Chore Time Estimator
Estimate how long household chores will take based on home size, number of people, and chore type.
Plan your cleaning schedule easily.
Knowing how long chores take helps you plan your week, divide tasks fairly between household members, and avoid the overwhelming feeling of an all-day cleaning marathon. Time estimates vary widely depending on home size, clutter level, number of occupants, and how thoroughly you clean.
How Chore Time Is Estimated
This calculator uses average base times per chore type, then adjusts for your home’s square footage (or metres), the number of people living there, and how deeply you want to clean.
Average Base Times (per session, average home)
| Chore | Light Clean | Standard | Deep Clean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuuming | 15 min | 30 min | 60 min |
| Mopping | 15 min | 25 min | 45 min |
| Dusting | 10 min | 20 min | 40 min |
| Bathroom | 10 min | 20 min | 40 min |
| Kitchen | 15 min | 30 min | 60 min |
| Laundry (1 load) | 5 min active | 5 min | 10 min |
| Dishes | 10 min | 15 min | 25 min |
| Tidying / Declutter | 10 min | 20 min | 45 min |
| Windows | 10 min | 20 min | 45 min |
| Ironing (per item) | 2 min | 3 min | 5 min |
Size Adjustment
A home under 80 m² (860 sq ft) takes roughly 30–40% less time than a 200 m² (2,150 sq ft) home for the same tasks. The calculator scales estimates based on your floor area.
People Adjustment
More occupants mean more mess, more laundry, and more dishes. Each additional person adds roughly 10–20% to cleaning time for whole-home tasks.
Tips for Faster Cleaning
- Clean top to bottom — dust before vacuuming, never after.
- Use a systematic pattern — work room by room, left to right.
- Keep cleaning supplies in every bathroom to avoid carrying them around.
- Daily maintenance (5–10 minutes) dramatically reduces weekly deep-clean time.
- Set a timer — you’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in focused 15-minute bursts.
Weekly vs Monthly Chores
Not all chores need to be done every week. Vacuuming and dishes are weekly (or daily). Wiping down appliances and cleaning bathrooms thoroughly can be weekly. Deep-cleaning fridges, washing windows, and scrubbing tile grout are monthly or quarterly tasks.
Use this calculator to build a realistic schedule you can actually stick to.