The Ultimate Spring-Cleaning Checklist

When the days become longer and the cold winter days seem to be ending, it is a perfect time to deep clean the home ready for Spring. It can sometimes be a daunting task, so we have created the Ultimate Spring-Cleaning Checklist for you to follow.

Cleaning a house from top to bottom can be overwhelming. Try and take one room at a time instead to help you break down the work. It doesn't matter if you cannot do it all in one go. Just work your way through the list whenever you have free time.

The amount of clutter and dirt that builds up can be surprising, but you can soon have a fresh house ready for Spring.

All Rooms

Wash windows inside and out - Mix one-part hot water to one-part distilled vinegar. Try and wash windows on cloudy days as sun can cause streaks.

Dust Blinds

Remove marks off walls - Start gently with water and a sponge. If this doesn't work, use a magic eraser or a cream cleaner. Use a circle motion to clean and do not apply too much pressure as you could end up removing the paint.

  • Dust Blinds
  • Door Handles
  • Wipe clean Light Switches
  • Wipe down Skirting Boards
  • Hoover Sofa
  • Clean Sofa - Review your manufacturer's instructions before you attempt to remove any stains.
  • Dust and clean overhead lights replacing any old light bulbs
  • Dust lampshades
  • Shampoo Rugs and Carpets
  • Wash curtains - Wash on a cool, gentle cycle. Always check the wash label first and if you are unsure, dry clean the curtains instead.

Entrance

  • Organise Shoes
  • Clean Door
  • Clean Doormat - Start by shaking the majority of the dirt outside. Vacuum the mat using the brush attachment. You can then sprinkle some carpet deodorizer on to it. You can buy specific deodorizer or using bicarbonate of soda instead.

Kitchen

  • Sweep floors
  • Organise the pantry and food cupboards
  • Wash kitchen cabinets and
  • Deep clean oven - Empty the oven first, Mix baking soda and some water to create a spreadable paste. Coat on to your oven and leave it for several hours, or ideally overnight. Wipe down the oven with a damp cloth. Then spray a little vinegar and do another wipe down.
  • Clean behind Fridge
  • Deep clean fridge inside
  • Wash kitchen cupboard doors
  • Clean cooker hood
  • Wipe down microwave
  • Clean Coffee Machine
  • Empty Toaster of breadcrumbs
  • Defrost Freezer
  • Shine Pots and Pans
  • Clean Dishwasher
  • Clean Washing Machine - You can easily clean your washing machine machine by using vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Alternatively your can purchase specific washing machine cleaners.
  • Disinfect Chopping Boards - Placing in a dishwasher is an effective way to keep them clean. You can also remove stains by rubbing a cut lemon across the board.
  • Clear Worktops
  • Check the use-by dates of all food
  • Sort out Tupperware and remove any duplicate lids
  • Wash reusable tote bags that you use for your food shop
  • Clean the Kitchen Sink and the plughole

Dining Room

  • Clean Dining Table
  • Dust any china or ornaments in cabinets
  • Polish any silver items
  • Wash chair cushions

Living Room

  • Dust and wash any and all mirrors, frames and decorative items
  • Wash all throws pillows and blankets
  • Organise Bookshelves
  • Wipe down the TV - Wipe TV screens gently with a cloth and remove any smudges gently with wipes specifically designed for electronic items.
  • Organise your coffee table

Bathroom

  • Clean and disinfect bathtub and shower
  • Wash bathmats
  • Dust and replace decorative items
  • Wash and/or replace shower liners and shower curtains
  • Clean makeup brushes – Wet the bristles with lukewarm water. Place a small amount of cleanser on top you hand and massage into the bristles. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out the excessive water. Leave to dry over the edge of a worktop NOT a towel.
  • Clean hairbrushes
  • Scrub tile grout - Create a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water and then scrub onto the grout using a toothbrush. Spray with vinegar which will react with the bicarb mixture. Scrub again and rine well with water afterwards.
  • Organise your makeup
  • Clean shower drain

Bedroom

  • Wash all bedding
  • Clean all bed and throw pillows
  • Flip Mattress. If using a pillow top rotate the mattress
  • Purge anything stored under the bed you don't want anymore
  • Tidy your wardrobe
  • Bedside Table

Kid's bedroom

  • Organise toys
  • Clean plastic toys – Some plastic toys are dishwasher safe, making this task a lot easier.
  • Wash cuddly toys - Always check the washing instructions first.
  • Donate clothes and toys

Study

  • Organise paperwork
  • Clean computer, keyboard and mouse

Shed

  • Remove everything and reorganize
  • Pressure wash your outdoor furniture
  • Hose out your outdoor bins
  • Sweep floor

Garage

  • Organise your toolbox
  • Clean garage door
  • Replace batteries in garage door opener
  • Sweep floor of the garage
  • Open the garage door to air the space
  • Consider adding shelves to organize your contents

Other

  • Discard old and expired makeup. Clean your makeup holders
  • Update all your house first aid kits. Toss expired medication while sorting other medication
  • Dry clean any necessary winter clothing or items. Store all winter items for next year.
  • Donate any unused clothes items
  • Check batteries in smoke detectors
  • Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Check all electronics, make sure they are plugged in, cords are untangled, and everything is plugged into a surge protector
  • Sweep the patio or decking
  • Store all winter items, clothes and decorations
  • Wipe down electrical items such as TV remotes, mobile phone etc.
  • Clean vacuum and broom
  • Clear out handbags and use organisers to help store everything neatly

Supplies

Here is a list of cleaning supplies to help you get started:

  • Air Freshener
  • All Purpose Cleaner
  • Bicarbonate of Soda
  • Bleach
  • Broom
  • Bucket
  • Carpet Cleaner
  • Cream Cleaner
  • Disinfectant
  • Duster
  • Dustpan and Brush
  • Lemon Juice
  • Mop
  • Oven Cleaner
  • Stainless Steel Cleaner
  • Sponges
  • Toilet Cleaner
  • Toothbrush
  • Vinegar
  • Wood Polish
  • Silver Polish
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Washing Up Liquid
  • Vacuum Cleaner
  • Electronic Wipes

Doing a deep clean can make a huge difference to your mood and can help your house look more spacious and inviting. Open the windows whilst you clean to help bring in fresh air, put on a playlist and take your time.

We hope you find this checklist useful. Are there any tasks you would add to our Spring-Cleaning Checklist? Let us know what they are by connecting on social media @TimeForYouGroup.