding
Wash windows (interior and exterior)
Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures
Deep clean carpets and upholstery

✅ Pro Tip: Offering specialty cleaning services can be a great way to upsell your clients on additional services, boosting your revenue and providing a more comprehensive clean.