Spring Cleaning Checklist
It’s officially spring (although in Michigan it’s still in the 30s). With spring comes spring cleaning which originated centuries ago. It was the time of the year when people would open their windows and clean their homes after a long winter to let in the sunlight and fresh air, and that still holds true today. While Michiganders and others living in colder climates might have to wait a few more weeks to open windows, all of us can take part in the annual ritual of spring cleaning. Here is a checklist to help you tackle your spring cleaning.
General Cleaning
All surfaces – knickknacks, shelves, ceiling fans, lamps, light fixtures, door frames, and baseboards.
Refresh furniture by dusting and treating leather, suede, and wood furniture.
Vacuum upholstery and clean any stains.
Windows and window tracks.
Doors and door tracks.
Mirrors, frames, and other glass surfaces.
Light switch and outlet plates and walls.
Vacuum and mop floors.
Deep clean carpets.
Launder or dry clean curtains.
Dust blinds.
Under furniture.
Electronics and screens.
Mudroom and Entry Way
Store winter coats, boots, snowpants, scarves, hats, and gloves.
Place your spring and summer jackets in closets, decluttering as you go.
Stock up on bug spray and sunscreen so you are ready for time outside.
Kitchen
Clean and sanitize countertops and sink (and get rid of any stains).
Wipe down the fronts of cabinets and drawers as well as handles.
Vacuum and wipe cabinet shelves and inside drawers.
Clean the inside and outside, as well as underneath, appliances.
Clean trash, recycling, and composting cans.
Degrease stove hood and filter.
Clean small appliances like your coffee maker and toaster.
Declutter pantry of expired food and donate unopened food you won’t use (that is not expired).
Organize spaces that need straightening.
Bedrooms
Wash bedding: pillows, comforters, and mattress covers.
Vacuum mattresses and if able, flip them.
Declutter winter clothing and store what you are keeping for next winter.
Unpack spring and summer clothing (decluttering while you unpack).
Organize clothing and accessories for the warmer weather.
Bathrooms
Scrub and sanitize shower, tub, and toilet.
Wipe down and sanitize countertop, sink, and faucet.
Clean tile grout.
Wipe down the fronts of cabinets and drawers as well as handles.
Vacuum and wipe cabinet shelves and inside drawers.
Clean and Rain-X glass shower doors (the Rain-X is amazing!).
Dust and clean bathroom vents.
If you have a drain that isn’t draining properly, look into appropriate treatment.
Launder bathmats and shower curtain.
Clean shower curtain liner.
Sanitize children’s bath toys and dispose of any with mildew or mold.
Dispose of expired toiletries (and replace toothbrushes if you don’t do that regularly).
Restock toilet paper, cotton pads, Q-Tipps, and other regularly used toiletries.
Check towels and recycle torn and stained towels (or donate them to your local animal shelter).
Garage
Store snow and winter equipment (if you live in Michigan wait until mid-April - haha).
Check lawn and garden equipment to ensure everything is in working order.
Clean the garage floor.
Wipe down garage door and arrange maintenance if necessary.
Get spring/summer sports equipment and toys out of storage, and store winter items.
Outside Areas
Sweep and hose down patio, deck, or porch.
Pressure wash surfaces needing a deep clean like your walkway, any siding, patios, etc.
Scrub outdoor furniture.
Ensure cushions for outdoor furniture are clean.
Clean outdoor mats.
Clean gutters (if you are able, and if not, plan with a pro to do the job).
Rinse out garbage cans (if there is garbage that leaked, it will smell horribly once the weather warms).
Clean mailbox.
Gather up yard waste for disposal.
Prepare gardens and landscaping by pruning, planting, etc. as needed/required.
Perform maintenance on your barbecue pit and other outdoor cooking equipment.
Safety Check
Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Check fire extinguishers: if you don’t have one, buy two and place one in the kitchen and one in the garage.
Check inventory for candles, batteries, and flashlights and restock as necessary for power outages that might result from summer storms.
Replace air filters.
Clean your dryer vent.
Now is a great time to schedule vendors for regular home maintenance for your septic system, geothermal system, hot water heater, and any other items needing regular attention or maintenance.
Spring lasts 92.8 days (per Google), so you have time! To make spring cleaning manageable, space out the items you want to tackle to avoid a sense of overwhelm. I accomplish small items during the week as my weekdays are busy, and on weekends I tackle the larger more time-consuming items. Also, write out a list and cross off items as you go – it’s satisfying to see how much you can accomplish!
My final thought: Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers – it’s a beautiful time of year.
Happy Spring!