Back Human Maintenance Guide

How often should you actually do the things that keep life running? This is a reference guide — not personalized advice. Intervals are general guidelines; your situation may vary.

  • Brush teeth2x daily
  • FlossDaily
  • Self breast/testicular examMonthly
  • Check moles for changesMonthly
  • Dental cleaningEvery 6 months
  • Blood pressure checkEvery 6–12 months
  • Blood work/labsAnnually
  • Physical/wellness checkupAnnually
  • Flu shotAnnually
  • Skin cancer screening (dermatologist)Annually
  • STI/HIV screeningAnnually (if sexually active)
  • Eye examEvery 1–2 years
  • Dental X-raysEvery 1–2 years
  • Mammogram (40+)Every 1–2 years
  • Bone density scan (65+)Every 2 years
  • Pap smearEvery 3 years
  • Hearing testEvery 3–5 years
  • Cholesterol checkEvery 4–6 years
  • Colonoscopy (45+)Every 10 years
  • Tetanus boosterEvery 10 years
  • Colorectal cancer screeningEvery 10 years
  • Prostate exam (men 50+)Annually
  • Shingles vaccine (50+)Once at age 50+
  • Clean dryer lint trapAfter every load
  • Clean washing machine drumMonthly
  • Test smoke/CO detectorsMonthly
  • Clean garbage disposalMonthly
  • Wash shower curtain/linerMonthly
  • Replace HVAC filterEvery 1–3 months
  • Deep clean ovenEvery 3–6 months
  • Clean refrigerator coilsEvery 6 months
  • Clean guttersTwice a year
  • Replace smoke detector batteriesAnnually
  • Chimney inspection/cleaningAnnually
  • Check fire extinguisherAnnually
  • Flush water heaterAnnually
  • Check/replace weatherstrippingEvery 2–3 years
  • Inspect roofEvery 2–3 years
  • Caulk windows, tub & showerEvery 5 years
  • Paint exteriorEvery 5–10 years
  • Replace mattressEvery 7–10 years
  • Replace smoke detectorsEvery 10 years
  • Replace water heaterEvery 8–12 years
  • Replace major appliancesEvery 10–15 years
  • Replace HVAC systemEvery 15–20 years
  • Replace roofEvery 20–30 years
  • Wash carEvery 2 weeks
  • Check tire pressureMonthly
  • Check fluid levelsMonthly
  • Oil changeEvery 5,000–7,500 miles
  • Rotate tiresEvery 5,000–7,500 miles
  • Alignment checkEvery 6,000 miles or annually
  • Detail (interior + exterior)Twice a year
  • Replace wiper bladesEvery 6–12 months
  • Replace cabin air filterEvery 15,000–25,000 miles
  • Replace engine air filterEvery 20,000–30,000 miles
  • Flush brake fluidEvery 2–3 years
  • Replace brake padsEvery 25,000–65,000 miles
  • Flush coolantEvery 30,000 miles / 2–5 years
  • Inspect shocks/strutsEvery 50,000 miles
  • New tiresEvery 25,000–50,000 miles
  • Replace batteryEvery 3–5 years
  • Replace transmission fluidEvery 30,000–60,000 miles
  • Replace spark plugsEvery 30,000–100,000 miles
  • Replace serpentine beltEvery 50,000–100,000 miles
  • Replace timing beltEvery 60,000–100,000 miles
  • Check bank account balanceWeekly
  • Pay credit card billMonthly
  • Review subscriptionsMonthly
  • Review/update budgetMonthly
  • Review investment accountsQuarterly
  • Check credit scoreEvery 3–4 months
  • File taxesAnnually
  • Pull free credit reportAnnually
  • Review insurance coverageAnnually
  • Review emergency fund adequacyAnnually
  • Calculate net worthAnnually
  • Review social security statementAnnually
  • Rebalance investment portfolioAnnually
  • Negotiate service rates (internet, phone)Every 1–2 years
  • Shred/purge sensitive documentsEvery 1–3 years
  • Check for unclaimed propertyEvery few years
  • Update beneficiariesEvery 3–5 years
  • Update estate plan/willEvery 3–5 years
  • Review life insurance needsEvery 5 years
  • Long-term care planning reviewEvery 5 years
  • Review financial power of attorneyEvery 5–10 years
  • Apply SPF sunscreenDaily
  • Exfoliate skin2–3x per week
  • Clean makeup brushesWeekly
  • Wash pillowcaseWeekly
  • Replace razor bladesEvery 1–2 weeks
  • Wash bedsheetsEvery 1–2 weeks
  • Clip fingernailsEvery 1–2 weeks
  • Clip toenailsEvery 2–4 weeks
  • Replace loofa/shower puffEvery 3–4 weeks
  • Deep condition hairMonthly
  • HaircutEvery 4–8 weeks
  • Replace contact lens caseEvery 3 months
  • Replace mascaraEvery 3 months
  • Replace toothbrushEvery 3–4 months
  • Replace running shoesEvery ~6 months (300–500 miles)
  • Wash winter coats/comfortersEvery 6 months
  • Donate unused clothingAnnually
  • Update eyeglass/contact prescriptionEvery 1–2 years
  • Replace sunscreen (check expiration)Every 1–2 years
  • Replace pillowEvery 1–2 years
  • Replace mattressEvery 7–10 years
  • Clean water bowlDaily
  • Scoop litter boxDaily
  • Brush coat (long-haired breeds)Several times a week
  • Brush teethSeveral times a week
  • Dental chews/cleaning treatsSeveral times a week
  • Wash food & water bowlsWeekly
  • Wash pet beddingWeekly
  • Trim nailsEvery 3–4 weeks
  • Flea & tick prevention (topical/collar)Monthly
  • Heartworm preventionMonthly
  • Replace litter box linerMonthly
  • Deep clean litter boxMonthly
  • Bathe (dog)Every 4–6 weeks
  • Professional groomingEvery 6–8 weeks
  • Replace worn toysEvery few months
  • Annual wellness vet visitAnnually
  • Heartworm testAnnually
  • Fecal/parasite examAnnually
  • Rabies vaccine boosterEvery 1–3 years
  • Core vaccines (distemper, etc.)Every 1–3 years
  • Back up phoneWeekly
  • Back up computerWeekly
  • Run software/OS updatesWeekly
  • Clear browser cache & cookiesMonthly
  • Clean keyboard, screen & peripheralsMonthly
  • Review app permissionsEvery few months
  • Rotate important passwordsEvery 3–6 months
  • Review social media privacy settingsEvery 6 months
  • Check for data breaches (HaveIBeenPwned)Every 6 months
  • Unsubscribe from unused email listsEvery 6 months
  • Audit cloud storage (delete old files)Every 6 months
  • Replace phone screen protectorEvery 6–12 months
  • Review & cancel unused subscriptions/appsAnnually
  • Replace phone caseEvery 1–2 years
  • Replace laptop charger/cablesEvery 1–3 years
  • Replace AirPods/earbudsEvery 2–3 years
  • Replace phoneEvery 3–5 years
  • Replace laptopEvery 4–6 years
  • Replace routerEvery 3–5 years
  • Replace smart TVEvery 7–10 years