Spring has sprung!
It’s time to get our hands dirty and get our Spring Cleaning Checklist well underway.
More importantly, we need to follow up on that list! Stay on task and beat the clutter this year.
Keep reading for how I plan the big clean and our Spring Cleaning Checklist!
What Is Included in Spring Cleaning?
Everything. That sounds daunting, but that’s the goal! Cleaning is such a broad term though - we’re also going to include downsizing!
I know. I’m really, really good at adding more work to projects.
It’s one of those things my co-workers absolutely LOVE about me. **Full on Sarcasm**
I’m going to be relatively good here though.
I’m skipping the “for repair” project.
We all know that those repairs will just be put off a million times and you’ll have to go through all those projects again next spring.
Seriously. Donate what’s salvageable and recycle the rest.
Your time and space will thank you.
How Long Should Spring Cleaning Take?
The entire season? I mean, it very well could.
How long spring cleaning takes has quite a few variables.
How big is your place, how much stuff do you have, and how much time you have to spare, how much is on your spring cleaning checklist, amongst other things.
Get up early if you want to try spring cleaning in one day!
You will make a lot of difference in one day, even though you don't finish cleaning the whole home.
Maybe it's because I'm meticulous, but I can't seem to finish my spring cleaning checklist in one day.
The more time you dedicate to your spring cleaning if you intend to spend more than one day on it, the better.
I venture to say it takes me about three to four weekends to feel satisfied with our spring cleaning.
This may sound like a lot of time but bear in mind that we usually only find time to work on our spring cleaning checklist on the weekends.
The rest of the week is pretty hit or miss and we’re lucky if we get our normal cleaning routine complete.
Ya, those laundry baskets full of clean clothes have been staring at us since Monday...
Whether you prefer to proceed from the attic to the basement or start outdoors and wind your way inside, create a realistic schedule and focus on one task at a time, keeping in mind that a single weekend won’t suffice. – Martha Stewart
My Spring Cleaning Checklist
I find the best place to start our spring cleaning checklist is with a pre-clean.
Pre-Clean Every Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Wash Baseboards, door ceilings, window sills, doors, and walls.
- Vacuum and wash vents.
- Clean your window treatments Wash windows - inside and out, including your window sill!
- Dust and shine overhead lights - replace burnt light bulbs.
- Clean your lighting fixtures
- Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Check all electronics, make sure they are plugged in, cords are untangled and everything is plugged into a surge protector.
- Store all winter items, clothes, and decorations.
The Kitchen Spring Cleaning Checklist
While you're tackling this section of your home you’ll likely find loads of shelf-stable foods that haven’t expired, but that you probably won't use.
If this is the case, be sure to get a box together for your local food bank.
If you notice that you have a few too many kitchen gadgets, utensils, or simply items in your kitchen that you aren’t using consider selling or donating these items.
- Clean out your pantry, drawers, and cabinets
- Wash all cabinets, racks, and shelves
- Deep clean your oven and stove
- Move your fridge and stove - vacuum and mop behind it.
- Vacuum coils on the fridge
- Deep clean fridge inside - wash outside.
- Clean the garbage and recycling cans
The Dining Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Wash the entire table and chairs, including the bottom sides
- Polish and clean silver and china
- Wash the table linens
The Living Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
I find this to be the easiest room in our spring cleaning checklist.
This area while it sees a lot of traffic, doesn’t seem to collect the junk like other rooms.
If you find that you have one two many blankets (or ten) you may consider storing them for the colder months or donating them.
- Dust and wash any and all mirrors, frames, and decorative items.
- Meticulously vacuum the floor, couches, chairs, etc.
- Give your lamps a thorough cleaning.
- Dust furniture and fixtures.
- Wash all throw pillows and blankets
- Dust and polish furniture.
- Vacuum and shampoo carpets - mop and wax if necessary.
The Bathroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Scrub and disinfect tub, toilet, and shower
- Wash and clean out all cabinets and drawers
- Replace the shower curtain liner and wash the shower curtain
- Wash all linens and bath mats
- Dust and replace decorative items
- Clean the garbage can
- Discard old and expired makeup.
- Clean your makeup holders
The Bedroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
When is the last time that you went through all the clothing? Get a bag ready!
I bet you’ll have lots of items that can be donated or sold.
Anything that isn’t seasonal that hasn’t been worn in the last three months should move on to its new home.
- Wash all bedding
- Wash all bed and throw pillows.
- Flip and rotate the mattress
- Purge anything stored under the bed that you haven’t touched or missed
The Kids’ Playroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
Purge baby purge.
I don’t know where all the toys come from.
I know we didn’t buy all of them. It’s impossible! Why are there so many??
This is a great time to donate or sell those forgotten toys.
It’s a good idea to check to ensure that all of the toys in rotation or your donate pile are in good working order.
- Sanitize plastic toys
- Wash stuffed animals and soft toys
- Organize toys and play areas
- Vacuum and shampoo carpets - mop and wax if necessary.
The Office Spring Cleaning Checklist
My desk seems to be a catch-all similar to our dining room table.
Papers, completed school projects, a random shoe, and everything else that you can think of is shoved somewhere in the corner of the living room that is my home office.
Don’t neglect this room in your spring cleaning checklist.
You never know what you’ll find in your office drawers.
- Recycle unneeded paperwork
- Clean and wash all drawers and cabinets
- Dust the bookshelves and electronics
Conclusion - Spring Cleaning Checklist
Many people put off spring cleaning because they are unsure where to start.
However, decluttering and then cleaning a room is a relatively simple operation.
Each task is easy to complete; the hardest thing is getting started.
The above checklist may not suit your family, but it can be used as a guide to help you create your spring cleaning checklist!
You may find it helpful to assign a date to each task. It’s incredibly satisfying to cross off each task as you complete it.
While you’re cleaning this year, don’t forget that you can clean sustainably!
The Durafresh Okara Scrub Pad is a plant-based solution.
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These scrub pads are no-scratch, multi-use bio-pads, and are safe for all cooktops, pans & dishes!
