Your Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide
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The following Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide below takes you step-by-step through each room in your house. As a result, many of the cleaning tasks are repeated throughout the post. This will allow you to focus on one area at a time with all of the information you need in one space.
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Contents
What is Deep Cleaning?
The term “deep cleaning” is used to describe cleaning that goes beyond what is normally done during a regular weekly cleaning. I use the term deep cleaning and spring cleaning interchangeably as I see no difference between the two. However, this depends on who you ask.
Deep cleaning takes place once every six months compared to regular cleaning that takes place once a week or even once a month. Deep cleaning involves ridding of dirt and dust that has collected over the course of six months in places not normally cleaned, such as the top of the cabinets or behind appliances.
I do not include any cleaning behind appliances because I am not a fan of moving large items connected to gas or water lines for obvious reasons. However, there are plenty of other deep cleaning chores that are included that are not part of a regular daily, weekly or even monthly cleaning regimen.
On a fun note, did you know that the fourth Sunday in Mach begins National Cleaning Week? I only learned about this recently as a result of doing some “research” online. So now with the start of spring and National Cleaning Week, there’s never been a more perfect time to clean.
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Start Spring Cleaning when the Time is Right for You
There is no right or wrong time to deep clean your home. You may prefer to do a deep cleaning before or after the holidays, before you put your house up for sale, during a break from work or over a long weekend.
If you start to feel overwhelmed and stop before you get started, take a deep breath and remind yourself that deep cleaning does not have to be done in one day. Take it one day at a time, one room at time. Do what is best for you and your schedule.
If you’re looking for a quicker cleaning method, read my post on the Quick Clean Method.
I find that if I’m not in the mood to clean and I’m forcing myself to do it, it takes me longer and it feels dreadful. If you have the flexibility to choose when to begin, do so when you’re motivated to do it.
How to Spring Clean the Kitchen
To start deep cleaning the kitchen, I work from the top down. I start with dusting where the wall and ceiling meet. This seems to be where dust tags hang out. Ewww. I use a Swiffer duster with the expandable handle, this allows me to reach without having to stand on top of a chair (that comes later).
How to Spring Clean Cabinets to Baseboards
Next, I stand on top of the countertops in order to reach the top of the cabinets. The very top. Ever look up there to see the dust and grease that accumulate after a few months? Most of the time I can remove the dirt and grime with Windex and paper towels. If the dirt and grime are thick like it was when we first bought our house, I suggest using a scouring brush to remove everything. It will take some elbow grease and time.
After the tops of the cabinets are cleaned, I begin cleaning the doors of the upper cabinets. I have white cabinets and have used both Clorox Anywhere and Windex. I find the Windex removes food stains and smudges more effectively. If you have oak, cherry, walnut or any other type of wooden cabinet, I suggest wiping them down with Murphy’s Oil Soap or Dutch Glow Amish Wood Milk.
Once the upper cabinets are finished, I move to the lower cabinets and finally the baseboards. I wipe down the baseboards around the entire kitchen (which leads to the hallways, family room, and dining room). It’s amazing how nice the baseboards look after a simple cleaning. If you have pets like we do, you’ll really see the difference.
How to Spring Clean Countertops
To begin cleaning the countertops, I remove all items so it is easier to clean and wipe down the entire area, including the backsplash. Since I like to keep my countertops from feeling cluttered, I have very few items that I keep on top. Currently I keep a coffee pot, Keurig, blender and standing mixer. Everything else in the kitchen is stored out of sight. I then clean each of the appliances before placing them back on top of the countertops.
Before I move on to appliances, I pour 1 cup of bleach and a few squirts of Dawn dish soap in each side of the sink and fill it with hot water. The Dawn dish soap helps to keep the drains free of grease, a tip we learned the hard way from our friendly neighborhood plumber. I allow the bleach and soap to work for 10-15 minutes before rinsing and wiping them dry. This chore is important enough that I also include it in my weekly rotation.
How to Spring Clean Appliances
Next job I tackle while deep cleaning the kitchen is to clean the major appliances. We clean out the refrigerator every week before we buy groceries so it just needs to be wiped down. The dishwasher gets a cycle with Affresh and the outside cleaned. The microwave is cleaned by placing a 2-cup measuring cup inside with water, a few tablespoons of vinegar and lemon slices. I heat the water for 5-6 minutes and allow it to steam inside the microwave for a few minutes longer. I simply wipe down the inside with a paper towel and wash the rotating dish with soap and water. Looks great (until the next bag of popcorn, which is any minute in my house)!
I like to wait until everyone is out of the house before I clean the oven. The self-cleaning cycle has a very potent odor and even with the windows open and exhaust fan on, the smell can be overpowering. Don’t forget to remove all oven racks prior to starting the self-cleaning cycle. I wash them by hand with the help of Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser.
How to Spring Clean the Lights & Table
Now it’s time to clean the light hanging over the kitchen table and/or island. Be sure to dust the bulbs as well. Next, clean your kitchen table from the top down, including the legs of the table and chairs.
How to Spring Clean Windows & Window Treatments
If you have windows in your kitchen, begin by using Windex to clean off any smudges and fingerprints. Make sure to wipe down both the top and bottom of the windows. Open the window and clean the track. I do this by spraying the track with Windex and wiping it down with a paper towel. If the dirt inside the track is hard to reach, try placing a butter knife inside an old washcloth and using it to reach tight spaces.
The method used to clean your window treatments will vary according to what you have. I currently have Roman shades in my kitchen and I am unable to take them down to wash them. Instead, I spot clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap and use a lint roller to rid of dust.
In other parts of my house, I have plantation shutters that I use a microfiber dust cloth to clean. If you don’t have microfiber cloths, I have found that Swiffer dusters work great as do dry Swiffer cloths. They both trap the dust and prevent it from spreading everywhere.
How to Spring Clean Doors & Switches
Wipe down door knobs and light switches with sanitizing wipes to reduce the likelihood of spreading germs. In addition, wipe down the doors to remove dirt and grime. If you have white doors, I suggest using Windex or Clorox Anywhere to clean the doors. If you have oak, cherry, walnut or other type of wood, I suggest using a wood cleaner such asMurphy’s Oil Soap orDutch Glow Amish Wood Milk.
How to Spring Clean the Floors
We are almost finished deep cleaning the kitchen! Hang in there! Now it is time for the floors get all the attention with a dry dust and then a wet mop (Swifferis my favorite for both). In our previous home I used a floor steam mopto sanitize our kitchen floor. The hardwood we have now prevents me from using the steamer but I highly recommend using one if your flooring allows it.
Final Thoughts About the Kitchen
Now, pour yourself a nice beverage and relax! You have successfully spring cleaned your kitchen!
There is nothing more satisfying than to look around the kitchen and see everything clean and sparkling. The only way it would stay that way is if we never used it and we all know that’s never going to happen. So look now and be proud of your effort to spring clean your kitchen – it’s the hardest room in the house and you just finished it.
Take it one room, one day at a time. You’ve got this! When you’re ready, your bedroom is next.
How To Spring Clean Your Bathroom
It’s easy to become overwhelmed with the idea of spring cleaning any room, let alone an entire house. That is why I’m taking it one room at a time. I’ve created a checklist for you to download so you can check-off items as you go, giving yourself some momentum to finish the job. Do what you can when you can. If you can only work on it an hour or two at a time, then do that. If you have a period of time where you can dedicate more than that, take advantage of the opportunity and get it all done. The whole idea is to make it work for you. So let’s get started on our next cleaning venture…the bathroom.
Just like in the kitchen, I suggest starting at the top and working your way down when deep cleaning the bathroom. This eliminates the need to have to clean areas multiple times as a result of dirt and dust moving around. Use a long-handled duster (I like to use this one made by Swiffer) to reach where the ceiling and wall meet. Pay particular attention to the corners, they can become pretty dusty.
Next, dust the walls of the bathroom. Use a wet cloth to wipe down afterwards to remove any toothpaste or unwanted splatter. I’m always amazed at how far toothpaste can travel in my kids bathroom.
How to Spring Clean the Mirrors & Lighting
Clean the mirrors and the lighting using Windex or a microfiber cloth. Be sure to dust the lightbulbs as well.
How to Spring Clean the Vanity & Sinks
Scrub your vanity tops and sinks with a disinfectant to kill unwanted germs. Be sure to wipe around the back of the faucets and faucet handles. If you have a backsplash behind your sink, don’t forget to wipe it down as well.
Spray your cabinet doors with either a wood soap cleaner such as Murphy’s Oil Soap or Windex, depending on what type of cabinets you have. I prefer to use Windex since I have white cabinets, it removes dirt and smudge marks better than anything else I’ve used.
How to Spring Clean Doors & Switches
Wipe down door knobs and light switches with sanitizing wipes to reduce the likelihood of spreading germs. In addition, wipe down the doors to remove dirt and grime. If you have white doors, I suggest using Windex or Clorox Anywhere to clean the doors. If you have oak, cherry, walnut or other type of wood, I suggest using a wood cleaner such as Murphy’s Oil Soap or Dutch Glow Amish Wood Milk.
How to Spring Clean the Toilet
The toilet – perhaps the worst part of cleaning. Not because it’s hard, just because it’s gross. I always start with the back of toilet tank and wipe it down. Proceed to disinfect in this order: tank, around the outside of the bowl, sides, top of lid, underneath lid, top of seat, underneath seat, and rim of toilet.
Sanitize the inside of the toilet bowl with your favorite toilet bowl cleaner. Wait a few minutes and scrub from the top of the bowl to the bottom. Resist flushing to allow the cleaner to continue working.
How to Spring Clean Rugs & Decorative Items
Rugs and decorative items are the easiest. Simply throw your rugs in the washer (on hot!) and wipe down any decorative items. This includes pictures, candles, plants, shelving… anything in the bathroom that collects dust.
How to Spring Clean Baseboards & Floors
For baseboards, begin by spraying them down with your favorite cleaner and wiping them with a cloth. You can use a dry duster if you choose, I prefer to spray them because it just works better, especially if you have pets and have pet hair to remove. Dry dusting your baseboards is a good option though if you’re short on time.
For our bathroom floors, I use a floor steamer . It sanitizes while removing dirt and grime. The pads that attach to the bottom of the steamer can be easily removed and washed in the washing machine. The steamer itself is light and easy to maneuver.
How to Spring Clean Windows & Window Treatments
If you have windows in your bathroom, begin by using Windex to clean off any smudges and fingerprints. Make sure to wipe down both the top and bottom of the windows. Open the window and clean the track. I do this by spraying the track with Windex and wiping it down with a paper towel. If the dirt inside the track is hard to reach, try placing a butter knife inside an old washcloth and using it to reach tight spaces.
The method used to clean your window treatments will vary according to what you have. I currently have Roman shades in my kitchen and I am unable to take them down to wash them. Instead, I spot clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap and use a lint roller to rid of dust.
In other parts of my house, I have plantation shutters or blinds that I use a microfiber dust cloth to clean. If you don’t have microfiber cloths, I have found that Swiffer dusters work great as do dry Swiffer cloths. They both trap the dust and prevent it from spreading everywhere.
How to Spring Clean the Shower & Bath
To clean the bathtub, spray it with disinfectant and wipe down the entire area, including the faucet and handles.
Next, I move on to the shower. I wet the floor of the shower, sprinkle it with Comet, and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. I then use a scrub brush and scrub the floor in a circular motion, focusing on the center of the shower where it becomes the dirtiest. Rinse well.
Great Job! Your Bathroom is Now CLEAN!
Congratulations on finishing the steps towards a bathroom that is not only clean, but deep cleaned. Take a moment to relish in your hard work while everything is still sparkling. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
Feels so good, doesn’t it? Ready for the next room? Give yourself time before reading how to Deep Clean Your Bedroom. For now, enjoy a nice glass of your favorite beverage and relax – maybe even take a bubble bath – you deserve it!
How to Spring Clean Your Bedroom
As you already know, I always start my cleaning at the top and work my way down. I start with dusting where the wall and ceiling meet. This seems to be where dust tags hang out. Ewww. I use a Swiffer duster with the expandable handle, this allows me to reach without having to stand on top of a chair (that comes later).
If you have a ceiling fan in the room, you will want to dust that as well. If the fan is over your bed, be sure to place a towel or old sheet on top to keep the dust from getting on your bed. Be sure dust the top and bottom of each blade and the lightbulbs.
How to Spring Clean Lamps, Doors & Light Switches
Wipe down door knobs and light switches with sanitizing wipes to reduce the likelihood of spreading germs. In addition, wipe down the doors to remove dirt and grime. If you have white doors, I suggest using Windex or Clorox Anywhere to clean the doors. If you have oak, cherry, walnut or other type of wood, I suggest using a wood cleaner such as Murphy’s Oil Soap or Dutch Glow Amish Wood Milk.
How to Spring Clean the Ceiling & Walls
Begin by dusting around the room where the ceiling and the wall meet. Pay attention to the corners of the room, this is where dust tags tend to form. Work from left to right to avoid cleaning areas you’ve already cleaned (this works well if you tend to get distracted during your cleaning).
I use a long-handled Swiffer to reach up high and work my way down the wall. Be sure to give those air vents on the wall a thorough dusting while you have the Swiffer.
How to Spring Clean the Lighting
Time to take down any overhead lighting globes and wash them with soap and water. Dry thoroughly before putting back in place. Depending on your type of lighting, you may need to dust the inside of the lights and/or wipe them down with glass cleaner.
Disinfect light switches and wipe down lamps with a microfiber dusting cloth. Use a lint roller to dust lamp shades.
How to Spring Clean the Furniture
Dust any furniture in your foyer such as a sofa table or bench seat in addition to any decorative items. This is a good time to rotate seasonal decorations or simplify the tops of your furniture by storing away some items. You may also want to consider donating those trinkets you no longer need.
Ever wonder if those pesky water stains will live on your wood furniture forever? Learn how to rid of water stains from wood furniture from family handyman. It’s much easier than you think!
How to Spring Clean the Doors
Wipe down door knobs and light switches with sanitizing wipes to reduce the likelihood of spreading germs. In addition, wipe down the doors to remove dirt and grime. If you have white doors, I suggest using glass cleaner to clean the doors. If you have oak, cherry, walnut or other type of wood, I suggest using a wood cleaner such as Murphy’s Oil Soap or Dutch Glow Amish Wood Milk.
Wipe down your front door with glass cleaner and give it a good cleaning. At our house, dog nose prints and hand-prints riddle the front door. They are reminders of our busy life and they make me smile because I know who put them there. I do prefer however that our front door make a better impression than one covered in smudges.
How to Spring Clean the Windows & Window Treatments
If you have windows in your foyer, begin by using window cleaner to clean off any smudges and fingerprints. Make sure to wipe down both the top and bottom of the windows. Open the window and clean the track. I do this by spraying the track and wiping it down with a paper towel. If the dirt inside the track is hard to reach, try placing a butter knife inside an old washcloth and using it to reach tight spaces.
The method used to clean your window treatments will vary according to what you have. I currently have Roman shades in my kitchen and I am unable to take them down to wash them. Instead, I spot clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap and use a lint roller to rid of dust.
In other parts of my house, I have plantation shutters that I use a microfiber dust cloth to clean. If you don’t have microfiber cloths, I have found that Swiffer dusters work great as do dry Swiffer cloths. They both trap the dust and prevent it from spreading everywhere. Another trick is to wrap a microfiber cloth around a set of tongs. They move easily through the slats. You can also use these cleaning tips to get rid of dust on blinds.
How to Spring Clean the Baseboards & Floors
For baseboards, begin by spraying them down with your favorite cleaner and wiping them with a cloth. You can use a Swiffer duster if you choose, I prefer to spray them because it works better to remove dirt. Dry dusting your baseboards is a good option though if you’re short on time.
Wash floor rugs on hot and vacuum or mop the floor.
You have just finished deep cleaning your foyer! What a wonderful feeling to make your entryway feel as welcoming as the rest of your home.
The last room of my Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide is next. Read on the learn how to deep clean your living and dining room.
How to Spring Clean your Living & Dining Room
Depending on how your classify your main living space, the living room may be called a family room instead. For these two rooms, I’m going to group them together because they have similar features and are often next to each other.
How to Spring Clean the Ceiling & Walls
As with every area of your house, you’re going to start spring cleaning your living room and dining room at the top of the walls. Pay attention to the corners where dust settles. Work your way around the room from left to right and use a long-handled Swiffer duster to reach to the top.
How to Spring Clean the Lighting
Time to take down any overhead lighting globes and wash them with soap and water. Dry thoroughly before putting back in place. Depending on your type of lighting, you may need to dust the inside of the lights and/or wipe down with glass cleaner.
Disinfect light switches and wipe down lamps with a microfiber dusting cloth. Use a lint roller to dust lamp shades.
How to Spring Clean the Furniture
Dust any furniture in your living room and dining room in addition to any decorative items. It’s easier to clear-off the top of each piece of furniture before you start to dust. As mentioned before, this is a good time to rotate seasonal decorations or simplify the tops of your furniture by storing away unnecessary items. You may also want to consider donating those trinkets you no longer need.
Vacuum upholstered furniture, making sure to vacuum underneath the cushions. If your couch cushions are sagging and need refreshed, simply unzip the coverings and use your hand to “fluff” the cushions back into shape. Trust me, this simple technique will make a huge difference in the way your couch looks. Wash throw pillows and blankets in hot water.
How to Spring Clean the Doors
Wipe down door knobs and light switches with sanitizing wipes to reduce the likelihood of spreading germs. In addition, wipe down the doors to remove dirt and grime. If you have white doors, I suggest using glass cleaner to clean the doors. If you have oak, cherry, walnut or other type of wood, I suggest using a wood cleaner such as Murphy’s Oil Soap or Dutch Glow Amish Wood Milk. Wipe down your back door or sliding door with glass cleaner.
How to Spring Clean the Windows & Window Treatments
If you have windows in your living and/or dining room, begin by using window cleaner to clean off any smudges and fingerprints. Make sure to wipe down both the top and bottom of the windows. Open the window and clean the track. I do this by spraying the track and wiping it down with a paper towel. If the dirt inside the track is hard to reach, try placing a butter knife inside an old washcloth and using it to reach tight spaces.
The method used to clean your window treatments will vary according to what you have. I currently have Roman shades in my kitchen and I am unable to take them down to wash them. Instead, I spot clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap and use a lint roller to rid of dust.
In other parts of my house, I have plantation shutters that I use a microfiber dust cloth to clean. If you don’t have microfiber cloths, I have found that Swiffer dusters work great as well as dry Swiffer cloths. They both trap the dust and prevent it from spreading everywhere. Another trick is to wrap a microfiber cloth around a set of tongs. They move easily through the slats. You can also use these cleaning tips to get rid of dust on blinds.
How to Spring Clean the Baseboards
For baseboards, begin by spraying them down with your favorite cleaner and wiping them with a cloth. You can use a Swiffer duster if you choose, I prefer to spray them because it works better to remove dirt. Dry dusting your baseboards is a good option though if you’re short on time.
How to Spring Clean the Floors
Finish your spring cleaning with the floors. Wash any rugs in hot water and vacuum, don’t forget to vacuum underneath any furniture you can move safely. Dry and wet mop if you have hardwood floors.
Wow! Now it’s truly a time to sit back and relax after ALL of that amazing cleaning you’ve done!
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Until next time,
