The snow is melting, the weather is warming, and homeowners are opening windows to usher in the spring season. Along with the promise of warmer days comes another annual tradition: spring cleaning.
A thorough seasonal cleaning does more than freshen up your living space; it clears away the mess, lifts the mood, and improves mental and physical health. Here’s a comprehensive, room-by-room checklist to help you tackle your home one step at a time.
1. Deep Clean Overlooked Spaces
You can wipe down walls, baseboards, door frames, light switches, and railings using warm water mixed with dish soap. A sponge can be used to buff out scuffs and marks on walls and trim. Remember to declutter and put items back in place before beginning the deep clean.
Avoid cleaning windows and other glass surfaces in direct sunlight to prevent streaks. Take rugs and mats outdoors for a good shake and vacuum the carpets.
Curtains and drapes can be gently vacuumed or washed, depending on the material. Move large furniture to vacuum the hard-to-reach places and give hardwood floors a final sweep and mop.
2. Freshen Up the Kitchen
Start touching up the kitchen by decluttering your refrigerator, freezer, spice rack, and pantry of expired goods. Before you replace them, wipe down shelves and other interior surfaces.
Next, tackle appliances. Use disinfectant wipes to clean your stovetop and microwave. For stubborn oven grime, heavy-duty grease removers and warm water can go a long way. Cleaning your dishwasher can be as easy as running an empty load.
Easy-to-miss areas include backsplashes, fridge seals, and the tops of appliances, which should also be wiped down. Dust the ceiling fan, launder dish towels, and clear off your countertop to give the space a fresh start.
3. Sanitize the Bathroom
The bathroom, like the kitchen, can feel like a lot to tackle, so let’s break it down. Look through the bathroom cabinets and toss out old toiletries like razors, toothbrushes, and empty product bottles.
Sinks and bathtubs can be cleaned with products targeting soak scum, lime buildup, and other grime by products designed for each appliance. Rinse thoroughly with hot water and polish the faucet, drain, and handles.
Tackle tile grout with a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner, letting it sit for about ten minutes before scrubbing. Finish up with a full toilet clean and a restock of fresh towels and toiletries.
4. Declutter the Bedrooms
If there’s more than one resident in the home, having each person tackle their own rooms can speed up the process. Swap out heavy winter clothing for spring-appropriate layers and create donation and disposal piles to organize.
Sort socks, shoes, and accessories, and consider using storage bins and baskets to streamline your wardrobe. Wash all linens, sheets, duvets, pillowcases, and flip the mattress for even wear.
Finish by wiping down and organizing your bedside table.
5. Organize your Home Office
A home office requires less grease and grunt work than a kitchen or bathroom, but it still helps to plan. Organize your files, saving what you need, digitizing them when appropriate, and shredding private documents you don’t plan to keep.
Declutter your email inbox, unsubscribe from unnecessary mailing lists, and back up important data on your computer or smartphone.
6. Repair, Refresh, and Replace
Consider replacing worn-out items such as dishware, linens, or even light fixtures. Spring is a great time to get started on some home renovations, before the weather spikes in the summer.
If you have landscaping or renovation ideas but are unsure where to start, this guide can help you learn more about what’s popular in the springtime.
7. Double Check your Safety Measures
Use your spring clean as a reminder to inspect key safety features in your home. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries, and check fire extinguishers for pressure and expiry.
Review your home security system and sprinkler setup if you have them. Update your emergency kits and leave a list of their locations somewhere accessible to everyone in the home.
8. Tidy Up the Exterior
The exterior of your home is the first line of defense against the weather, and the winter can bring a lot of damage. Start by cleaning out gutters, inspecting the roof, and checking for any water damage.
Swap winter tools for spring yard gear, rake your lawn, and plant new flowers to brighten your garden. Clean your windows and consider a fresh coat of paint for your front door or garage to boost curb appeal.
Spring cleaning isn’t just about cleanliness, it’s about creating a home environment that brightens your mood. Whether you're scrubbing tiles or reorganizing closets, these tasks clear space for what matters most: enjoying the season ahead.
To learn more about home maintenance and homeownership, visit newhomesource.com/learn.
James Klingele
James Klingele holds a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Innovation from Texas State University. He is a digital media specialist and content creator with a passion for storytelling in both print and digital formats. His work has included covering high-profile events like SXSW, where he contributed to content creation for global audiences. He has been a content specialist for NewHomeSource since 2024.