50 Spring Cleaning Tips for a Calm, Clutter-Free Home

It wouldn’t be spring without a thorough and necessary deep clean of your home. Now is the time to blast your favorite playlist, pull out your cleaning caddies, and don some rubber gloves to clean the spots in your home that don’t get regular TLC. Let’s be real though—spring cleaning can be a daunting task, no matter the size of your home. If you’re not sure where to start, this spring cleaning checklist can help. Instead of looking at it as one huge, formidable chore, we’ve broken it down, room by room, to take some of the guesswork out of your own spring clean.

As you read through our checklist, remember to set aside a reasonable amount of time for each task, and be sure to reward yourself after each session. Whether you treat yourself to flowers or maybe even go so far as to buy that spring accessory you’ve been eyeing, little treats will help keep you going and motivate you to continue.

Your spring clean will take a few days, so plan both your cleaning and rewards accordingly. Envision your gorgeously clean home and read on for the ultimate spring cleaning checklist.

Featured image from our interview with Sanne Vloet.

Cleaning Tasks For Every Room

Dust

There’s no getting away from dust, and beginning your spring clean with this relatively simple task is a great way to start small and build momentum. Proceed from top to bottom. This includes the tops of your highest shelves, ceiling fans, window casings, light fixtures, blinds, and all of your surfaces. Dust will no doubt start to sprinkle down toward the floor, but don’t worry—just have your vacuum at the ready once you’re done.

Vacuum

Give your floors and carpeting a thorough vacuum to pick up dirt, crumbs, and everything that has settled on the ground post-dusting. This is also a great time to not only vacuum the floors, but upholstery as well. Use a handheld vacuum if you have one or vacuum attachments on couch cushions, lounge chairs, ottomans, and mattresses in your bedrooms. Take the cushions off of your sofa and vacuum up dirt and debris that may have fallen through them over time, and be sure to vacuum underneath the furniture as well.

Mop

After you vacuum, a quick mop of your hardwood floors will keep them clean and sparkly. However, it’s essential to know what kind of floors you have and how best to clean them. You want to take care of your tile if you have it, and you don’t want to over-saturate laminate floors to avoid warping, for example. 

Clean the baseboards

An often overlooked aspect of your home are the baseboards, which can very easily gather dust and grime over time. Take a damp microfiber cloth or sponge and gently wipe up debris. You’ll be sure to notice the subtle, but impactful difference clean baseboards make.  

Change out smoke detector batteries

Every room in your home should have a smoke detector, and now is a great time to be sure they’re in working order. They should absolutely be included in your dusting, and while you’re up there, swap out the batteries for fresh ones.

Clean windows

Give your windows some extra elbow grease this spring. Wipe down window panes with glass cleaner, clean screens with water and dish soap, and dust window sills. If you have curtains or drapes, throw them in the washing machine or send them to the dry cleaners. Be sure to read the care label and follow the steps accordingly.

Cleaning Tasks for Specific Rooms

Kitchen

The kitchen is, of course, a room that gets used daily. Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking dinner, or overseeing after-school homework sessions—your kitchen would probably love a refresh. Pay attention to the tasks that often get overlooked, like cleaning the oven or those small appliances you use every day like your coffee maker. 

Deep clean the refrigerator and freezer, both inside and out Vacuum refrigerator coils Organize the pantry and toss expired food Deep clean the oven Clean the stovetop Run a cleaning cycle for the dishwasher Wipe down the microwave Clean kitchen cabinets Wash floor mats if you have them Declutter countertops Clean kitchen appliances, especially the ones you use regularly Refresh dish towels and sponges Clean the sink and garbage disposal Wipe down your trash can

Bathroom

The bathroom is a magnet for germs and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Use this checklist as a guide to your spring deep clean that goes beyond daily and weekly upkeep. Really get into your cabinets and clean up any stray hairs, spills, or dust. Scrub every inch of the sink and clear away clutter. Cleaning the bathroom is not the most glamorous task, but can certainly be one of the most rewarding. 

Deep clean the shower, toilet, and sink Toss expired make-up and toiletries Launder the shower curtain Wash bath mats and towels Clean cabinets and knobs Replace the shower liner Wipe down mirrors Scrub tile grout

Living Room

The bulk of living room deep cleaning is part of the universal list (dusting, vacuuming, cleaning windows etc.), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t small tasks to tackle here as well. In addition to spot cleaning and vacuuming the sofa and other furniture, really get into all of the nooks and crannies of your living room. This list breaks it all down. 

Dust behind the TV Dust the air vents Wipe down lighting fixtures Flip couch cushions Wash throw pillows and blankets Spot clean furniture stains  Shampoo carpets if necessary

Bedroom

If you haven’t already given your bedroom a spring refresh, now is the perfect time to break out your warm-weather bedding. Strip the bed first before diving into the universal cleaning tasks listed at the beginning of the article. Give yourself ample time for a closet clean-out as well—I would dedicate a whole day or afternoon to this task.

Launder all bedding, including duvets, bed skirts, and pillows Organize closets and toss or donate unused clothing Declutter under the bed Wash your mattress protector (be sure to read the care label) Flip your mattress

Home Office

A clean and tidy workspace always does wonders for my productivity. You’re no doubt focusing on deadlines and work projects while in your home office, so it makes sense that this space may be ready for a deep clean. You’ll thank yourself later when you walk into a sparkly clean work area!

Declutter papers and filing Organize desk supplies Wipe down electronics  Sanitize your keyboard

Garage and Outdoor Spaces

Spring cleaning isn’t just for the inside of your home. Warmer weather means it’s time to spruce up your outdoor living spaces. Get your patio ready for summer barbecues, give your front porch some curb appeal, and declutter your garage. Especially since your garage may be a dumping ground for miscellaneous items you’re not sure what to do with—taking time to clear out this space will breathe new life into it. 

Hose down the driveway Clean patio floors Wash outdoor furniture Add some curb appeal Declutter the garage (tools, storage items, seasonal decor, etc.) Clean garage door