Spring is here, and that means it’s time for some spring cleaning! A thorough clean can make your home feel fresh, tidy, and revitalized. As tempting as it may be to do a quick once-over, taking the time for a deep clean is worth the effort. Here’s how I tackle a thorough spring clean of my home from top to bottom.
Out With The Old
The first step in my spring cleaning routine is clearing out clutter and getting rid of things I no longer need. This helps create more space and makes cleaning easier.
Sort Through Closets and Drawers
I start by sorting through closets, dressers, and other storage areas. This often reveals clothes I haven’t worn in ages or items I’d forgotten about. I make three piles – keep, donate/sell, and trash. If I’m unsure about an item, I ask myself:
- When was the last time I used or wore this?
- Does it still fit and flatter me?
- Would I buy this item again today?
If the answer is no, into the donate or trash pile it goes!
Declutter Other Areas
Next, I tackle clutter in other areas like the garage, home office, and kitchen. I go through cabinets, shelves, and drawers and get rid of anything expired, broken, or unnecessary. Outdated paperwork and piles of junk mail get recycled. I donate unused gadgets, dishes, and linens to charity.
Deep Clean Furniture
With clutter cleared out, I can thoroughly clean inside dressers, cabinets, nightstands, and other furniture. I vacuum out dust bunnies, wipe down shelves, and clean out sticky spots and spills.
Clean From The Top Down
With clutter removed, it’s time to clean! I start at the top of each room and work down. This prevents dust and dirt from the ceiling and upper areas from falling onto already cleaned lower areas.
Dust Ceilings and Walls
Using a microfiber duster, I carefully dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, vents, moldings, and corners to remove cobwebs and accumulated dust. For walls, I use a broom with a soft-bristle head to dislodge dirt and dust.
Wash Windows and Screens
Next, I tackle windows and screens. I wash window screens thoroughly with a hose or in the shower to remove pollen, dirt, and grime. For windows, I use a squeegee and non-streaking cleaner for a spotless finish.
Clean Floors and Baseboards
Lastly, I mop, sweep, and vacuum floors, then wipe down **baseboards ** to eliminate dust and dirt. For carpets, I rent a steam cleaner to extract embedded dirt and stains from high traffic areas.
Deep Clean The Kitchen
The kitchen takes a lot of wear and tear, so I devote extra time to deep clean this space.
Clean Inside Appliances
I start by thoroughly cleaning the inside of the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and any other appliances. I throw out expired food, wipe down shelves, and deodorize the fridge interior. I scrub the oven and microwave using baking soda and vinegar to remove caked-on grime.
Scour Sinks and Countertops
Next, I scour the kitchen sink and countertops. For the sink, I use a scrub brush and bathroom cleaner to remove stains and buildup. I disinfect countertops and wipe down cabinets to eliminate grease and food spots.
Mop and Organize
Finally, I mop the floors, making sure to get into corners and crevices. I also take time to tidy pantries and organize spice cabinets so everything has a designated spot.
Make Bathrooms Sparkle
Bathrooms harbor lots of germs, so disinfecting is key. I thoroughly clean and sanitize each bathroom.
Scrub Tile and Grout
I mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar into a paste and use a stiff grout brush to scrub grime and buildup from tile and grout lines. This helps remove mold, mildew, and soap scum.
Disinfect Toilets, Tubs, and Sinks
For toilets, I use a pumice stone to remove stubborn ring around the bowl. I scrub the toilet tank and exterior too. For bathtubs, showers, and sinks, I use a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner and rinse well.
Replace Shower Curtains and Mats
Nothing makes a bathroom feel cleaner than fresh linens, so I toss old shower curtains, bath mats, and hand towels and replace them with new ones.
Make Your Home Sparkle
With clutter cleared out and every room thoroughly cleaned, my home feels fresh and welcoming. A few finishing touches really make it shine:
- Fluff pillows and make beds with cleaned sheets
- Freshen fabrics like couches and rugs with steam or fabric cleaner
- Open windows to circulate fresh air
- Fill vases with fresh spring flowers
The work is well worth it – my home is bright, orderly, and ready to enjoy all spring and summer long! What spring cleaning tips and tricks work for you? Let me know!
