Spring is almost here, and that means blooming flowers and trees, cute baby animals, and warmer temperatures. The spring season also means it’s time to start preparing for spring cleaning. The mild temperatures are the perfect time to put away heavy winter coats and blankets, so many people take the opportunity to combine the change of the seasons with freshening the house up. If you’ve never done a spring cleaning before, this guide will help you prepare for a hassle-free home cleanup.

What is Spring Cleaning?

Spring cleaning is something of an unofficial yearly event where families do a thorough cleaning of their home. Many people take the opportunity to get rid of clutter while they are freshening things up, making this project an efficient way to get your home ready for a new season and a new year.

When is Spring Cleaning?

There is no set date for spring cleaning. In fact, spring cleaning can happen at any time of year and in any type of weather. Many people like to clean while temperatures are mild, there are fewer bugs, and pollen and other allergens have not become problematic.

This ideal time varies from region to region, so use your best judgment on what’s the right weekend for you. Fall is also a great time to do spring cleaning since the temperatures are cool and you can leave the windows open to keep air circulating, which is a must when it comes to dusty rooms!

Supplies for Spring Cleaning

You probably already have many of the following supplies. It’s best to collect all your cleaning goods before you start. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting started on a project and having to keep running out to collect additional supplies throughout the day.

Spring cleaning supplies include:

• Vacuum
• Mop and bucket
• Broom
• Duster
• Carpet cleaner
• Spray sanitizers (window, all-purpose, disinfectant, degreasers, bath and tile)
• Specialized cleaners, as appropriate (Oven, granite, wood, teak, marble, silver)
• Reusable cleaning towels or paper towels
• Stiff-bristled brushes
• Sponges
• Large trash bags
• Boxes for donating old clothes or linens
• Face mask (if you are sensitive to dust)

You can rent carpet cleaners from your local tool shop if you’re preparing for an extremely thorough cleaning. With a full stock of supplies, you’ll be able to make short work of cleaning your home!

A Complete Spring Cleaning Checklist

Below, you’ll find a spring cleaning checklist by room. Print this list and cross off the items as they are completed so you don’t accidentally forget anything!

The Bedroom

• Air out the room
• Dust all electronics
• Dust all flat surfaces (shelves, book cases, window sills, doorframes, side tables, night stands, window blinds)
• Vacuum or mop the floor
• Steam clean the floor, if applicable
• Wipe down all walls with a damp cloth
• Remove any drapes or hanging linens and wash or take outside to shake dust out of them
• Remove all bed linens and wash
• Clean mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces
• Remove and cull old clothing and linens to free up space

The Living Room

• Air out the room
• Dust all electronics
• Dust all flat surfaces (shelves, book cases, window sills, doorframes, side tables, night stands, window blinds)
• Vacuum or mop the floor
• Steam clean the floor, if applicable
• Wipe down all walls with a damp cloth
• Remove any drapes or hanging linens and wash or take outside to shake dust out of them
• Remove all couch and chair covers, if possible, and wash
• Remove all couch and chair cushions and let them air out in the sun
• Clean mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces

The Bathroom

• Vacuum or sweep the floor
• Mop the floor
• Spray bath and tile cleaning solutions in tub, on shower walls, in sinks, and in the toilet and follow manufacturer’s instructions on the package
• Remove and wash bathroom rugs and towels
• Clean the bathroom mirror
• Remove old or empty bathroom products and discard them

The Kitchen

• Clean out refrigerator and wipe down interior
• Clean out freezer and wipe down interior
• Clean out the oven
• Remove burners from the stove and wash as appropriate
• Degrease cooking appliances (toasters, toaster ovens, coffee makers, kitchen hoods, blenders, food processors, and suchlike)
• Sweep or vacuum the floor
• Mop the floor
• Remove utensils and items from drawers and vacuum
• Remove items from pantry and vacuum
• Wipe down walls and cabinets with a damp cloth
• Remove window treatments and wash, if applicable
• Dust the tops of cabinets and the refrigerator

If you have a garage or laundry room, spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to give these places a good cleaning too!

Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring cleaning may take a day or two depending on how large your home is, so be sure to plan ahead. The following spring cleaning tips will help speed along the process.

• If your home is large, tackle this project in small parts to avoid getting overwhelmed
• Download a spring cleaning app! These apps also usually have regular cleaning schedules to help you keep your home clean year-round.
• Gather supplies before you start; there’s no frustration like having to stop and start because you ran out of cleaning solvent or paper towels.
• Sponges and reusable towels can help you minimize on waste.
• Donate old, usable clothes and home linens to your local charity instead of throwing them away.
• Create a spring cleaning playlist to keep yourself entertained. This project is a good opportunity to catch up on podcasts, audiobooks, or just listen to a favorite music album or few.