Spring Cleaning Checklist: How to Deep Clean Your House

What is spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning is the annual tradition that involves thoroughly cleaning and decluttering your home after the long winter months. It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your space, eliminate accumulated dust and allergens and create a healthier living environment.
While deep cleaning can be time-consuming, having a spring cleanup plan will make it more manageable. We will provide spring cleaning tips that’ll transform your home into a spotless and organized space, helping you focus on one area at a time to get a sparkling start to spring.
What you’ll need for deep cleaning your home
It’s important to gather all of the necessary materials and tools needed before delving into spring cleaning. While you might not benefit from every item on this list, having the right cleaning supplies on hand will make the process more efficient and thorough. Here are some deep cleaning supplies to consider:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Rubber gloves
- Sponges and scrub brushes
- Vacuum
- Carpet cleaner
- Steam mop
Regular household products like baking soda, white distilled vinegar and dish soap are also good spring cleaning products to have around for tackling tough stains, deodorizing surfaces and naturally cutting through grease.
General spring cleaning tips for every room
Spring cleaning requires tackling key tasks throughout your entire home. Here are the most important chores to complete in every room:
- Clean baseboards. When cleaning baseboards, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove loose debris, then wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner.
- Dust surfaces. Dust accumulates on furniture, shelves and light fixtures. Work from top to bottom, ensuring that dust from higher surfaces doesn’t settle on already-cleaned areas.
- Vacuum and mop floors. Carpets and rugs should be vacuumed thoroughly to remove dirt and allergens. Steam mops work great on hard floors to eliminate dust, grime and spills.
- Deep clean upholstered furniture. Remove dust and debris from sofas and chairs by vacuuming and cleaning upholstery and cushions. Be sure to check labels for specific instructions before spot-treating stains.
- Clean windows and window treatments. Wash windows inside and out using a glass cleaner or a vinegar solution. Washing window screens can also be done by removing them and scrubbing gently with warm, soapy water.
- Wipe walls and ceilings. Similar to cleaning baseboards, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust from your walls and ceilings. Stains and greasy buildups might require a mild cleaner and a soft cloth.
- Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans. Cleaning ceiling fans and light fixtures helps prevent dust and improve lighting quality. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster to wipe blades and fixtures, and use a damp cloth with a mild cleaner for any stubborn grime.
Room-by-room deep cleaning checklist
General cleaning tasks are one thing, but each room has specific areas that require extra attention. Here’s how to effectively deep clean each space in your home:
Kitchen
- Clean out the refrigerator and discard expired items.
- Wipe down kitchen cabinets and countertops.
- Scrub the sink and disinfect sponges.
- Clean the oven, microwave and stovetop.
Bathroom
- Scrub the bathtub, shower and sink.
- Clean and disinfect the toilet.
- Wash bath mats and shower curtains.
- Organize toiletries and replace expired products.
Bedroom
- Wash bedding, pillows and mattress covers.
- Rotate or flip the mattress.
- Organize closets and donate unused clothing.
- Dust nightstands, dressers and lamps.
Laundry room
- Clean the washing machine by running a cycle with hot water and vinegar.
- Wipe down the dryer, including the lint trap and vents.
- Organize laundry supplies like detergent, fabric softener and stain removers.
- Remove dust and lint buildup on the floor.
Living room
- Dust and polish furniture.
- Clean electronic devices and remotes.
- Vacuum under furniture and in corners.
- Refresh throw pillows and blankets.
Home office
- Declutter desks and drawers.
- Clean computer screens and keyboards.
- Organize paperwork and shred unnecessary documents.
- Upgrade your home office with new equipment, if needed.
Cleaning up after pets
If you have pets, keeping your home clean requires extra effort. Pet hair, odors and accidents can quickly accumulate, making routine cleaning essential. Here are some pet-specific cleaning tips:
- Remove pet hair. Use a pet vacuum to remove fur from furniture and floors. You can also use a lint roller or a rubber glove to pick up hair from upholstery and clothing.
- Deodorize pet areas. Wash pet bedding, blankets and toys regularly to prevent odors from lingering. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to neutralize smells.
- Groom pets regularly. Frequent brushing reduces shedding and keeps fur from accumulating on furniture and floors.
Deep cleaning your home year-round
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be confined to just one season. While spring is often associated with a fresh start, deep cleaning can be done anytime you need to refresh your home. Whether you’re cleaning a kitchen, cleaning a bedroom or taking on your entire house, the steps and tools outlined here can be used throughout the year.
By regularly maintaining a clean and organized home, you’ll create a healthier living space, reduce allergens and enjoy a more peaceful environment with improved air quality. So, grab the necessary floor cleaners and supplies, set aside time for deep cleaning whenever it fits your schedule and keep your home feeling fresh and welcoming year-round.