Spring Cleaning Checklists

Spring cleaning can seem like an overwhelming task. Use our series of room-by-room checklists to help you plan and track your progress!

Kitchen

• Open the windows to let fresh air in and cleaning fumes out.
• Declutter. Clean and store (or get rid of) any kitchen gadgets or cookware you don’t use regularly. Check water bottles, travel mugs and plastic storage containers for wear and tear or missing pieces. If you’re feeling brave, tackle the junk drawer and see if you can find better homes for its contents.
• Defrost the freezer, if needed. Discard food that has passed its prime or shows signs of freezer burn.
• Empty and clean the refrigerator. Check the dates on condiments and make a list of anything you will need to replace. Many refrigerators have removable shelves and drawers for easy cleaning. Take this opportunity to change up your shelf positions if you think there’s a better way to use the space.
• Dust surfaces from top to bottom. Start with the ceiling, ceiling fan blades, cabinet tops, the tops of doors and the top of the refrigerator, then work your way down to the cabinet and pantry shelves, countertops, chairs and tables. Be sure to empty each shelf as you go and replace shelving paper as needed before you refill it. Discard any unsafe food items you may find along the way and make a donation box for foods that are still good, but unlikely to be eaten.
• Vacuum vents and refrigerator coils. If your hood has a filter, be sure to change or clean it according to manufacturer’s directions.
• Clean the oven(s), cooktop, microwave and dishwasher.
• Wipe down walls, backsplashes, cabinet doors, hoods, light switches, window sills and baseboards.
• Clean countertops, faucets and sinks—including the garbage disposal.
• Sweep and mop the floor, making sure to clean under the refrigerator and any other standing appliances.
• Wash windows, glass appliance surfaces and light fixtures. Consider switching incandescent bulbs for more energy-efficient lighting.
• Launder and change out seasonal linens and curtains. Lighter colors and fabrics will help bring the freshnss of spring into your bright, clean kitchen!

Mudroom/Foyer

• Climate permitting, clean and pack away any winter wear or gear (snow suits, hats, scarves, mittens, seasonal sports equipment, etc.).
• Dust the ceiling, the tops of doors, any available shelving and other surfaces.
• Clean windows, mirrors and light fixtures.
• Polish wood surfaces, such as benches or built-in storage.
• Clean or replace area rugs and doormats.
• Sweep and mop the floor.
• Unpack and organize spring/summer wear and gear.
• Improve or upgrade storage as necessary. 

Common areas (living room, great room, media room, dining room, etc.)

• Open the windows to let fresh air in and cleaning fumes out.
• Set aside a box, bag or basket for each member of the household and fill it with the personal items that tend to accumulate in common areas—but shouldn’t. If you have further decluttering to do, add a box for donations or garage sale items.
• Clean and pack season-specific décor.
• Dust surfaces from top to bottom. Start with the ceiling, ceiling fan blades, cabinet tops, the tops of doors and picture frames, and the mantel, then work your way down to shelving, art niches, the entertainment center and tabletops. Be sure to empty each shelf as you go before you refill it.
• When you’re ready to dust electronics, be sure to label your cords so it will be easy to reconnect everything. Use canned air to blow out vents and other nooks and crannies, and be sure to use electronics-safe cleaning products and electrostatic cloths according to manufacturers’ guidelines.
• Wipe down walls, light switches, doorknobs, window sills and baseboards.
• Vacuum upholstery and area rugs. Treat any stains as you find them.
• Vacuum, sweep and/or mop floors as needed. Be sure to move furniture to clean underneath. If you’ve been thinking of rearranging your seating, now’s a good time to experiment.
• Polish wood furniture.
• Clean windows, fireplace glass and light fixtures.
• Bring out your spring- and summer-inspired décor. Lighter curtains, brighter throws and pillows, and fresh-cut flowers can help banish the winter blahs.

Bathrooms

• Discard or store toiletries that aren’t used regularly.
• Clean and pack any seasonal décor and linens.
• Dust surfaces from top to bottom. Start with the ceiling, the tops of doors and picture frames, then work your way down to shelving and countertops. Be sure to empty each shelf and drawer as you go and replace shelving paper and drawer liners as needed.
• Wipe down walls, light switches, doorknobs, window sills and baseboards.
• Launder or replace bathmats and shower curtains.
• Scour sinks and faucets, the shower surround, tub and toilet with cleaners that are appropriate for your surfaces.
• Clean windows, mirrors, light fixtures, towel racks, countertops and backsplashes.
• Sweep and mop floors.
• Place clean or new linens, curtains and rugs.
• If you routinely have cluttered counters, think about creating some new storage solutions.

Bedrooms

• Open the windows to let fresh air in and cleaning fumes out.
• Each member of the household should make time to declutter and clean his or her own bedroom, starting with the closet. See our articles, 8 Closet-organization Ideas and How to Organize Your Closet in One Saturday when you’re ready to tackle that task.
• Strip the bed, then turn and refresh the mattress, if needed. Launder and pack away winter bed linens and blankets. Don’t forget to wash your pillows!
• Dust surfaces from top to bottom. Start with the ceiling, ceiling fan blades, the tops of doors and picture frames, then work your way down to shelving, lamps and tabletops. Be sure to empty each shelf as you go and replace shelving paper as needed before you refill it.
• Wipe down walls, light switches, doorknobs, window sills and baseboards.
• Vacuum, sweep and/or mop floors as needed. Be sure to move what furniture you can to clean underneath.
• Polish wood furniture.
• Clean windows, mirrors and light fixtures.
• Make the bed with freshly-laundered, spring-weight sheets and throw pillows. Looking for ways to bring the season indoors? Check out our spring ideas for the home on Pinterest!
  

Kid clutter (any location)

• Take this opportunity to purge toys and games that are broken, have missing pieces or no longer hold your child’s interest.
• If needed, clean stuffed animals according to manufacturer’s directions.
• Surface clean toys and games according to manufacturer’s directions.
• Take stock of your child’s art supplies. Make a list of anything that needs replenishing.
• Go through your children’s books and set aside the ones that they’ve outgrown. You may find it’s time for a trip to the book store! If you’re planning to move soon and need to prepare a little one, check out this list of recommendations.
• Look for ways to improve on your storage system.

Home office

• Declutter the desk. If you have a buildup of paperwork, set aside time to sort it into “file,” “shred” and “scan” piles. The more things you can shred or scan and save electronically (and then shred), the easier it will be to organize what’s left. Caution: Don’t let this step derail your cleaning efforts. If you have more paperwork than you can sort in an afternoon, just box it up and set it aside until you have the time.
• Dust surfaces from top to bottom. Start with the ceiling, ceiling fan blades, bookcase tops, and the tops of doors and picture frames, then work your way down to shelving, tables and desks.
• When you’re ready to dust electronics, be sure to label your cords so it will be easy to reconnect everything. Use canned air to blow out fan vents, keyboards and other crevices. Be sure to use electronics-safe cleaning products and electrostatic cloths according to manufacturers’ guidelines.
• Wipe down walls, light switches, doorknobs, window sills and baseboards.
• Vacuum upholstery and area rugs. Treat any stains as you find them.
• Vacuum, sweep and/or mop floors as needed. Be sure to move furniture to clean underneath.
• Polish wood furniture.
• Clean windows, framed art glass and light fixtures.
• If you’re looking for ways to make your home office more efficient and attractive, check out our article, 6 Home Office Ideas: Get Organized and Love Your Office.

Laundry room

• Finish any lingering laundry, so it won’t be in your way.
• Remove anything that doesn’t belong in the laundry room—clean laundry, sports equipment, cold weather gear, etc.
• If it’s time, call a professional to clean your dryer vent. Regular cleaning helps keep your dryer running efficiently and reduces fire risk.
• Clean and inspect your dryer hose. Blockages and cracks can make your dryer run less efficiently.
• Clean the inside of your washer and dryer according to manufacturers’ guidelines.
• Dust surfaces from top to bottom. Start with the ceiling, cabinet tops and the tops of doors, then work your way down to the washer and dryer, shelving, ironing board, etc. Be sure to empty each shelf as you go and replace shelving paper as needed. Keep a running list of supplies that need replenishment.
• Wipe down walls, light switches, doorknobs, window sills and baseboards.
• Sweep and/or mop floors. Be sure to clean underneath the washer and dryer.
• Clean windows and light fixtures.
• For more laundry organization ideas, check out our article, 5 Steps for Organizing Your Laundry Room.

Check out our other spring cleaning and decluttering articles for more tips!