This is a room-by-room spring cleaning checklist that will leave your home sparkling clean.
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Don’t you just love how spring comes with days of new growth?
Those days when sunlight streams through your windows at new angles, illuminating both possibilities and, yes, those dust particles you swear weren’t there yesterday.
As nature shakes off its winter slumber, we feel that same stirring within our homes and ourselves—an innate desire to refresh, renew, and reimagine our spaces.
This isn’t just about clean windows or organized closets. It’s deeper.
It’s about creating room for new memories, clearing physical and mental clutter, and preparing our sanctuaries for the vibrant months ahead.
Spring cleaning is that annual ritual of renewal, a chance to honor our homes and ourselves with the care and attention we sometimes forget to give during the busy winter months.
Ready to give your living space a spring clean? Let’s get into it.
What Is Spring Cleaning?
Spring cleaning is a deep, soul-satisfying clean that goes beyond your regular tidying routine to create a space that energizes and supports you.
While our ancestors might have been shaking out winter rugs and airing out rooms after months of fire smoke, our modern version is about creating space.
Physical space, mental space, and emotional space.
During winter, we’re often cooped up indoors with sealed windows, allowing dust, germs, and clutter to accumulate. As the days get longer and brighter, those dust bunnies hiding in corners suddenly become more visible (and more annoying).
But spring cleaning is a chance to reset your living space, declutter your life, and create a healthier environment for the warmer months ahead.
Things You Need for Spring Cleaning
Before we get into the deep cleaning, let’s gather your supplies.
Having everything ready before you start means you won’t lose momentum running to the store mid-clean. Plus, using the right tools not only makes the work easier but also more effective.
I’ll break this down into categories so you can tackle your spring cleaning like a pro:
- An all-purpose cleaner
- Bathroom disinfectant
- Degreaser
- Wood and glass polish
- A good vacuum cleaner with attachments for different surfaces
- Mop and bucket
- Scrub brushes of various sizes
- Extension duster for high places and corners
- Microfiber cloths (to trap dust instead of spreading it around)
- Old toothbrushes for detail cleaning
- Step ladder or sturdy stool for reaching high places
- Labels and marker
- Garbage bags (both regular and heavy-duty)
- Space-saving hangers
- Rubber gloves (have multiple pairs)
- Nose mask for dusty jobs
- Knee pads for floor work
- Old clothes or an apron
- Slip-resistant shoes
- Vinegar and baking soda
The “Often Forgotten But Essential” Spring Cleaning Items
- A good playlist (because cleaning is better with music!)
- A timer to keep you focused and prevent burnout
- Clear bags for sorting items (for keeps, donations, or trashing)
- IKEA bags for holding clothes during wardrobe rearrangement
- Sufficient ventilation fans or open windows
Shop the Spring Cleaning Essentials
Here’s a list of cleaning essentials (from the list above) for your home refresh this spring. Just click on an image to shop the product.
How to Deep Clean Every Room: 133 Spring Cleaning Tips
When I think of spring cleaning, I see it as an act of self-care, not just for your home but for your well-being.
A clean, organized space can reduce stress, improve sleep, and even boost your productivity. With that being said, here’s a room-by-room spring cleaning checklist to refresh your home:
Kitchen Spring Cleaning Checklist
Your kitchen works overtime—it’s where you cook, sort groceries, and probably where everyone drops their stuff when they walk in.
All that activity means grease, food particles, and daily grime build-up in places you might not even see. This is why an annual deep clean is necessary.
Ceilings
- Dust light fixtures and clean any ceiling fans
- Wipe down cabinet tops and the space above your refrigerator
- Clean the hood vent and filters. That greasy buildup affects your air quality.
Cabinets & Pantry
- Empty and deep clean cabinets and your pantry
- Wipe down shelves and drawer interiors
- Check expiration dates on food items
- If you don’t already have, consider drawer organizers for better storage
- Reorganize items as you return them, keeping frequently used items easily accessible
Appliances
- Clean inside the refrigerator (You need to defrost overnight first). Remove shelves and drawers for proper cleaning
- Deep clean the oven and microwave (pro tip: heat a tray of water with some baking soda, vinegar, and fresh lemon squeeze)
- Run the dishwasher empty with vinegar to freshen it
- Pull out appliances and clean behind/underneath them
- Descale your coffee maker and kettle
Countertops
- Clear everything off
- Clean and sanitize surfaces before returning small appliances there
- Consider if each item deserves its own space or still goes on the counter
Sink
- Deep clean garbage disposal (ice and citrus peels work wonders)
- Disinfect the sink basin and faucet
- Clean and organize under-sink storage
- Check for any leaks or plumbing issues
Laundry Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
If you have a dedicated laundry room, it also needs deep cleaning.
Washing machines
- Clean washing machine inside (run an empty hot cycle with vinegar) and out
- Wipe down washer’s rubber seals (or door seals or rubber gaskets—whatever you call it)
- Clean dryer lint trap thoroughly (not just the surface lint)
- Vacuum out dryer vent and check for blockages
Supplies
- Sort through detergents and cleaning supplies
- Check expiration dates
- Organize products in clear containers
- Create a designated spot for lost socks
- Install a hanging rod if space allows
The space
- Wipe down walls and baseboards
- Clean utility sink, if you have one
- Sweep and mop under and behind machines
- Check and clean light fixtures
- Organize your ironing station
Bathroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
Your bathroom battles humidity, products, and daily use, making it prime real estate for soap scum, mildew, and product buildup.
While regular cleaning keeps things sanitary, spring cleaning catches all those spots we typically overlook—like that space behind the toilet or the buildup in drain pipes, and it’s the perfect time to do projects that feel too big for regular cleaning days, like re-caulking.
Initial Prep
- Remove everything from counters and shelves
- Throw out expired products
- Open windows or run fan for ventilation
- Remove shower curtain and bath mats for washing
The Sequence
- Spray shower/tub with cleaner and let it sit
- Clean exhaust fan grates
- Tackle the toilet inside and out (don’t forget the base and behind it)
- Clean and polish mirrors
- Scrub sink and counters
- Return to shower/tub for a thorough scrub
- Mop floors, working from far corner toward door
The Details
- Clean grout (a baking soda paste works wonders)
- Descale showerheads and faucets
- Replace old caulk if needed
- Check and replace old toothbrushes/loofahs
- Wash or replace shower curtain liner
- Organize drawers and cabinets with dividers
Living & Dining Areas Spring Cleaning Checklist
This is where you relax and have fun practically every day—and all that living leaves its mark.
Dust in the sofa cushions, fingerprints on the walls, and mysterious spots on the carpet. The heavy use means these spaces are especially ready for a breath of fresh air and some deep cleaning.
Furniture Refresh
- Move everything away from walls
- Vacuum furniture clothings including the seat crevices!
- For detachable cushions, flip them to the other side
- Clean under furniture
- Treat leather furniture with appropriate conditioner
- Check for wobbly chairs or tables that need fixing
Soft furnishings
- Wash or dry clean curtains
- Clean lampshades (a lint roller works great)
- Wash throw pillows and blankets
- Clean or professionally clean area rugs
- Check for any spots or stains on carpet
Electronics
- Dust TV screens with microfiber cloth
- Clean remote controls (they’re germ magnets!)
- Organize cords and cables
- Check and clean gaming consoles
- Dust speakers and media centers
Decor and details
- Clean picture frames and artwork
- Dust books and reorganize shelves
- Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Polish table surfaces
- Clean window tracks and sills
- Wash windows inside and out
Bedroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
You spend a third of your life here, yet it’s easy to overlook how much dust, dead skin cells, and allergens accumulate in your sleeping space.
Your bedroom should be your haven, creating a truly restful space for better sleep and health. And there are many ways to make it feel cozier and more relaxing.
Let’s start with spring-cleaning it.
The Bed
- Remove all beddings
- Rotate or flip mattress
- Wash ALL bedding (including that dust ruffle you forgot about)
- Clean pillows and duvets
- Vacuum mattress thoroughly
- Consider a mattress protector if you don’t have one
- Air out bed with windows open while cleaning rest of room
Closet Refresh
- Empty everything out (yes, everything!)
- Use the “haven’t worn in a year” rule
- Sort into keep, donate, and toss piles
- Clean closet walls and floors
- Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets
- Organize by color or season when replacing items
- Consider upgrading hangers for better organization
Furniture and surfaces
- Move furniture and clean underneath
- Clean drawer interiors
- Check for items under bed
- Dust headboard and bed frame
- Clean mirrors and picture frames
- Wipe down doorknobs and light switches
- Polish wood furniture
Home Office Spring Cleaning Checklist
When you’re racing to meet deadlines or juggling video calls, cleaning your office probably falls to the bottom of your to-do list.
But a cluttered, dusty workspace can actually reduce productivity and increase stress. That’s why cleaning my home office is a key step in how I get more done in 2 hours than others do in an entire day.
Now, let’s talk about how to clean yours
Office Tech
- Clean keyboard (use a smaller vacuum cleaner attachment to remove dusts and debris)
- Sanitize mouse and phone holder
- Clean monitor screens
- Wipe down printer
- Organize and label cords
- Clean desk lamp
Paper Management
- Sort through ALL papers
- Shred or keep sensitive documents
- Create a filing system that works for you
- Clean out desk drawers
- Organize supplies
- Set up a system for incoming mail
Workspace Optimization
- Evaluate your chair and desk comfort
- Clean and disinfect desk surface
- Organize frequently used items within arm’s reach
- Add plants or photos for inspiration
- Create a charging station for devices (to prevent wires from crawling around)
Air quality
- Clean or replace air purifier filters
- Wipe down air vents
- Clean windows and window tracks
- Consider adding an air-purifying plant
- Check for adequate lighting
Outdoor Spaces
After winter, it’s safe to say your outdoor spaces need some serious TLC.
Months of weather exposure leave dirt, debris, and sometimes damage that needs addressing. Plus, as the weather warms up, you’ll want these spaces ready for morning coffee, evening gatherings, or weekend relaxation.
Entryway and porch
- Sweep and wash down porch/deck
- Clean outdoor light fixtures
- Wash front door and polish hardware
- Clean or replace welcome mat
- Check for cobwebs in corners
- Clean mailbox
- Refresh potted plants or plan new ones
Patio/deck areas
- Clean and check outdoor furniture
- Wash cushions and covers
- Check for loose boards or repairs needed
- Clean grill and BBQ tools
- Organize garden tools
- Check outdoor storage boxes
Windows and screens
- Clean all exterior windows
- Check screens for holes and repair/replace
- Clean window tracks and frames
- Check seals around windows
- Clean gutters near windows
As you work through each room, take a moment to appreciate the transformation.
Notice how different the sunlight feels streaming through spotless windows, how much lighter you feel with organized closets, and how much more peaceful your space becomes when everything has its place.
Tips for a Proper Spring Cleaning-Up
These tips will help you spring clean smarter, not harder:
Start High, Work Low
Work from top to bottom, and not the other way around.
Dust and debris will fall as you clean, so starting at ceiling height ensures you’re not redoing work.
Begin with ceiling fans, move to upper cabinets and shelves, then work your way down to baseboards and floors. This simple strategy cuts your cleaning time significantly.
Use the Right Tools Properly
Using the right tools for each surface is about protecting your investment in your home.
Each surface has specific needs.
Hardwood requires special cleaners to maintain its finish, natural stone can be permanently damaged by acidic cleaners, and glass needs lint-free tools to avoid streaks. Upholstery requires specific attachments and cleaners to prevent water damage.
While investing in the right tools might cost more upfront, it prevents expensive repairs from using the wrong products.
Get Cleaning Apps
Cleaning apps—like Tody, Home Routines, or Sweepy—can transform how you tackle spring cleaning by making it so much simpler.
Here are some of what these apps do:
- Send reminders (including smart reminders for seasonal tasks)
- Track your cleaning history
- Suggest optimal cleaning sequences
- Help distribute tasks among household members
- Create customized room-specific checklists
Using these apps helps maintain momentum and ensures no task gets forgotten in the process.
Wear Protections
Wearing protection helps to prevent both immediate and long-term health issues.
- Chemical-resistant gloves shield your skin from harsh cleaners
- Dust masks protect your lungs when cleaning long-undisturbed areas.
- Eye protection is essential when working with bleach or strong chemicals.
- Wearing protective shoes can prevent accidents on wet floors.
In Summary: A Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
While you’re refreshing your space, think about the habits you can develop to keep this feeling going.
Maybe it’s a quick daily tidy-up, a weekly deep clean of one area, or simply being more mindful about what you bring into your home.
Your spring cleaning efforts can be the catalyst for lasting changes that make your home a more joyful place to be all year round.
Now, grab that playlist, put on your cleaning clothes, and let’s get started! Your refreshed, rejuvenated home is waiting.
