Spring Cleaning Checklist: A Simple Guide Without the Stress
I get it—staying on top of regular cleaning can already feel like a full-time job, which makes the idea of deep cleaning sound like the absolute last thing you want to do. But breaking it down into a room-by-room spring cleaning checklist makes it a lot more manageable, whether you finish it all in one day with the family or spread it over a few Saturday afternoons.
I’ve also kept the supply list short (most of it you probably already have), so there’s no need for a whole cleaning product haul before you even begin. Some of these tasks make a real difference in your home’s safety, so they’re worth adding to your regular rotation too! Plus, there’s just something about knowing your home is clean on a deeper level that makes the everyday messes so much easier to live with. Think of how good it’ll feel when it’s done!
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Before you get started,
To state the obvious, some areas need to be cleaned more frequently than once a year. I recommend tackling these tasks across all rooms first, either all at once or by assigning each family member a room, then going back room by room for a deeper, more thorough spring clean.
Pre-Spring Cleaning Checklist (All Rooms):
- Clean baseboards and blinds.
- Wash curtains.
- Sanitize light switches, doorknobs, and remotes.
- Dust furniture and shelves.
- Vacuum all carpets and mop hard surfaces. (We use this vacuum/mop combo almost every day!)
- Wash rugs.
Spring Cleaning Checklist #1: Kitchen
Supplies:
Tasks:
- Clean inside the oven with baking soda paste (1/2 cup of baking soda and a couple of tablespoons of water). Spread it around the oven and leave it overnight. In the morning, wipe it off with a wet cloth, then spritz the oven with white vinegar. Any leftover baking soda will foam, and then you can wipe those areas again.
- Pull out the fridge and vacuum the condenser coils… and any crumbs that have found their way back there.
- Wipe down cabinet fronts, handles, and hinges with all-purpose cleaner to break down any grease and grime.
- Clean out the pantry. Wipe down shelves and toss any expired food. And if you’re feeling extra, reorganize things with these acrylic containers and some of my other organization favorites!
Spring Cleaning Checklist #2: Bathrooms
Supplies:
Tasks:
- Scrub grout lines with a brush and baking soda paste. You could also use this steam cleaner, which I own and love! It’s so satisfying to use.
- Remove the shower drain cover, then pour in a solution of 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar. It should start fizzing immediately. Let it sit for about an hour, then scrub it if needed.
- Clean the exhaust fan cover and blades by unscrewing them and running them under warm water. Let both dry fully before putting them back.
- Wipe down cabinets and drawers.
- Declutter cabinets, drawers, and closets. Make a note of any expired products that you need to replace.
Spring Cleaning Checklist #3: Bedrooms
Supplies:
Tasks:
- Flip the mattress (or rotate if it’s single-sided) and vacuum underneath it.
- Wash down/fiberfill pillows. Put them in the machine on warm with a little detergent, and add another rinse cycle to remove any remaining soap. Then, toss them in the dryer. You can throw in a dryer ball to help fluff them back up.
- Make sure to wash/dry them two at a time to keep the machines balanced!
- Clean ceiling fan blades with a damp cloth or pillowcase. Using either of those will help trap the dust instead of scattering it.
- Go through your closet and drawers and donate anything you haven’t worn or used in the last year. It feels so good to get rid of items that are out-of-date, no longer fit, or that you just don’t love anymore. I love this drawer system for helping our dressers and closets stay organized!
Spring Cleaning Checklist #4: Living Areas
Supplies:
- Fabric/Upholstery Cleaner (We use this one frequently at our house—it’s also great on carpet and rugs!)
- Extendable Duster
- Microfiber Cloths
- Electronics Wipes
- Vacuum
Tasks:
- Clean upholstery (If you’re using a cleaning solution, be sure to test it on an out-of-the-way area first)!
- Wipe down the TV and electronics to remove fingerprints, smudges, and dust.
- Vacuum beneath any couch or chair cushions and behind the furniture.
Spring Cleaning Checklist #5: Laundry Room
Supplies:
- Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Vacuum with Hose Attachment
- Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit
Tasks:
- Run a cleaning cycle on the washer with hot water and a cleaning tablet or vinegar.
- Continue deep cleaning by peeling back the rubber door gasket (if you have a front-loader) and wiping it down, then disinfecting it with a baking soda and white vinegar mixture.
- Then remove the detergent drawer completely, soak it in warm, soapy water, and rinse it. While the drawer is out, shine a flashlight into the slot, because there can be mold and residue hiding in there. Wipe it down with a vinegar-soaked cloth or a small brush.
- Clean the lint trap channel behind the dryer screen with a vacuum hose.
- Pull out the dryer and use a vent cleaning kit to clear the exhaust duct that runs to the outside wall, then vacuum out any remaining lint.
- Wipe down the top and sides of the washer and dryer.
Spring Cleaning Checklist #6: Entryway & Mudroom
Supplies:
Tasks:
- Wipe down the front door (inside, outside, the frame, and handles).
- If you have shoe storage or lockers, vacuum or wipe down those areas too.
- Vacuum and wash rugs.
Now that you’re done spring cleaning,
Sit back and enjoy your freshly cleaned house (even if it only stays tidy for a few minutes—the struggle is real). And if you’re donating or throwing things away, be sure to take care of those bags and piles as soon as you can, so the clutter isn’t just transferred to another area of your home. 😉 I hope this spring cleaning checklist is helpful for you and your family, and that completing it helps your home feel like the haven it’s meant to be! ❤️
