Spring often feels like a fresh start — the ideal time to tackle cleaning and organizing projects you've been overlooking all year. Cleaning the entire house isn't easy, but you don't have to do everything at once. Rather than stress over where to begin, follow our spring cleaning checklist, which includes detailed instructions for every room and what must be done throughout the house.
Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, says you should do most of these tasks year-round, but the change of season is a great time to play catch-up. "Spring is the time to do the tasks that have been nagging at you, and that will give you the greatest sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to check off your to-do list."
Our advice? Set a realistic cleaning schedule and once the weather is warm enough, open up the windows and get to deep cleaning.
What You'll Need:
If you're planning to clean the entire house, you'll need an assortment of cleaning supplies — starting with these must-haves. Your pre-spring cleanup is also "the perfect time to treat yourself to new cleaning tools," according to Forté. Think microfiber cloths, dusters, mop pads and vacuum filters, or an upgraded vacuum cleaner.
- Quality vacuum cleaner with attachments
- Top-tested mop
- Microfiber clothes
- Heavy-duty sponges
- Rubber gloves
- Essential cleaners, including dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, all-purpose spray and glass cleaner
Spring Cleaning Checklist:
What to Clean in All Rooms:
Before you deep clean individual rooms, consider what should be done throughout the house — think dusty baseboards, dirty walls and dull windows in every room. You may choose to divide your to-do list by room, or start by tackling these tasks one by one.
- Clean baseboards: Vacuum baseboards with the brush attachment. If needed, follow with a wet microfiber cloth (use water or all-purpose cleaner).
- Dust ceilings, vents, fans and light fixtures: Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with water to wipe away dust.
- Clean walls: Your walls might be dusty or dirty (think food splatters in the kitchen). Dust walls with a dry floor mop and tackle grime with a mixture of dish soap and water.
- Wipe down mirrors: Try a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth.
- Wash windows and window treatments: Before cleaning windows with glass cleaner, wipe down the screens and frames. Dust window treatments or clean them in the washing machine if the care label permits.
- Vacuum and mop floors: Use a vacuum to pick up dust, dirt and debris (using attachments to tackle corners and moldings). Use a damp mop to clean floors — don't forget a cleaner that is safe for your flooring.
Your Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklists:
Bedrooms
- Wash all bedding, including pillows and comforters
- Clean the mattress
- Organize closets and dresser drawers
- Dust furniture
- Vacuum under the bed
- Spot clean or deep clean carpets and rugs
Bathrooms
- Deep clean the shower and tub — don't forget glass shower walls and the shower head
- Clean the toilet, sink and countertop
- Wash bath mats
- Wash towels and linens
- Replace or wash shower liner (hint: you can clean it in the washing machine)
Kitchen
- Clean out the fridge and freezer
- Deep clean the oven and microwave inside and out
- Organize cabinets and drawers
- Clean garbage cans
- Wipe down cabinet fronts
- De-grease vent hood over the cooktop
- Deep clean the dishwasher
- Shine-up stainless-steel appliances
Living Room
- Dust furniture
- Clean TV screen
- Wash throw blankets and pillows
- Deep clean couch and upholstered furniture
- Launder or deep clean area rugs
Outdoor Spaces
- Clear out gutters
- Pressure wash deck, patio and siding
- Wash outdoor furniture
- Clean and organize the garage
Laundry Room
- Deep clean the washing machine
- Clean the lint trap thoroughly
- Organize laundry supplies
- Wash or sanitize hampers
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
