Spring Cleaning Checklist: Room-by-Room Guide

Spring cleaning is more than just a tradition – it's an opportunity to refresh your home after winter's indoor living. This annual deep clean offers significant benefits:

• Health improvement - Removes allergens, dust, and mold accumulated during winter
• Mental clarity - A clean, organized space reduces stress and improves focus
• Home maintenance - Identifies issues before they become expensive problems
• Energy efficiency - Clean HVAC systems and windows improve efficiency
• Fresh start - Creates a clean slate for the warmer months ahead

This comprehensive guide breaks spring cleaning into manageable tasks, room by room, so you can tackle it systematically over days or weeks.

Essential Supplies

• Cleaning solutions - All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant, specialty cleaners
• Tools - Microfiber cloths, sponges, scrub brushes, vacuum with attachments, mop
• Organization - Trash bags, donation boxes, storage containers
• Protection - Gloves, old clothes, stepladder
• Natural alternatives - White vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice

Strategy for Success

• Create a schedule - Spread tasks over multiple weekends if needed
• Work top to bottom - Clean high areas first, floors last
• One room at a time - Complete each space before moving on
• Declutter first - Remove items before deep cleaning
• Enlist help - Assign tasks to family members
• Take breaks - Don't burn out trying to do everything at once

Appliances

• Refrigerator - Empty completely, discard expired items, remove shelves and drawers to wash, wipe interior and exterior, clean coils behind/underneath, organize as you refill
• Oven and stove - Run self-clean cycle or use oven cleaner, scrub stovetop and burners, clean range hood and filters, wipe down oven door inside and out
• Dishwasher - Remove filter and clean thoroughly, run empty cycle with vinegar, wipe door seals and exterior
• Microwave - Heat bowl of water with lemon to loosen grime, wipe interior and exterior, clean turntable
• Small appliances - Deep clean coffee maker, toaster, blender, and other frequently used items

Cabinets and Pantry

• Empty all cabinets and drawers
• Wipe shelves and interior surfaces
• Check for expired food items
• Organize as you return items
• Clean cabinet doors and hardware
• Line shelves with fresh paper if desired

Surfaces and Details

• Deep clean countertops and backsplash
• Scrub grout lines if tiled
• Clean inside trash can
• Wash window over sink
• Organize under-sink area
• Mop floor, including under movable appliances

Deep Cleaning Tasks

• Toilet - Use toilet bowl cleaner inside, scrub thoroughly including under rim, clean exterior including base and behind, disinfect handle and seat
• Shower/tub - Remove soap scum and hard water stains, scrub grout with brush and grout cleaner, clean showerhead (remove and soak in vinegar if needed), wipe down walls and doors, clean drain and remove hair
• Sink and vanity - Scrub sink basin and faucet, clean drain and stopper, organize and clean inside vanity, wipe down exterior and hardware
• Mirrors and glass - Clean thoroughly for streak-free shine
• Ventilation fan - Remove cover and clean dust from fan blades

Organization and Details

• Discard expired medications and cosmetics
• Organize medicine cabinet and drawers
• Wash shower curtain and liner
• Replace old towels and bath mats
• Clean light fixtures
• Wipe down walls, baseboards, and door
• Mop floor thoroughly

Bedding and Linens

• Strip all bedding - Wash sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters
• Wash pillows - If machine washable (check labels)
• Vacuum mattress - Both sides if possible, consider mattress protector
• Rotate mattress - Follow manufacturer recommendations
• Clean bed frame - Wipe down headboard, footboard, and frame

Closets and Storage

• Remove everything from closet
• Vacuum or sweep closet floor
• Wipe down shelves and hanging rods
• Sort clothing – donate items not worn in a year
• Organize by category and season
• Clean dresser drawers and reorganize

Room Details

• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Wipe down all surfaces (nightstands, dressers, shelves)
• Clean mirrors and windows
• Wipe baseboards and door frames
• Organize electronics and cords
• Vacuum thoroughly including under bed
• Steam clean or shampoo carpets if needed

Living Room and Common Spaces

• Furniture - Vacuum upholstery thoroughly, spot clean stains, move furniture to clean underneath, clean under cushions and between crevices
• Electronics - Dust TV and components, organize cords and cables, clean remote controls with disinfectant wipe
• Decor - Dust all decorative items, clean picture frames and mirrors, wash or dry clean curtains, clean window treatments
• Floors - Vacuum carpets and area rugs thoroughly, move furniture to reach all areas, consider professional carpet cleaning, mop hard floors

High and Low Areas

• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Clean air vents and returns
• Wipe ceiling corners for cobwebs
• Clean baseboards and trim
• Wipe down doors and door frames
• Clean switch plates and outlet covers

Home Office

• Organize papers and files
• Clean and disinfect desk surface
• Clean keyboard, mouse, and monitor
• Organize cords and tech accessories
• Declutter and organize supplies

Entryway

• Clean inside and outside of front door
• Wipe down door hardware
• Organize coat closet
• Clean and organize shoe storage
• Vacuum or mop entryway floor
• Replace or clean doormat

Exterior Areas

• Patio/deck - Sweep thoroughly, power wash if possible, clean furniture and cushions, organize outdoor storage
• Windows - Clean exterior windows, wipe down frames and sills, clean screens
• Garage - Sweep and organize, declutter and donate unused items, wipe down surfaces
• Outdoor fixtures - Clean light fixtures, mailbox, house numbers

After all that hard work, maintain your spring-cleaned home with these strategies:

Daily Habits

• Make beds every morning
• Do dishes after each meal
• Wipe kitchen counters nightly
• Quick bathroom wipe-down after use
• Put items back after using them

Weekly Maintenance

• Vacuum all floors
• Mop hard surfaces
• Clean bathrooms thoroughly
• Dust all surfaces
• Do laundry regularly

Monthly Tasks

• Deep clean one room or area
• Declutter one space
• Change HVAC filters
• Check and organize refrigerator

Consider Professional Help

If spring cleaning feels overwhelming, professional cleaning services can handle deep cleaning while you focus on organization and decluttering. Many homeowners schedule professional deep cleaning seasonally to maintain their homes without the physical demands of doing it all themselves. According to Good Housekeeping's cleaning experts, tackling one room at a time prevents burnout and ensures thoroughness.

Looking for more cleaning guides? Check out our article on deep cleaning vs. regular cleaning to understand when you need intensive care versus routine maintenance. You might also find our allergen reduction tips helpful, especially during Texas allergy season.