As the seasons change, it’s a great time to do some seasonal cleaning and get your home ready for the next season. Here are some helpful checklists to follow for spring, summer, fall, and winter cleaning.
Spring Cleaning
Spring is a time of renewal and fresh starts. Follow this spring cleaning checklist to declutter, clean, and organize your home after a long winter:
Deep Clean the House
- Clean windows – Wash interior and exterior windows and window sills.
- Wash walls – Wipe down walls to remove winter grime.
- Clean out closets – Donate or throw away anything you haven’t worn or used in over a year. Organize what remains.
- Clean carpets and rugs – Shampoo carpets and rugs to remove built-up dirt.
- Dust ceiling fans – Use a duster with an extendable handle to clean each blade.
- Wash curtains and blinds – Take down curtains and wash or dry clean them. Wipe down vinyl or metal blinds.
Tackle Seasonal Chores
- Clean the fireplace – Remove ashes and soot buildup.
- Clean gutters – Remove leaves and debris so rain can flow freely.
- Inspect the roof and exterior – Look for damage from winter weather like ice dams or wind.
- Service air conditioner – Replace filter and get AC tuned up for summer.
- Clean outdoor furniture – Hose down patio and deck furniture. Treat wooden furniture with protectant.
Prepare the Yard for Spring
- Prune trees and shrubs – Cut back overgrown branches and shape plants.
- Rake leaves and debris – Clear flowerbeds and lawn areas.
- Fertilize the lawn – Improve growth by applying starter fertilizer.
- Plant spring flowers – Add colorful annuals like tulips, daffodils, and pansies.
Summer Cleaning
Summer cleaning helps make your home feel fresh and tidy going into the new season. Follow this summer cleaning checklist:
Clean Fans, Vents, and Appliances
- Clean refrigerator coils – Unplug and vacuum dust from underneath and behind the fridge.
- Clean AC vents and filters – Change filters, vacuum vents, and use a brush to remove dust buildup.
- Clean range hood – Remove grease and food particles from the filter and surrounding areas.
- Clean ceiling fans – Wipe down fan blades and housings to remove dust.
Freshen Fabrics
- Wash bedding – Launder sheets, comforters, pillowcases, and mattress pads.
- Clean cushions and pillows – Spot treat stains on couch cushions and toss pillows, then launder or dry clean.
- Wash throw blankets – Freshen up lightweight throw blankets in the washer and dryer.
- Clean area rugs – Vacuum both sides then spot treat stains and wash area rugs if needed.
Tackle Other Cleaning Projects
- Clean patio furniture – Scrub down outdoor tables, chairs, and cushions. Let dry in the sun.
- Wash windows and screens – Clean window exteriors and interiors, then rinse down screens.
- Clean baseboards – Remove dust buildup from baseboards with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Clean light fixtures – Wipe down ceiling fan blades, lamp shades, and chandeliers.
Fall Cleaning
As the weather cools down in autumn, tackle these cleaning tasks to prep your home for the coming winter months:
Clean the Kitchen Thoroughly
- Clean the oven – Use oven cleaner to remove baked-on grease and grime.
- Clean the refrigerator – Take out shelves and drawers and wash with mild detergent, rinse, and dry.
- Purge pantry items – Go through your pantry and discard expired foods. Organize what remains.
- Clean small appliances – Remove mineral deposits on coffee makers, toasters, and kettles by descaling.
Prepare the Fireplace and Heating System
- Clean fireplace – Remove ash, soot, and creosote buildup from the firebox, flue, and damper.
- Service the furnace – Replace the filter and have a technician inspect your heating system before winter.
- Clean baseboard heaters – Remove dust and debris with a soft brush and vacuum.
Organize Garage and Storage Areas
- Declutter the garage – Purge unused items and organize what remains on shelves or in bins.
- Clean tools – Remove dirt and rust from garden tools using soap and water. Coat with machine oil to prevent future rust.
- Organize holiday decorations – Go through holiday decor and dispose of anything broken or worn. Neatly store what you’re keeping.
Winter Cleaning
Winter weather can take a toll on your home. Follow this winter cleaning checklist to start the new year with a clean slate:
Clean High-Traffic Areas
- Clean entryways – Remove salt stains, dirt, and grime from floors and entry mats.
- Shampoo carpets – Foot traffic and indoor salt use means your carpets need a deep clean before spring.
- Wash throw blankets and pillows – Freshen up these high-use items which collect odors and dirt all winter long.
Clean Pet Areas
- Brush pets regularly – Brush your dogs and cats often to keep shedding fur under control.
- Clean litter boxes – Scoop waste daily and disinfect pans on a weekly basis.
- Wash pet beds – Toss these in the washing machine to remove odors, dirt, and fur.
Do a Deep Clean of the Bathrooms
- Scrub tile grout – Use a toothbrush and baking soda paste to tackle grime in the grout lines.
- Clean exhaust fan – Remove dust buildup on the fan cover and blades.
- Disinfect surfaces – Wipe down countertops, toilets, sinks, and faucets with a disinfecting cleaner.
By tackling these seasonal cleaning checklists, you can keep your home looking and feeling fresh all year long. Adjust and add tasks as needed to suit your specific home and family’s needs.
