Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist to Refresh Your Home

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Spring is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for your annual deep cleaning at home. Spring cleaning not only helps you refresh your living space (which is what the season is all about!), but it also ensures that you get rid of any built-up dust and dander before allergy season hits full force. Although cleaning your entire home thoroughly might never be completely effortless.

Whether you prefer to start cleaning from the attic to the basement or tackle outdoor areas before moving inside, it’s important to create a realistic schedule and focus on one task at a time. More involved projects like mopping floors and organizing closets may require several days, but with a bit of planning, you’ll eventually check everything off your list and enjoy a spotlessly clean home by the end of it.

Restock Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you dive into your spring cleaning, it’s crucial to ensure you have all the necessary tools to tackle every task on your list. The specific cleaning supplies you need may vary based on your personal cleaning preferences, but as a general guide, most spring cleaning kits should include the following:

Bucket
Clean microfiber cloths
Sponges
Reusable spray bottle
All-purpose cleaner
Duster
White distilled vinegar
Baking soda
Dish soap
Vacuum
Mop

What to Clean in Every Room

To achieve a thorough spring cleaning, there are some essential tasks you should complete in every room of your house, from the attic to the basement.

Clean Baseboards

Take advantage of spring cleaning to give your baseboards some attention. Although often overlooked, clean baseboards provide the perfect finishing touch. Easily clean them using a vacuum with a bristled brush hose attachment to eliminate dust; then, wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner.

Dust

Dust inevitably accumulates in every room, no matter how hard you try to prevent it. When dusting, start from the top of the room and work your way down, vacuuming any settled dust on the floor. This includes tackling hard-to-reach places like the tops of ceiling fans and window casings.

Remember to dust your books and bookshelves too. Remove everything from the shelves, and use a feather duster to brush both the shelves and the books. Reach into tight spots with the dust brush or crevice tool on a vacuum. Wipe the spines of leather-bound books with a clean, soft cloth.

Vacuum

Give all your floors a thorough vacuuming to pick up crumbs and loose dirt. It’s common for dirt and bacteria to be tracked into the house from shoes, potentially breaking down carpet fibers and harboring pollutants that can affect your health. Regular vacuuming helps keep your home clean and healthy.

Mop

Even if you already mop your floors regularly, make sure to include it in your spring cleaning checklist. Floors are among the most frequently used areas in our homes, making regular mopping essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic living space.

Shampoo Rugs

For synthetic carpets and rugs with waterproof backings, use a rotary shampoo machine and a hot-water extraction machine for a deep clean. Rugs without backings, such as Oriental rugs, may require professional cleaning.

Wipe Walls and Ceilings

Over time, walls and ceilings can accumulate unwanted marks and grime. To clean them, start by using a vacuum to remove dust. Then, address stubborn surface grime—common in kitchens—with a solvent-free degreaser. Before using it on a larger area, test it in an inconspicuous spot to ensure it won’t damage the surface.

Reseal Grout Lines

The cement-based material between wall, floor, and countertop tiles is highly porous and prone to staining. Protect it by applying a penetrating grout sealer, ideally using a small foam brush for precise application.

Clean Upholstered Furnishings

To freshen up your upholstered furniture, take the cushions outside and gently beat them by hand to remove dust. For any stains, check the care labels for specific instructions. Use the upholstery and crevice tools on a vacuum to clean beneath seat cushions.

Polish Metal Door and Window Hardware

Restore the shine to dull knobs, hinges, and other metal finishes with a quick polish. Liquid polishes or polish-impregnated cloths work well for surfaces with moderate tarnishing, while pastes and creams are better for heavier tarnish.

Wax Surfaces

For wooden surfaces, wipe them down with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild dishwashing liquid. Apply paste wax using a cotton rag folded into a square pad, working on small sections at a time. Let the wax dry and then buff it with a clean cloth.

Additionally, if vinyl or linoleum floors have lost their shine, use a polish specifically designed for those surfaces. Most stone and tile floors can be treated with either paste or liquid wax made for their material.

Clean Window Furnishings

Give attention to drapes, curtains, and blinds, even though we don’t interact with them directly. They can accumulate dust and odors from around the home. Giving them some extra care every season, but always check the material before washing—some may need professional dry cleaning.

Wash Window Screens

Throughout the year, window screens gather a lot of dirt. Clean them by scrubbing with warm water and mild dishwashing liquid, using a brush. Once cleaned, rinse them thoroughly with water.

Clean Light Fixtures

Light fixtures tend to collect dust, especially ceiling fans. For lamps, always unplug them to allow them to cool before starting the cleaning process.