Dead leaves and faded flowers should be removed as soon as you notice them, but realistically, a quick check once a week works well for most people. Leaving dead material on the plant doesn’t just look untidy; it can attract pests and encourage fungal issues when moisture gets trapped around decaying bits.
For flowering plants, regularly snipping off spent blooms (deadheading) often encourages more flowers to form, because the plant doesn’t waste energy on seeds. For leafy houseplants, removing yellow or brown leaves keeps the plant looking fresh and lets you spot problems early. A lot of yellowing at once can signal overwatering, underwatering or lack of nutrients.
Use clean scissors or pruners, and don’t be afraid to trim carefully. You’re not hurting the plant; you’re helping it focus on healthy growth.