Spring is in the air. And so is dust and the urge to clean. Yes, with spring comes spring cleaning. But why spring cleaning? Spring cleaning has some origins in Jewish and Iranian culture and just plain human nature.
Spring cleaning is associated with Passover where homes are cleaned before the holiday begins to ensure yeast bread is removed from the home. In Iran, the Persian New Year is also the beginning of spring. A celebration ensues which incorporates cleaning, new clothes purchases and time with friends and family.
Also, during the winter when people are hunkered down with fireplaces, snow shoes and less daylight, deep cleaning takes a back seat. Spring represents something new. A fresh start. A clean start. So to help you continue this deep and helpful tradition, we’ve created the ultimate spring cleaning checklist.
With so many nooks and crannies in every home it’s tough to stay focused and clean everything that needs cleaning. It can be overwhelming. But checklists make things bite size, manageable and easy to follow.
For best results set small expectations. That is don’t plan to tackle the entire kitchen in one day. Instead, pick just a few items in the kitchen and clean those in one afternoon. Not only will you feel better for hitting your goal, but you’ll get more done. Take your time. Relax and take it step by step.
Kitchen
- Dust / Clean top of cabinets
- Clean top of Fridge
- Wash baseboards
- Sweep / mop underneath stove
- Sweep / mop underneath fridge
- Clean / clear out pantry
- Clean inside Fridge
- Clean inside Freezer
- Dust Ceiling
- Clean coffee maker, inside and out
- Clean/Dust Light fixtures
- Clean cabinet/drawer faces
- Clean fridge front
- Clean stove front
- Clean stove top
- Clean dishwasher front
- Clean dishwasher
- Clean trash can
- Clean the microwave
- Clean the garbage disposal
- Clean and organize kitchen cabinets and drawers
- Clean toaster and other small appliances
- Clean silverware holder
- Clean under sink and remove any old bottles
Dining Room
- Clear away clutter
- Dust floor boards and window sills
- Vacuum around the edges closely
- Dust crown molding / ceiling corners
- Wash / paint walls
- Wash tablecloths / runners
- Clean, clear cabinets and drawers
- Clean light fixtures
- Clean and polish table
- Clean rug and vacuum
- Dust pictures / decorations
Bathrooms
- Clean mirror
- Sweep / mop floor
- Clean baseboards
- Dust ceiling / crown molding
- Clean under the sink(s)
- Clean air vents
- Clean the soap dish
- Clean electric toothbrush base
- Clean light fixtures
- Clean / replace shower liner
- Clean bathtub (faucet, ceiling, edges, grout lines)
- Clean countertops
- Clean cabinet faces
- Clean out medicine cabinet, wipe down
- Clean shower glass
- Clean windows and window sills
- Clean toilet (base, seat, hinges)
- Scrub / paint walls
- Wash all floor mats
- Wash all towels
- Clean trash can
- Wipe all knobs and racks
- Clean shower head
- Unclog any drains
Laundry Room
- Wipe and clean your machines
- Clean dryer vent
- Clean washer, especially around the rubber seal
- Clean under/around machines (pull out to ensure thorough cleaning)
- Dust ceiling and corners
- Wipe down walls / paint as needed
- Clear / organize the shelves (trash what you don’t need)
Living Room / Family Rooms
- Clear and organize (everything in its place)
- Dust floor boards and crown molding
- Vacuum Floors
- Vacuum / clean furniture (different furniture requires different cleaning)
- Move furniture to vacuum / clean under and around it
- Remove furniture cushions, vacuum / clean
- Dust ceiling fans
- Clean light fixtures
- Wipe down remote(s)
- Clean out TV stand, dust electronics
- Clean windows and sills
- Dust pictures and decorations
- Remove all books from bookshelves and dust
- Dust lamps / lamp shades
- Dust blinds / shades
Bedrooms
- Clean and organize (everything in its place)
- Dust floor boards and crown molding
- Clean windows and window sills
- Clean, dust furniture
- Dust pictures and decorations
- Wipe down glass and mirrors
- Wash / paint walls
- Move furniture to vacuum / dust
- Vacuum edges of room thoroughly
- Wash bed linen
- Clean out under your bed (vacuum, too!)
- Flip mattress (yes, flip it)
- Clean out nightstand drawers
- Clean out and organize your dresser drawers
- Donate clothes you don’t wear anymore
- Clean out your closet
- Dust ceiling fans
- Dust blinds / shades
Print this list and get started. Remember, small steps each day lead to big results over time. Spring cleaning is about progress, not perfection.
