Spring Cleaning Your Home Top to Bottom

Spring is here, which means it’s time for some deep cleaning! As satisfying as it is to do a quick tidy-up, there are many spots in a home that only get a deep clean once or twice a year.

I’ve put together this guide to walk you through spring cleaning your home from top to bottom. With some checklists, cleaning tips and a room-by-room rundown, you’ll be ready to tackle every nook and cranny.

Supplies You’ll Need

Here’s a checklist of cleaning tools and products I recommend having on hand before you begin:

• Vacuum cleaner – Make sure it’s in good working order and has attachments like a crevice tool to reach tight spaces. Consider renting a carpet cleaner as well.

• Mop and bucket – Use a microfiber mop if possible. It cleans better than a traditional string mop.

• Cleaning rags – Have plenty of microfiber cloths, paper towels and old T-shirts on hand.

• Duster – Invest in a high-quality duster with a telescoping handle.

• Broom and dustpan

• Cleaning caddy – A bucket with built-in compartments to tote everything from room to room.

• All-purpose cleaner – Choose something that can be used on most surfaces.

• Glass cleaner

• Disinfecting wipes and spray – To sanitize high-touch areas like doorknobs.

• Baking soda – Cleans and deodorizes.

• White vinegar – Cuts through grime.

• Rubber gloves

Top Cleaning Tips

Here are some of my top spring cleaning tips before you get started:

• Set aside time to tackle one room or area per day so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

• Start from the top and work your way down in each room. Dust the tops of shelves and fan blades before vacuuming the floor.

• Don’t forget about window treatments! Take down curtains to launder or dry clean. Vacuum blinds.

• Wash walls, baseboards and doors with an all-purpose cleaner and rag. Grime builds up over time.

• Disinfect high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, TV remotes, phones and tables.

• Move small furniture pieces to vacuum and mop underneath.

• Declutter as you clean! Get rid of unused items and tidy storage spaces like closets.

• Gather cleaning supplies for each room ahead of time so you’re not running around looking for things.

Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty! Here’s my room-by-room spring cleaning checklist:

Kitchen

• Clear counters and wipe down with disinfectant.
• Clean inside appliances like the microwave, oven, coffee maker.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils.
• Wipe down outside of fridge and other appliances.
• Clean sink and faucet fixtures.
• Organize cabinets and pantry. Toss expired food.
• Mop floors.

Living Room

• Dust ceiling fan blades, bookshelves and surfaces.
• Vacuum upholstered furniture, under cushions and corners.
• Wash throw pillows and blankets.
• Disinfect remote controls, phones, game controllers.
• Vacuum under furniture and along baseboards.
• Clean windows, window sills and blinds.
• Shampoo carpets or rugs if needed.

Bedrooms

• Strip bedding and launder. Replace pillows if needed.
• Vacuum mattress thoroughly and consider using a disinfectant spray. Allow to dry before remaking bed.
• Dust ceiling fans, furniture, baseboards.
• Clean under beds. Vacuum and wipe down.
• Wash pillows and comforters.
• Clean windows, sills, blinds.
• Organize closets and dressers. Donate unused items.

Bathrooms

• Use a disinfectant spray or bleach solution to sanitize surfaces. Let sit before wiping clean. Focus on counters, sinks, toilets, tub and shower.
• Scrub tile grout with a stiff brush and baking soda paste.
• Clean exhaust fan covers.
• Wipe down mirrors and glass.
• Organize cabinets and drawers. Toss expired products.

Laundry Room

• Give the washer and dryer a thorough wipe down, including the doors, dispensers and inside drums if you can access them. Run empty washing machine cycles with vinegar or bleach.
• Clean dryer vents and ducts to improve air flow.
• Dust shelving, organize supplies like detergent.
• Mop floors.

Garage and Basement

• Sweep floors.
• Organize shelves and storage bins. Donate or toss anything you don’t need.
• Wipe down tools or sports/outdoor equipment.
• Clean windows and light fixtures.
• Discard chemicals that are expired or you don’t use. Follow proper hazardous waste disposal procedures.

Outdoor Areas

• Sweep debris from porch, patio, deck.
• Clean outdoor furniture and cushions.
• Wash windows and doors.
• Clean doormats and entryways.
• Touch up outdoor paint if needed.
• Inspect exterior walls and trim for any cracks or damage.
• Clean outdoor play equipment.
• Service lawn mower and any outdoor power equipment.

Enjoy a Cleaner Home This Spring

I hope this extensive top-to-bottom spring cleaning guide gives you a place to start and a plan of attack! Just focus on one area each day. Before long your home will feel clean, clutter-free and refreshed for spring.