Summer Cleaning Survival Guide

School is out and the kids are home which means messes can pile up quickly. Finding a balance between work, family, and your home can feel impossible.
Zep’s Summer Cleaning Survival Guide breaks down the most tedious cleaning tasks into manageable daily goals, giving you more time to enjoy the summer season with less time spent scrubbing. Plus, we're sharing Zep pro tips, product recommendations, and an editable tracker to help you clean faster and more effectively.
WEEKLY BREAKDOWN
Day: Sunday
Focus: Prep
Tasks:
- Wash & fold any remaining laundry
- Grocery shop
- Wash dishes
Pro Tip: Achieve a small win by starting your laundry or dishwasher first. While they run, you can work on other tasks.
Day: Monday
Focus: Reset
Tasks:
- Tidy up the living room and other shared spaces
- Wipe down kitchen counters
- Vacuum/sweep high traffic areas
Product Recommendation: Zep Vinegar Pro Multi-Surface Cleaner is a great solution for every day, light cleaning. It’s safe on all surfaces and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals.
Day: Tuesday
Focus: Bathroom
Tasks:
- Tidy and wipe down countertops
- Clean toilet & empty trash
- Pick up any laundry or towels
Product Recommendation: Use Zep Shower, Tub, and Tile Cleaner to break up soap scum, hardwater, and grime on multiple bathroom surfaces.
Day: Wednesday
Focus: Laundry
Tasks:
- Wash 1-2 loads
- Fold & put away (avoid the dreaded laundry pile)
Product Recommendation: Zep Air & Fabric Odor Eliminator neutralizes odors on contact and can be used on clothes, carpet, and upholstery for a quick refresh during the week.
Day: Thursday
Focus: Kitchen
Tasks:
- Fridge clean out (make a list of any items that need to be restocked)
- Wipe down appliances
- Clean countertops & any dishes
Product Recommendation: Zep Plus Foaming Kitchen Cleaner offers 2-in-1 action to lift stuck-on food and grease while protecting kitchen surfaces from future stains.
Day: Friday
Focus: Floors & Dusting
Tasks:
- Vacuum & mop floors
- Wipe down surfaces that have been collecting dust
Product Recommendation: Zep Spray Mop Refill & Floor Cleaner can be used on multiple types of flooring including tile, hardwood, and laminate. It also works in most spray mops, making it a quick and easy solution.
Day: Saturday
Focus: Choose Your Chore
Tasks:
- Tackle a task or chore you’ve been putting off— like cleaning out the junk drawer, organizing toys, or scrubbing baseboards.
Pro Tip: Try pairing the task with something you enjoy like a podcast, audiobook, or playlist.
This guide is designed to help you manage home care in bite-sized pieces. Keep in mind we aren't aiming for perfection but are trying to find balance. To make it even easier, we’ve created a downloadable and customizable spreadsheet where you can check off daily tasks and tailor the routine to fit your household. Download it here!
- Zep Inc.