Things you should clean every Sunday before a busy work week
By Ascah Mwango, August 16, 2026Sunday is the perfect time to deal with the everyday items that often escape the weekly cleaning routine but follow you everywhere.
From the phone you touch all day to the handbag that travels from the office to the matatu, these items can quietly collect dirt, oils, dust and germs. Giving them a little attention every Sunday can make your week feel cleaner, calmer and less chaotic.
Clean your phone and phone case
Your phone is probably one of the most touched things you own. It goes from your hands to your desk, car seat, dining table and sometimes places where you would rather not think too much about what is lurking on the surface.
Give it a proper wipe every Sunday using a soft, lint-free cloth and the cleaning method recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid spraying liquid directly onto the device, particularly around charging ports, speakers and other openings.
The phone case should not be ignored either. Remove it, clean it separately and pay attention to the corners and edges where dust, hair and tiny pieces of dirt tend to hide.
If you have been wondering why your once-clear phone case has developed a mysterious brownish border, Sunday is the day to investigate.
Give your handbag a fresh start
Your handbag carries much more than your essentials. It can become home to receipts, loose change, old shopping lists, makeup, tissues, pens and the occasional snack that has been forgotten for several days.
Empty it before the new week begins. Throw away rubbish, organise your belongings and wipe the inside if the material allows it. Clean the handles and other areas you touch frequently according to the manufacturer’s care instructions.
You should also clean items that live inside your handbag, such as your purse, glasses case and reusable shopping bags.
A tidy handbag saves time during busy mornings and prevents you from carrying unnecessary clutter around all week. There is nothing glamorous about digging through five old receipts while your phone is ringing and you are already late for work.
Wash your reusable water bottle
Reusable water bottles are excellent for staying hydrated, but they need regular cleaning. A bottle that is constantly filled with water and handled throughout the day can develop residue, particularly around the lid, straw, mouthpiece and rubber seals.
Cleveland Clinic recommends regularly washing reusable water bottles and paying attention to removable components and hard-to-reach areas. (Cleveland Clinic)
On Sunday, take the bottle apart as much as possible and wash the different pieces with warm water and dish soap. Use a bottle brush to scrub the inside and pay extra attention to the mouthpiece.
Rinse everything well and allow it to dry completely before putting it back together. If your bottle has a straw, clean inside the straw too because simply washing the outside does not do much.
This small routine means you can head to work on Monday with a clean bottle instead of carrying around last week’s questionable water situation.
Change pillowcases and clean your combs
Your pillowcase spends several hours every night against your skin and hair. During that time, it can collect sweat, natural oils, skincare products and hair products.
Changing your pillowcase on Sunday gives your bedroom a fresh feeling before the work week begins. If you sweat heavily at night or use several hair and skincare products, changing it more frequently may be useful.
Your combs and hairbrushes should also be cleaned regularly. Start by removing trapped hair, then wash them according to the material and care instructions. Product residue and oils can accumulate between the teeth and bristles, making the tool much dirtier than it appears.
It is a small job, but there is something oddly satisfying about running a clean comb through freshly washed hair.
Wash makeup brushes and clean high-touch surfaces
If you wear makeup, Sunday is a good day to clean your brushes. Makeup brushes can collect makeup residue, oil and dead skin, which is why the American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing them every seven to 10 days.
Wash them using lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, rinse thoroughly and leave them flat to dry. Avoid leaving wet brushes standing upright because water can travel into the handle and weaken the glue.
Once you are done with your beauty tools, turn your attention to frequently touched surfaces around the house. Wipe door handles, light switches, taps, remote controls, desk surfaces, cupboard handles and other objects that several people touch regularly.