It may be hard to believe, but spring cleaning is around the corner. Before we know it, people around the world will be flinging off the germs, dust, and clutter of the winter season and embracing fresh and clean living for spring. This annual ritual is a time of optimism about new possibilities, both in our lives and our homes.
The question many of us have, however, is what does spring cleaning include? Never fear, we’ve answered that and much more below in our “House Cleaning 101” on how to prep for spring cleaning. Scroll down to learn what you’ll need to do and buy in our spring-cleaning checklist and deep cleaning room-by-room checklist – and then get going.
House Cleaning 101
Whenever you’re prepping for a major cleaning event, you should think through and write down everything you’re going to do – and everything you need to do it. Your phone will be your best asset for this as you can take notes while you walk from room to room.
List every area that could use a deep cleaning and then take special note of anything you must find or acquire in order to get the task done. Include anything that needs a little TLC to get in top working order again.
When you are ready to clean, you’ll want to go from top to bottom in the house as well as in the specific room. This way any dust or dirt you disrupt will fall to the floor, which will be the last surface you clean before marking it done.
Ready to get going? Start with our spring-cleaning checklist to make sure you’ve got everything organized for maximum success!
Spring Cleaning Checklist
Assess and Declutter
As you are taking notes for areas that you want to tackle during spring cleaning, you should also assess items in your home and consider what you can either pack away in a self-storage unit, donate, or throw out. Declutter as much as you can before you get going with your spring cleaning, as it will make the tasks ahead much easier.
Gather Cleaning Supplies
Your spring cleaning won’t be very successful without the proper tools and supplies. If you haven’t already, try purchasing or making green cleaning supplies to ensure the project is as low-impact and non-toxic as possible. It’s surprising how far you can get with a microfiber cloth, baking soda, and vinegar!
Schedule Cleaning Tasks
The best way to prep for spring cleaning is to create a comprehensive schedule of everything thar you’ve identified needs to be done. Don’t think you’ll get to it when you get to it. Instead, list out when each task will be completed and who, if anyone, you need to hire to get it taken care of. This will keep you on track and motivated as you check tasks off the list!
What Does Spring Cleanup Include?
Spring cleaning is a chance to address places and items in your home that aren’t normally touched during daily, weekly, or even monthly cleans. Martha Stewart includes kitchen cabinets, pantries, gutters, air vents, and window treatments to be fair game during spring cleaning – or any other time you conduct your annual clean.
For those with an outdoor space, spring cleaning should also include yard and garden pick-ups. Cut down any ornamental grasses you’ve left to overwinter, pick up sticks and leftover leaves, and lightly rake your grass to prep it for new growth. You may also want to include your car in your spring cleaning, which includes cleaning off any salt or magnesium chloride from winter de-icing, checking your tires, and washing your floor mats.
If you’re spring cleaning with kids, be clear about your expectations but also try to make it fun. Don’t use cleaning as a punishment. Instead, let your kids be in charge of the situation and try to use the time to teach them something. Approaching the tasks with a light heart and a sense of playfulness will make them much easier and more enjoyable to accomplish.
In addition to cleaning their own spaces, many people help their relatives spring clean as well. While the basics are the same, these situations can be a little tricky at times, especially if you’re trying to spring clean with a hoarder. If this is what you’re dealing with, try to be compassionate, go slowly, and count every step forward as a win.
Deep Cleaning Room by Room Checklist
Now for the fun stuff! Keep scrolling for the nitty gritty of deep cleaning room by room. Read through and add anything you’ve noted to the list – as well as the dates you expect the chores to get done.
Living Room
- Dust ceiling, light fixtures, and walls
- Clean windows and wall décor
- Dust and sanitize surfaces
- Wash soft items like throw pillows, blankets, and sofa covers
- Deep cleaning carpet or rugs
- Declutter as you go
- Repot and tidy up houseplants
Kitchen
- Empty cabinets, toss expired food, clean and sanitize interiors, replace any liners, wipe down the exteriors
- Empty refrigerator and freezer, sanitize surfaces, dust the top and sides, vacuum the coils, back grate and floor
- Empty drawers, reorganize and declutter items, sanitize interiors, replace and liners, wipe down the exteriors
- Deep clean your oven with baking soda and vinegar, clean and degrease your range hood, clean and sanitize your dishwasher and faucets
- Use a microfiber cloth or reusable paper towel to clean and sanitize all countertops, door pulls, cabinet handles, doorknobs, and anything else that is frequently touched
- Sweep and mop floor
Bedrooms
- Wash curtains and all bedding, including pillows and mattress covers
- Flip and vacuum mattresses
- Dust ceilings, walls, wall décor and all other surfaces
- Vacuum or steam-clean carpet and rugs
- Donate unused items, including clothes and books
- Empty drawers, replace liners and refold clothing
- Bring unused metal hangers to your local dry cleaner
Bathrooms
- Descale the shower head with vinegar
- Clean and sanitize shower curtains/doors, tub, tile, and counters
- Clean and sanitize sinks and toilets
- Run boiling water down the drains
- Wash hand towels
- Clean and sanitize bathroom tools, like the plunger and toilet brush
Home Office
- Declutter books, papers, and other debris
- Dust light fixtures, walls, and ceiling
- Vacuum desk, chair, and floor
- Clean drapes
- Wash windows
- Clean and sanitize electronics
- Empty and clean wastepaper basket
Hopefully you feel energized and ready to tackle all the chores on your spring-cleaning checklist! Don’t be afraid to take it little by little; Rome wasn’t built – or cleaned – in a day.
