A nightly cleaning routine may sound like the last thing you want to do before heading to bed, but experts say it can make all the difference. Certain routine tasks like addressing odors, dirt, and grime buildup don’t often require a lot of time or effort and will set you up for success.

“A few simple cleaning habits before bed can make your mornings smoother and your home fresher,” Lauren Houser, cleaning expert at Zep, says.

To help you maintain a clean home and start the day off on the right foot, we asked cleaning pros to share quick and easy cleaning tasks you should do every night before going to bed.

Clean Kitchen Surfaces

Cleaning kitchen surfaces is an essential nightly task according to the cleaning expert, as it helps prevent germ and grease buildup.

“A quick wipe-down each night helps maintain a fresh, clean kitchen, while a degreaser can break down tough buildup and ensure surfaces stay spotless,” Houser says.

She shares the surprising fact that the kitchen sink is one of the dirtiest surfaces in your home, sometimes containing more bacteria than a toilet seat. Additionally, cooking and meal prep leave behind grease, food particles, and germs, which is why she says cleaning not just the sink but countertops as well is a top priority.

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

Sweep Floors in High-Traffic Areas

Dust, dirt, and spills accumulate throughout the day and Houser recommends keeping floors looking fresh by addressing high-traffic areas. She says these are typically spaces such as hallways, entryways, and kitchens.

Take the pro’s advice and quickly sweep floors in these areas before going to bed in order to remove dust and crumbs.

Run or Load the Dishwasher

To avoid waking up to an unpleasant odor and a sink full of dirty dishes, Karina Toner, an operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says you should run or at least load the dishwasher every night. The expert recommends loading the dishwasher after dinner and running it if it’s full.

If there are only a few dirty dishes, hand wash them to prevent unwanted smells from forming overnight.

Wipe Down Bathroom Fixtures

Regular cleaning is the key to spotless, streak-free bathroom fixtures according to Houser, which is why giving them a quick wipe-down every night is important. The pro explains that sinks, faucets, and mirrors collect water spots, toothpaste splatter, and fingerprints throughout the day.

For a quick nightly clean, she recommends using a foaming cleaner that makes it easy to remove grime and restore a streak-free, one-wipe shine.

Fluff Couch Pillows and Fold Blankets

Make fluffing couch pillows and folding blankets as part of your nightly routine to keep your home looking clean and put-together. Toner says quickly straightening up pillows and neatly folding blankets before heading to bed instantly makes your living space feel tidy and inviting.

If you have pets in your home, use a pet hair remover to quickly remove fur from upholstery, rugs, and decorative textiles. Not only will this make your space look neater, ibut it will also help prevent pet odors from lingering.

Eliminate Odors

Odors tend to linger even in clean homes, but cleaning experts say there are simple steps you can take every evening to keep them from lingering overnight.

“If your trash is full or has food scraps, take it out before bed to keep your kitchen fresh,” Toner says.

In addition to trash cans, pet areas, carpeting, upholstered furniture, and even window treatments can hold onto odors. Houser recommends a quick nightly spritz of a fabric and air refresher to neutralize odors instead of trying to mask them, in order to prevent them from setting in overnight.

Slow and clogged drains are another source of foul odors and can benefit from an overnight treatment according to Houser. She says they are often caused by grease, soap scum, and organic buildup and recommends pouring an enzymatic drain cleaner down kitchen and bathroom drains before going to bed and allowing it to work overnight.