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The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

Emily Peilan

From Unfuss: A Professional Organizing Company

As Spring quickly approaches, I can feel all of you mentally (and maybe physically) prepping for your annual Spring Cleaning. And if this isn’t on your calendar, it’s time to add it. Because I am going to be providing you with the ultimate spring cleaning checklist so that you are able to purge, organize, declutter, and clean the right way (and the most efficient way). Spring cleaning is a great time to reset and also prep for the peak of allergy season to rid all of the dust and dander in your home.

How you decide to check each item off of the list is completely up to you. Whether you want to start with the kitchen first or the basement last, this list is for you to go in no particular order — only to ensure that every room in the home gets done (from the kitchen to the bathrooms to the bedrooms and beyond). Bigger tasks may take up more time, so split up the chores in a manner that will be least overwhelming for you. In due time, you will have every task and room checked off your list, and a sparkly clean home by the end of it. Let’s get cleaning!

PS. Make sure you have all the right cleaning supplies on hand or restocked in order to accomplish each chore.

What Needs To Be Cleaned in Every Room

  1. Dust (including blinds)

    Dust every corner and crevice of each room, including the blinds and hard-to-reach places such as the top of ceiling fans and window casings. As much as we hate it, dust will inevitably accumulate in every room. So this step is necessary. Use a cloth for things like hardcover books, and feather dusters for spaces with shelves.

  2. Vacuum (including vents)

    You never know what crumbs get dropped on the floor or dirt brought in from your shoes. Some bacteria on our floors may even cause us to get sick. Make sure you vacuum every floor in each room really well.

  3. Baseboards

    No more looking over the baseboards! I know we dread this part, but baseboards can especially accumulate dirt, dust and bacteria and need to be cleaned and dusted. Clean with a vacuum using a bristled brush hose attachment to remove any dust. Then use a damp microfiber cloth with an all-purpose cleaner to wipe them down.

  4. Wash window treatments

    No matter what’s on your windows whether it be curtains, drapes, or blinds, these need to be washed or dusted and cleaned. Some may need to be sent to the dry cleaners. I would recommend having a “dry clean” pile because I’m sure you’ll have more than 1 item going.

  5. Wash windows (inside and out)

    The inside and outside of your windows need to be wiped and scrubbed down. Don’t forget the small crevices and window screens.

  6. Mop

    Yes, this is a chore that we likely do at least once a month, but make spring cleaning an excuse to really get down and dirty with your mopping. This is one of the most exposed areas of the house, therefore needs to be tended to frequently.

  7. Clean the rugs

    Whether you’re shampooing them, washing them, or taking them to the dry cleaners, these must get cleaned. You likely don’t deep clean your rugs frequently and they tend to build up a lot of dirt, bacteria, and residue.

  8. Wipe walls and ceilings

    Maybe this sounds silly, but over time, our walls and ceilings build up unwanted marks. Use a degreaser if necessary for those stubborn surface grime areas.

  9. Clean light fixtures

    You’ll be amazed at how much dust collects on your light fixtures. Be sure to dust these down including fans, lamps, and ceiling lights — just make sure to turn off all lights or unplug them and then wait for the light bulbs to cool down.

  10. Clean upholstered furniture

    Use a vacuum to go over all upholstered furniture or take the cushions outside and gently beat them by hand to remove dust. Some upholstery can be washed or dry cleaned — just check the care instructions before washing.

Now let’s start cleaning room by room…

Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist

Kitchen

  • Clean out pantry

  • Dust and wash kitchen shelves

  • Deep clean the oven

  • Vacuum and mop behind the fridge

  • Clean out the fridge

  • Wipe down fridge shelves

  • Clean small appliances

Living Room

  • Dust and wipe down all shelves and cabinets

  • Go through TV wall unit

  • Dust and polish all furniture and fixtures

  • Wash all throw pillows and blankets

Bathroom

  • Clean and disinfect shower and tub

  • Wipe down the sink and toilet

  • Purge any expired cosmetics, skincare, hair products, or toiletries

  • Wash the bathmats

  • Wash towels and linens

  • Wash or replace your shower curtain and liner

  • Clean grout

Bedroom

  • Wash all bedding

  • Dust and wipe down all furniture

  • Organize your side drawers

  • Go through your drawers and closet and donate any unwanted clothing items

  • Deep clean your mattress

  • Flip or rotate your mattress

  • Sort through under-the-bed items

Office

  • Dust and wipe down all furniture

  • Clean out and declutter your desk drawers and cabinets

  • File any left-out paperwork

  • Do a digital declutter on your computer

Laundry Room

  • Organize laundry supplies

  • Wipe down the washer and dryer

  • Deep clean the washer

  • Clean dryer vent

  • Vacuum and mop behind the washer and dryer

Playroom

  • Go through all the toys and donate any that are no longer played with

  • Rotate toys out and store half in storage bins

  • Dust and wipe down all furniture

  • Sanitize all toys

Outdoor Spaces

  • Wash the driveway

  • Wash the cars

  • Scrub deck and patio

  • Wash outdoor furniture

  • Check for damaged wires and connections on light fixtures

Ready to unfuss your home? There’s no time like the present.

If you’re on the fence about hiring a professional organizer, start here and book a free 30-minute discovery call so we can get you one step closer to an unfussed home!