9 Things All Smart Homeowners Should Do Once a Week

Do a once-over

go on your list, too.

Throw out five things

Clean your stove’s vent

Most homeowners are already good about wiping down their stovetop on at least a weekly basis, but don’t stop there. Remove the overhead vent and give it a rinse to remove the grease and food residue buildup. “That can prevent fire,” says Dodson. “Your food might taste better, too.”

Clear out your “drop zone”

Most homes have one area where clutter starts to build up, whether it’s mail building up on the kitchen table or a pile of clothes on a bedroom chair. While it’s better to contain the clutter than to let it spill all over the house, that buildup can get overwhelming. “I encourage people to get their stuff in the ‘drop zone’ and then go back and restore order there,” says Richmond. “I make a point to put those things away when I have a breath.”

Vacuum

Of course, you know you need to vacuum when you start seeing pet dander and dirt building up, but that’s not the only reason you should clean your floors. “Not only are you moving dust and dirt from the floors, but you’re protecting your HVAC filters,” says Dodson. If you aren’t changing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning filters or vacuuming the floors frequently enough, pet hair and other particles can build up and take a toll on the system, she says.