The ultimate spring cleaning checklist

Cleaning your house from top to bottom (and all corners and crevices in between) can be an overwhelming task. But here’s a plot twist: contrary to the time-old tradition of spring cleaning as a painful and time-consuming chore, it can actually be more enjoyable! 

Follow this spring cleaning checklist according to your preferred schedule, and choose only the spring cleaning tips that suit your home’s condition. It’s up to you if you want to clean your whole house in one day or just one room per day. Go ahead and start tidying up in a way that feels right for you. But first off, what exactly is spring cleaning?

What is spring cleaning?

Spring cleaning is the thorough cleaning of a house during springtime. It involves cleaning those areas you don’t usually touch during regular cleaning, especially the hard-to-reach and time-consuming areas.

Because of its popularity, spring cleaning has become a norm for many. It could be fun, too, what with all the cleaning hacks and aesthetic home photos that trend on social media during springtime.

Spring cleaning supplies list

The first step to springtime cleaning is preparing your supplies. Your supplies list depends heavily on the appliances, furniture, and other things that you have, but here are some of the essentials:

• Feather duster

• Microfiber cloths

• Dish soap

• Baking soda

• White vinegar

• Lemons

• Spray bottle

• Sponge

• Cleaning brush

• Vacuum cleaner (upright one for your floors, handheld for your shelves and cabinets)

Best spring cleaning hacks

Now that your supplies are ready, you shouldn’t just jump into cleaning without a plan – especially if you intend to deep-clean the whole house. Spring clean like a pro with these hacks:

Personalise your spring cleaning schedule

Spring cleaning is no easy task. Factor in your work schedule and family duties, and it almost seems impossible. To avoid overstretching yourself, plan your days and commit only to what’s realistic for you – even if that means cleaning a corner of a room for a couple of days

If you’re spring cleaning with a partner or other family members, plan how you’ll share the tasks and your cleaning supplies.

Work from top to bottom

When you clean the high areas in your home, dust will fall off the surfaces below. So, to avoid re-cleaning everything under your ceiling, start from the top and work your way down.

Wear protective clothing

You wouldn’t want allergies and skin irritations to prolong your spring cleaning. Prevent these issues by wearing the necessary gear: face mask, gloves, and any other gear you use during regular cleaning.

Now that you know the hacks, you’re ready to start tidying up!

General areas spring cleaning checklist

• Dust ceilings and ceiling fans

• Dust lighting fixtures

• Dust blinds and curtain rods

• Wipe walls, wall decors, and baseboards

• Clean windows and window screens

• Clean window sills and window tracks

• Test and change empty batteries in smoke detectors

• Check and replace expired fire extinguishers

• Shampoo carpets and rugs

• Remove mould build-ups

• Clean floors

• Disinfect high-touch areas (door knobs, handles, light switches, remote controls, etc.)

Bedroom spring cleaning checklist

• Strip your bed and deep clean the mattress

• Move the bed and clean underneath

• Air out pillows

• Change beddings, pillow cases, and blankets

• Organise closets and drawers

• Put away clothes you’re ready to donate, sell, or throw away

Kitchen spring cleaning checklist

• Remove expired and questionable items from your fridge and pantry

• Remove and wash fridge shelves and drawers

• Clean your refrigerator (inside and out, including the coils at the back)

• Wash out cupboards

• Clean stovetop

• Degrease walls near the stove

• Degrease cookwares

• Descale kettle

• Clean crumbs out of toaster

• Clean the outside of toaster

• Clean microwave, coffee maker

• Deep clean dishwasher

• Clean water stains on kitchen sink

• Degrease kitchen drain

• Disinfect cutting boards

• Wash and polish wooden dinnerware with coconut oil

• Disinfect kitchen rags, sponges, and brushes 

Bathroom spring cleaning checklist

• Empty vanity units and clean all surfaces

• Throw away expired personal care products

• Wash makeup brushes and sponges

• Clean mirrors

• Clean the toilet, bathtub, showerhead, faucets, and drains

• Scrub the tiles and remove grout

• Wash shower curtains

• Clean air vents

Living room spring cleaning checklist

• Vacuum sofas, chairs, and throw pillow

• Wash sofa cases and throw pillow cases

• Unplug and dust electrical items (gaming consoles, TV, etc.)

• Clean the centre table

• Clean bookshelves, CD/DVD racks

• Wash kids’ toys

• Clean living room decors

• Clean fireplace

Home office spring cleaning checklist

• Gather old documents for shredding (documents with a blank side can be reused as note/memo pads)

• Organise desk drawers

• Throw away old electronics, dead pens, and empty markers

• Dust workstation equipment, accessories, and decors

Laundry room spring cleaning checklist

• Clean the washing machine

• Detach and scrub the removable parts of washing machine (detergent drawer, dryer lint trap, etc.)

• Wipe and disinfect the washer & dryer buttons and knobs

• Check for and clean off moulds on the walls and floor 

Outdoor spring cleaning checklist

• Dust and remove cobwebs from exterior walls

• Sweep front porch and verandah

• Clean outdoor furniture

• Pressure wash your driveway and patios

• Disinfect garbage bins

• Remove winter mulch from garden

• Prune plants and pull weeds