Room-by-room spring cleaning checklist: 21 cleaning jobs to tick off
Roll up your sleeves: spring cleaning season has arrived. From the kitchen cupboards to pantry nooks, we're here to help with more than 20 of the best room-by-room spring cleaning tips.
Rather than tackling all jobs at once, take things one at a time. If deep-cleaning your kitchen feels like more than you'd like to challenge today, start with a single drawer. Declutter it, organise it, and check it off your list — no matter how big or small it may be.
Once you get going, you'll be motivated to continue checking off items, and you won't want to stop until every corner is clean.
We like to start in heavy-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room because you'll feel so rewarded when you're done. Then move on to the bedrooms and other areas that most guests don't see.
On that note, keep reading to see where to start first:
Kitchen | De-smudge windows
With the cold winter weather out of the way, spring is the perfect time to clean windows inside and out.
A simple mixture of two parts water to one part white distilled vinegar is all you need for a streak-free finish on windows and glass surfaces.
Wipe the inside of windows from side to side, and the outside of windows from top to bottom. This makes it easier to see which side (if any) needs further cleaning.
Kitchen | Dispose of old food
Go through your cupboards, fridge, and freezer for foods that are past their expiration dates or those items you know you'll never use. Throw them away. For unopened can and jar foods that are still good but you know you won't eat, donate them.
Kitchen | Organise your pantry
Use old wooden crates or wicker baskets to keep bottles and packages standing upright.
Kitchen | Create a natural air freshener
Give your room a fresh scent. Whip up a room deodoriser on the stovetop by simmering orange rinds or lemon slices and rosemary in a pot of water. The scent will freshen your space.
Bathroom | Go through old linens
If your towels, rugs, and shower curtains are looking shabby or worn, it might be time to replenish your supply with fresh ones. Check if you can donate old linens to a local charity or pet rescue centre.
Bathroom | Neaten up the medicine cabinet
Throw away any medicines or health and beauty items with expired dates. Many personal care products deteriorate after six months. Also, be realistic with yourself and toss anything you haven't used recently.
Bathroom | Scrub tile grout
Clean grout is like a facelift for your bathroom. To remove mould and mildew, mix baking powder with water to create a thick paste. Apply on the grout and leave for a few hours, before rinsing with clean water.
Top tip: Use a grout pen to freshen up any yellow-looking areas. They're available in a range of colours, including white, black and grey.
Bathroom | Organise drawers
Clear plastic drawers are the "little black dress" of organising, says Barbara Reich, a professional organiser.
They're great in the bathroom when used under the bathroom sink. When they get dusty, clear them of their contents and wash them in the dishwasher.
Bathroom | Clear your counter
Organiser MaryJo Monroe of Respaced says those little bottles of lotions and potions are dust-catchers. "If you're not using them, give them away or throw them out. If you do use them, find a storage system to hold and organise them in your bath."
Bedroom | Declutter
Remove everything from your bedroom that doesn't serve you — books you've read or don't intend to read, clothes you don't like, magazines, newspapers, and more. Make your bedroom a haven by first cleaning out the piles.
Bedroom | Tidy your wardrobe
Next, declutter your wardrobe. Donate any items that no longer suit you, don't fit, or are looking worn. It's a good idea to invest in storage containers and clothing bags to store out-of-season clothing.
Bedroom | Switch to summer bedding
With warmer days on the horizon, now is the perfect time to swap your heavy bed sheets for lighter sheets and store the rest.
Living Room | Wipe down walls
Use a vacuum attachment to remove dust and cobwebs from corners, and wipe down grimy walls with a solvent-free degreaser or warm water.
Living Room | Wash textiles
Vacuum upholstery and launder curtains. Update furniture with slipcovers — one of the simplest tools for refreshing a room. Shop for light or neutral slips that are machine washable.
Living Room | Add plants
Houseplants freshen and filter the air in your home. Plus the green brings life to rooms that have been bundled up for months. Try one of the best for purifying the air: ferns, orchids, peace lilies, philodendrons, or palms.
Living Room | Clean carpets
Spring is a good idea to give your carpets and rugs a deep clean. Consider hiring a professional carpet washer to remove hard-to-scrub stains.
Laundry | Clean your washing machine
Pull out your washing machine. Vacuum the backside of the appliance with a brush attachment to remove dirt and dust. Wipe down the top and sides of the appliances with an all-purpose cleaner. Then, run the washing machine cycle with distilled white vinegar and hot water to get rid of any mildew and soap scum.
Laundry | Tidy up shelving
Organise your kitchen or pantry shelves, sorting through anything you no longer need. Add a couple of potted plants or pretty vases with fresh flowers for an easy update.
Garden | Clear your entrance
Get your front entrance ready for the summer months by hanging a spring wreath, adding an assortment of pots outside the front door, and clearing paths. You may want to consider jet-washing your patio to remove debris from winter.
Garden | Wipe down furniture
Most patio furniture, cushions and umbrellas can be cleaned using a mild soap and water mixture and a soft cloth. Follow the manufacturer's directions when cleaning wood or other specialty furniture. Wipe down the grill with a soap and water mixture. Or, for caked-on grease, scrub with a wire brush.
Garden | Plant flowers
Spend an afternoon planting your summer-flowering bulbs, such as dahlias and freesia. Plus, don't forget to fill window boxes with beautiful blooms.
You Might Also Like
