Expert Advice: These Tasks Belong on Everyone's Spring Cleaning Checklist
As the days start to get longer, the extra sunlight illuminates just how badly our homes need to be cleaned after hibernating all winter. A thorough spring cleaning will freshen the space and remove irritating allergens like dust, pet dander, and pollen so we can breathe easier. But before you start sweeping up those dust bunnies, it's good to have a spring cleaning checklist in place.
“Spring cleaning is also known as deep cleaning,” says Angela Brown, host of the Ask a House Cleaner podcast. “Planning a deep clean is as simple as blocking dates on your calendar. Breaking up the tasks by room or floor allows you to rotate through areas of your home methodically,” she adds.
Spring cleaning involves giving attention to places that you usually don't cover in regular home upkeep. This means, in addition to your usual weekly chores, you'll also want to tackle bigger tasks like sorting the pantry and cleaning the ovens. And yes, while spring cleaning happens in the springtime, you should plan to revisit these larger chores at least once a quarter.
Ready to get started? Read on to check out our expert-approved spring cleaning checklist to maximize your efforts and get excited about your soon-to-be-sparkling home.
First, map out your chores
The ultimate spring cleaning strategy starts before lifting a broom. Begin with an eagle-eyed inspection of each room, making a long list of anything that needs to be addressed. You can consolidate chores later.
Block off time in your schedule
Spring cleaning usually takes a few days. Instead of trying to tackle the whole home at once, block off time to clean a few rooms a week with your regular chores.
Schedule your cleaning between March and April and stick to those same dates every year. You can even add annual reminders to a shared calendar with your family.
Determine what to donate to charity
Before you start cleaning, declutter your space as much as possible. (Don't forget the junk drawers, too!) You can set aside unwanted clothing, furniture, and toys to donate.
Make repairs a priority
Use spring cleaning as a time to cross off those long-delayed repairs once and for all. Take note of burnt-out light bulbs, broken latches and doorstops, and other eye-sore issues.
Shop for cleaning supplies and organizational items
Stock your cleaning arsenal with microfiber cloths, sponges, scrub brushes, dusters, and reusable gloves. Make sure you have a reliable vacuum cleaner, mop, squeegee for the shower, and a full stash of cleaning products to use all over the house. Store your supplies in a tote or basket to easily move them from one room to the next.
Now's also a good time to buy additional clothing hangers, underbed storage bins, and laundry baskets to organize your home and reduce the clutter.
Cleaning from the top down
Start with dusting ceiling fans, walls, and the tops of door frames and cabinets. Then, work your way down to the floor. This way, you'll capture any grime that falls.
Remember to clean unexpected areas, too: Appliances, baseboards, light fixtures, window blinds, and the top corners of walls tend to collect dust.
Touch up the walls
If you have scuffs on your walls where shoes or furniture have rubbed up against them, try to buff them out with a moist paper towel or cleaning pad. Seeing unsightly holes from old picture frames you've hung up? Spackle, wipe, and paint over the mark so that it looks like new.
Don’t skip soft surfaces
Shake out your area rugs, launder and steam your curtains, shampoo the carpets, and freshen upholstered furniture where odors cling. Also, if you don’t regularly run your bed pillows through the washing machine, now's the time to do so.
Take before-and-after pictures
Besides the motivation from documenting a job well done, taking before-and-after photos of your space will help remind you next year of your processes. Bookmark them with your spreadsheet and supply list.
Treat yourself for a job well done
After you've accomplished your spring cleaning, mark the occasion with a little gift to yourself. A fresh bouquet, palo santo sticks, or scented soy candles increase the clean-home vibes naturally.
You Might Also Like
