It’s officially the time of year when many homeowners break out the sponges and sprays to take on spring cleaning. There’s only one problem: how daunting it is. 

Between work and everyday responsibilities, who has the time to undergo a serious deep cleaning? 

To make it easier, we put together the ultimate spring cleaning checklist. This deep cleaning checklist breaks up your spring cleaning tasks into manageable bits—and our bonus tips help with your speed, efficiency, and mental well-being throughout the process. 

If the checklist looks scary, remember two things:

  1. Many of these tasks are quick to-dos.
  2. And it will feel great to check them off.

Is Spring Cleaning Necessary?

Cleaning around springtime isn’t essential, but deep cleaning your home is. You should deep clean your home at least twice a year to keep it healthy, safe, and in good condition. Spring is as good a time as any, and nice weather is a plus.

Deep cleaning prevents dust and mold from building up into a bigger problem, especially in areas that are overlooked in everyday cleaning. 

The spring-cleaning tradition began because spring was the optimal time to clean before central air and heating graced our homes. It wasn’t too cold, and it was the best time to clean the soot the wood fires created in the winter months. 

Now, if you own a fireplace that is creating soot, spring cleaning is still a great opportunity to clean it. And even if you don’t, a deep clean freshens up your home in preparation for the brighter months.

When Does Spring Cleaning Start?

Traditionally, spring cleaning starts towards the end of winter to early spring, between March 1st and April 31st. Since deep cleaning the home is more important than the exact time of year you do it, you can technically start whenever works best for your schedule.

Spring Cleaning Tips: How to Make Deep Cleaning Easier

Before you get started, these tips will help you save time and find a little more joy in your spring cleaning. 

Tip 1: Clean in the Right Order

There is some debate over whether it’s better to do your spring-cleaning room by room (e.g., finishing the kitchen before moving to the living room) or task by task (e.g., vacuuming every room, then dusting every room, and so on). 

Well, the best way to efficiently tackle your cleaning is a combination of the two. 

What you want to do is complete all the tasks that apply to every room first, like sweeping the house or dusting. Then, you’ll want to handle the room-specific tasks room by room.

Following this method will give your deep cleaning an organized structure that ensures you’re not switching between cleaning supplies left and right or wasting time running from room to room for different tasks.

Our checklist is structured to help you follow this time-efficient strategy.  

Tip 2: Buy Fewer Cleaning Supplies

If you’re planning to stock up on cleaning supplies, think twice about buying several different cleaners. You don’t need a new cleaner for every surface, and a good multi-purpose cleaner can knock out several. Just make sure to check labels to avoid damaging any surfaces.

The more unnecessarily specific your cleaning supplies are, the more time you will spend running to the cabinet to switch between them.

Tip 3: Teamwork It

If you live with a partner or have kids, get them involved too. Spring cleaning doesn’t need to fall entirely on you, and a little teamwork can make the process more enjoyable. 

For children, assign age-appropriate chores and offer rewards for a job well done.

Tip 4: Simplify Mealtime

As wonderful as it is to live in a super clean home, taking on extra cleaning can be stressful in the moment. Make simple meals or get takeout on the days you plan on spring cleaning to make life easier. 

Tip 5: Have a Plan for Clutter

Unlike your typical deep clean checklist, a spring cleanout implies decluttering as well as cleaning. While it isn’t a requirement, getting rid of your excess clothing and unused items helps open up your home environment. 

As you start cleaning, keep an eye out for clutter, and put anything you deem clutter in one of the following categories: 

  1. Things to throw away
  2. Things to give away
  3. Things to put into storage   

Tip 6: Take as Long as You Need

If you’re planning to crush your spring cleaning in one weekend or over the course of a week, you’re not alone. We tend to think that things have to be done fast and done now. But this isn’t the case with spring cleaning. 

No one will get hurt if it takes longer than a week to complete, and rushing yourself may only hurt you. While this checklist is here to guide you, it’s not going away. Feel free to take it slow and only cross a few things off a day.

Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

This spring-cleaning checklist breaks down everything that should be included in a deep house cleaning. To use it, download our printable graphic here or save this blog link for reference. 

Multi-Room Tasks

These are the tasks that need to be done in more than one room. Get these done in each applicable room before moving onto room-specific tasks.

  • Open windows to let in the fresh air. 
  • Dust ceiling fans, lights, and lamps.
  • Dust corners for cobwebs.
  • Dust all wall hangings, décor, and shelves.
  • Disinfect doorknobs, handles, and light switches.
  • Clean window sills, windows, and window tracks.
  • Clean curtains and window blinds.
  • Sweep or vacuum floors.
  • Mop floors. 
  • Shampoo rugs and carpets.
  • Clean air vents. 
  • Wipe down baseboards.
  • Spot clean walls.
  • Spot clean doors.

Entryway Cleaning Checklist

  • Clean the doormat.
  • Organize any shoes.
  • Hang up any jackets.
  • Clean out the entryway closet. 

Living Room Cleaning Checklist

  • Wipe down the coffee table and side tables. 
  • Vacuum your couch and chairs.
  • Remove couch cushions to vacuum crevasses. 
  • Wash all throw blankets and pillows.
  • Wipe down any other furniture. 
  • Dust any other decor. 
  • Dust your electronics.
  • Clean the television screen.
  • Sort music, movie, and book collections. (Donate anything you don’t need anymore.)  

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

  • Dust the top of your fridge and cabinets.
  • Wipe down your microwave and other small appliances.
  • Empty your toaster’s crumb tray.
  • Clean your range hood and stovetop. 
  • Clean backsplash and counters.  
  • Clean any highchairs or barstools.
  • Clean the inside and outside of the oven.
  • Clean the inside and outside of the dishwasher.
  • Toss all old or expired food in the pantry, fridge, and freezer.
  • Clean the inside and outside of the refrigerator.
  • Clean behind and beneath the refrigerator.
  • Defrost the freezer. 
  • Wipe down the inside of the pantry.
  • Clean the inside and outside of cabinets and drawers. (Remove everything to clean, and put it back organized.) 
  • Wipe down the sink and faucet.
  • Clean the sink drain.
  • Wash dish rags and replace your sponges.
  • Wash floor mats.
  • Wipe down the inside and outside of your trash can.
  • Reseal the grout in tile flooring and behind counters. 
  • Organize under the sink.
  • Check that all your under-sink water connectors are in good condition with no leaks. These connectors are usually inexpensive to replace.

Dining Room Cleaning Checklist

  • Wash tablecloths.
  • Wipe down the table and chairs.  
  • Vacuum and spot clean chair cushions.
  • Dust any other furniture or decor.

Bedroom Cleaning Checklist

  • Wash all bedding. 
  • Flip the mattress.
  • Clean closet shelves and floors. 
  • Organize your closet. (Donate unused clothing.)
  • Organize items stored under your bed. 
  • Wipe down mirrors.
  • Dust any other furniture or decor.

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

  • Dust any decor. 
  • Discard expired toiletries and makeup.
  • Clean makeup brushes.
  • Clean and organize cabinets and drawers.
  • Wipe down mirrors.
  • Wipe down counters.
  • Clean sinks, faucets, and drains.
  • Clean the tub, shower, and showerhead.
  • Replace your shower curtain liner.
  • Wash bath mats.
  • Clean the inside and outside of toilets.
  • Clean the inside and outside trash cans. 
  • Scrub clean the grout in tile floors.  
  • Reseal any grout in tile flooring and behind counters. 
  • Check that all water connectors are in good condition with no leaks. 

Laundry Room Cleaning Checklist

  • Clean any shelves and cabinets.
  • Clean any counters or laundry sinks.
  • Organize laundry supplies.
  • Clean the dryer vent.
  • Clean out lint traps.
  • Clean behind the washer and dryer.
  • Clean inside and outside of the washing machine.
  • Empty the washing machine drain pump.
  • Clean the outside of the dryer. 
  • Reseal any grout in tile flooring and behind counters.
  • Check that all water connectors are in good condition with no leaks, and replace any old hoses. These are usually inexpensive and easy to replace.

Office Cleaning Checklist

  • Recycle old paperwork.
  • Clean your mouse and computer keyboards. 
  • Clean computer monitors.
  • Wipe down desks and chairs.
  • Dust any other furniture and decor. 

Kids’ Playroom Cleaning Checklist

  • Wash stuffed animals and soft toys.
  • Clean plastic toys with soap and water.
  • Donate old or unused toys.
  • Organize toys and play areas.
  • Wipe down any furniture or decor. 

Stairwell Cleaning Checklist

  • Sweep or vacuum the stairs.
  • Wipe down handrails.
  • Dust any art and light fixtures.

Garage Cleaning Checklist

  • Sweep out dirt and leaves.
  • Organize tools, equipment, storage, and toys.
  • Clean garage door and door frame.
  • Replace batteries in garage door openers.
  • Properly discard old or expired chemicals and paint. Most counties have guidelines for disposal of hazardous chemicals.

Outside Cleaning Checklist

  • Wash outside doors and doorframes.
  • Wash the outside of your windows.
  • Wash your house siding.
  • Hose off your patio or deck. 
  • Wash outdoor furniture.
  • Hose off your garbage and recycling bins.
  • Wipe down outdoor light fixtures.
  • Clean the grill.
  • Clean or replace your welcome mat. 

Miscellaneous Spring-Cleaning Tasks

  • Clean out your junk drawer. 
  • Properly dispose of expired medication and replace it if needed.
  • Change your AC air filter. (Most should be replaced every 30 days.)
  • Test the batteries in your smoke detectors.
  • Get your fireplace and chimney cleaned. 
  • Store all winter clothes and decorations.

Download Our Printable Spring Cleaning Checklist

Celebrate Your Hard Work and Clean Home

Once you’ve worked through the ultimate spring-cleaning checklist, don’t forget to reward your efforts—whether it’s with a dinner party with friends, a night out or some springtime plants. Of course, the best reward is knowing how clean and healthy your home is.

If you’re looking to feel this great all the time, consider throwing a few of the smaller tasks into your regular cleaning routine. You’ll feel extra accomplished, and you’ll have less to do when fall cleaning comes around.