It’s that time of year when the weather is warming and the fresh air makes us realize that winter dumped a crap load of dust and dirt into our houes when we weren’t looking. So grab your mop and dustpan and glance through my spring cleaning checklist.
Since I’ve broken it down by room, take tasks one at a time, doing as many as you can per day, or (if you’re like me) as many as you can during naptime! Use wet rags and disinfecting wipes to get rid of dirt and germs. Take a laundry basket with you into each room to collect items that need to be sorted into other areas. Sometimes, kids can help with age appropriate tasks and either earn a reward or perhaps an allowance.
ENTRYWAY
- Dust lighting fixtures.
- Wash walls & trim
- Wash doors, knobs & switch plates.
- Wipe/dust furnishings.
- Empty out coat closet. Wash walls & floor, if needed. Sort items, donate excess.
- Clean or replace entry mat.
- Sweep & scrub floors.
BEDROOMS
- Open windows for an hour a day.
- Dust furniture.
- For each drawer, remove items, wipe out, reorganize contents.
- Remove everything from closets. Sweep & wash closet floor. Try not to store things on closet floor.
- Move Bed. Sort & put away anything that was under bed. Sweep or vacuum under bed.
- Launder bedding & curtains. Wash pillows & duvet in hot water.
- Dust lights & lamp shades.
- Wash windows & sills.
- Wash mirrors or dust art.
- Wipe switch plates, walls & trim.
- Wash vent covers.
- Clean floor.
KITCHEN
- Open windows for an hour a day.
- Wash or dry clean curtains/window treatments.
- For each cabinet, remove items, wipe out, reorganize contents.
- Wash cabinet doors & knobs
- Clean & organize pantry. Check food expiration dates.
- Clean oven.
- Clean stove top and all grates.
- Clean & organize fridge & freezer. Defrost freezer, if necessary. Check for expiration dates.
- Clean under fridge & stove.
- Brush & Vacuum refrigerator coils.
- Clean microwave.
- Wipe down counter appliances
- Wash counters & back splash, if applicable.
- Wash & shine sink/faucet.
- Clean Dishwasher.
- Dust light fixtures/fans.
- Wash windows& sills. Remove window screens & wash.
- Wipe switch plates, walls and trim.
- Wash doors and door knobs.
- Wash vent covers.
- Sweep & wash floor.
DINING ROOM
- Open windows for an hour a day.
- Wash or dry clean curtains/window treatments.
- Wipe down table and chairs.
- Dust other furniture.
- Clean chair pads, if applicable.
- Polish table, if necessary.
- Is it time to switch out the table decor?
- Dust any displayed china.
- Shine Silver, even if it’s tucked away to sustain character.
- Dust artwork.
- Wash windows & sills. Take out & wash window screens.
- Wipe switch plates, walls & trim.
- Wipe doors & knobs.
- Wash vent covers.
- Clean floors.
LIVING ROOM/ DEN
- Open windows for an hour a day.
- Vacuum sofas – seriously. Do you have a pet? Check under there, I’ll wait.
- Launder throw all pillow/sofa covers, & blankets.
- Dust shelves, furniture and decor, including lamps & ceiling fans.
- Wash windows & screens.
- Clean television screen & other electroics.
- Tidy electronics wires & keep nicely out of sight.
- Sort books, music and DVD collections. Donate excess.
- Wash hard plastic toys with warm soapy water. Rinse & dry. Launder stuffed toys. Donate excess.
- Wipe switch plates, walls & trim.
- Wash doors & knobs.
- Wash vent covers.
- Clean floors.
BATHROOMS
- For each cabinet, remove items, wipe out, reorganize contents. Trash all expired items.
- Wash outside of cabinets & vanities.
- Refill, tend to first aid kit.
- Clean tub.
- Clean toilet, inside & out. Remove seat & clean around bolts.
- Clean sink faucet.
- Clean mirrors.
- Dust light fixtures.
- Wipe switch plates, walls & trim.
- Wash vent covers.
- Sweep & wash floor.
LAUNDRY ROOM
- Wipe cabinet doors.
- Dust & wipe inside cabinets.
- Wash laundry sink, if you have one.
- Wipe down outside of washer & dryer (I do this regularly).
- Wash lint trap with soap and water to remove filmy build-up from laundry soaps and dryer sheets. Let air dry thoroughly before putting back in place!
- Wipe switch plates, walls & trim.
- Wash doors & door knobs.
- Sweep & mop.
- Clean pet areas with natural cleansers.
STAIRS
- Wipe down the walls & the handrail! Ew!
- Vacuum stairs.
- Spot clean walls.
- Dust the light fixtures & wall frames.
OUTSIDE
- Sweep front & back porches as well as walkway.
- Wash the exterior doors. Give front door a fresh coat of paint if you notice chips.
- Flack out or replace welcome mat.
- Scrub moss from siding.
- Power wash sidewalks, driveways & patios.
- Add mulch to beds.
- Tend to mailbox repairs.
- Hang spring wreath.
Finally, kick back and enjoy your hard work!
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
Thanks for the post! I unfortunately really need this right now! 😉
redheadbabymama says
You’re welcome. I’m starting to hack away at several things on the list!
Wilson says
Perfect checklist for cleaning!!! It is very important to clean the house for the better health of the family members. Unhygienic environment can cause many allergic diseases, so it is better to prevent our family from these diseases.
redheadbabymama says
Thanks! It sure does cover a lot, and honestly I do these more than once a year!
Sandy M. says
I really love checklists and yours is just right for me. Thanks a lot <3
~Hainault Carpet Cleaners Ltd.