Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist to Get a Sparkling Home
Spring is finally here, and it’s time to start fresh! It’s the perfect opportunity to give your home a much-needed deep clean and eliminate all the clutter accumulated over the winter months. But where do you start? With so much to do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve created the ultimate spring cleaning checklist to help you tackle every room in your house. From the kitchen to the bathroom and everything in between, our comprehensive checklist is designed to ensure that no nook or cranny goes untouched. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time cleaner, our checklist will guide you through the entire process and make sure that your home is sparkling clean in no time. So, grab your gloves and cleaning supplies, and let’s start!
Contents
Outside the House:
Cleaning the Windows
Grab a couple of buckets, cold water, dish soap, microfiber clothes, and a squeegee to tackle this project. Mix a little dish soap in one bucket of water and have the second bucket of water handy for rinsing the windows off, or use a water hose. Once the windows are clean, use the squeegee or a dry microfiber cloth to dry the windows. Don’t forget the window frame! Dirt and grime can build up in the tracks causing your window to stick or not seal properly.
Gutter Maintenance
With the spring showers comes a mess sometimes if the gutters are not maintained. We had water slowly dripping in the downspout days after a rain. There was a tennis ball in the gutter! Our best guess is a game of Wallball got out of hand at some point.
Power Wash Outdoor Surfaces
A pressure washer is terrific for cleaning sidewalks, vinyl siding, and porches.
Exterior Paint
Take a look around the house. If doors or window shutters have faded, give them a fresh coat of paint. While black is a common choice for the front door, I see more red, yellow, and blue entrances these days.
Cleaning Outdoor Furniture
Once the pollen has calmed down, wash the outdoor furniture one afternoon. Bring out any umbrellas you have put away for the winter, then enjoy dinner outside.
Inside the House:
Overlooked Surfaces
We don’t often pay attention to the baseboards, door frames, and walls. Take a damp cloth to the baseboards. The door frames and walls may also need something more. I use a cleaning wipe or magic eraser to get most marks off. Sometimes it is easier to pull out the leftover paint and do a touch-up.
Cleaning Carpets and Rugs
The carpet is an item in my house that has gotten neglected over the years. Thank goodness we only put carpet in the bedrooms. But when I get the chance, it will be gone! We have had them professionally cleaned and done it ourselves with some baking soda and vinegar. Elizabeth at athomeontheprairie.com has the instructions for doing it yourself the way we did.
Rugs can be more delicate, depending on the material. For most, you can vacuum, air them out outside, and spot clean them.
Freshen the Furniture
- Dust and polish the wood furniture.
- Condition any leather furniture.
- Freshen cloth furniture by sprinkling it with baking soda and allowing it to sit before vacuuming it up.
- Spot clean the furniture.
Cleaning Curtains
Curtains can become stained and hold dust and dander. Most can be cleaned in the washing machine on delicate, in cold water with a mild detergent, then hung to dry.
Safety Inspection
This is an excellent time to check the batteries in the carbon monoxide detector and fire alarm and ensure they work correctly. Having the heating and air conditioning unit checked before the climate gets really hot is also a good idea!
Transition the Wardrobe
Changing of the seasons means changing out the clothes in the closet if you are like us. When removing the winter clothing, try to donate or toss the clothes you have not worn this season.
Cleaning Room by Room
The idea is to go through each room to remove clutter that has accumulated over the winter months. Cleaning out drawers, cabinets, under the bed, and behind the doors or furniture. I can always find a corner to stash something out of site! While removing the clutter, take the time to tidy up the area you are in. If everything has a place it belongs, it is easier to keep the house picked up.
Spring has got to be my favorite time of year, although, in South Carolina, it can be gone in the blink of an eye. The mild temperatures and longer days are the perfect time to clean, making everything fresh for the summer months. Keep in mind everything does not have to be done in a day. Try taking on a project each week. Then when summer arrives, you will be ready to play!
