Spring is knocking at the door, and it will bring a perfect opportunity to refresh and tidy up your home! We all kept our windows shut during the winter, enjoying indoor cozyness, so a deep clean session is necessary when the first warm days come. Beginning of the spring is the right time to eliminate dust, allergens and the clutter accumulated during long, cold days.
Don’t feel overwhelmed – this thorough spring cleaning doesn’t have to be difficult and time-consuming. With the clear plane in place, it will be a piece of cake! In this guide you will find step by step instructions, with no corner left untouched. Once you are done, you will enjoy a light and fresh home, completely ready for the new season.
Getting Started: Preparations
Before you get started, get organized. You will save your precious time and make the cleaning process smoother with a well-planned approach.
Once you dive into the process, you don’t want any interruptions. Make sure you have all necessary supplies on hand, and to make thing convenient – we made this list of what should be in your cleaning kit:
- Microfiber cloths are essential for dusting and wiping without leaving streaks.
- Vacuum cleaner with attachments for cleaning carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Brushes for scrubbing stubborn grease grime in the bathroom, kitchen and other areas.
- Mop and bucket for cleaning hard floors, laminate floors, tiles…
- Window cleaner is necessary for streak-free windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces.
- All-purpose cleaner is handy for cleaning literally all surfaces throughout your house.
- Disinfectant wipe/spray are good for sanitizing specific areas in your bathroom and high-touch areas like doorknobs and light switches.
- Baking soda and white vinegar are well-known natural substances excellent for removing odors and eliminating stubborn stains.
- Garbage bags will be used for decluttering and disposing of all unwanted items.
- Storage bins will help you organize seasonal clothes, decorations, and miscellaneous items.
Now, when you know what exactly you need, you are ready to give each room a deep clean!
Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Guide
1. Entryway
Entryways are often overlooked, but they are the first thing people see when they come into your home. That is why you should keep it clean and organized – you want to make a good first impression on your guests and set the tone for the rest of the space.
- Start with decluttering winter shoes, coats and accessories and storing all winter gear you won’t need during spring.
- Wipe down doors, handles and trim to remove all accumulated dirt and fingerprints.
- Rugs/welcome mats trap a lot of dust and dirt, so shake them out and wash well.
- Sweep and mop floors, paying special attention to corners and other areas where dust can easily accumulate.
- Use a nice, small basket/organizer to put your keys and mail inside.
2. Living Room
Living room is the central part of every home, so cleaning it will make a huge difference. Most of the day is spent there, and you want it to feel fresh and calming.
- First step is dusting all surfaces – shelves, coffee tables,electronics and decorative items.
- Vacuum the furniture thoroughly, even under the cushions.
- Curtains and blinds should be dusted and washed – although you can’t see it, they accumulate a lot of dust.
- Clean windows and window sills – make sure there are no streaks left on the glass. You don’t want them to ruin the view when you let natural light inside.
- Move your furniture and clean underneath it – you will be surprised by the amount of dust bunnies hiding beneath couches and tables.
- Help the furniture keep its shape – rotate and fluff cushions and pillows.
- Choose the suitable cleaner and mop floors. If you notice scuff marks, use a suitable cleaning method to get rid of them without damaging the surface.
3. Kitchen
Clean kitchen is essential for the overall hygiene of your home. The meals for the whole family are prepared there, so cleaning standards must be high. This task is demanding, and if it feels a bit overwhelming, don’t worry – following these kitchen cleaning tips can help streamline the process.
- Do a fridge inspection – get rid of expired food and check condiments.
- Remove dirt, crumbs and spills from shelves and inside cabinets.
- Take a food-safe cleaner and sanitize countertops and backsplashes.
- Make a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and scrub the sink and faucet. It will remove grease, stains and limestone easily.
- Remove accumulated grease and burnt food from the microwave, oven and stovetop. This step requires some patience and stronger cleaning solutions.
- Wipe down all kitchen appliances such as toaster, coffee maker and dishwasher.
- Take out the trash and don’t forget to disinfect the bin – they are often overlooked but can harbor bacteria and unpleasant odors.
4. Bathroom
There is no better feeling than making your daily routines in a clean and sanitized bathroom. To achieve that, you should:
- Scrub the toilet, sink and bathtub/shower, but don’t forget the base and behind the toilet – you may end up surprised with the amount of accumulated dirt in these areas.
- Use a streak free cleaner to clean mirrors and other glass surfaces. Also, you can use vinegar solution – it works wonders in the bathroom!
- If you have shower curtains and bath maths, wash them in the washing machine because mold and mildew can occur quickly in moist environments.
- Organize toiletries and wipe down countertops, bathroom cabinets and shelves while doing that.
- Polish all fixtures and make them shiny again.
- Mop the floors, paying attention to corners and grout lines.
5. Bedroom
A fresh and tidy bedroom makes your mornings beautiful – the atmosphere is pleasant and your sleep will be improved if the bedroom is clean and decluttered.
- Wash all bedding – pillows, comforters and mattress protectors. Use your favorite fabric softener to make the bedding smell beautifully and calming.
- Flip or rotate the mattress. Maybe you don’t know, but this little trick will expand its lifespan and prevent uneven wear.
- Dust all furniture – nightstands, dressers and lamps. Don’t overlook decorative items and mirrors – wipe them down thoroughly.
- Organize your closets and pack away seasonal clothes. The clothes you don’t need/don’t want to wear anymore can be given to your friend/family or charity.
- Vacuum under the bed and other hidden spaces.
- Keep the windows widely open for a few hours – let in the fresh air.
6. Carpet Cleaning
Make carpet cleaning a regular part of your spring cleaning because they accumulate a lot of dirt, dust and allergens. You do not want to keep them trapped in your home.
- Vacuum them thoroughly, paying special attention to high traffic areas (go over them multiple times, if necessary).
- Clean them with a brush and suitable carpet cleaner – this will remove deep dirt and stains. Using a steam cleaner will give even better results, if you have one. Treat stubborn stains with a solution of baking soda and vinegar.
- The carpets should be completely dry before further usage, so make sure the room is ventilated properly. That will speed up the drying process and prevent mold growth.
7. Home-Wide Standard Cleaning
When you are done with spring deep cleaning of your home, you need to maintain the cleanliness throughout the year. Incorporate a standard cleaning routine so your living space will always be fresh and organized. This routine includes:
- Regular dusting of all surfaces
- Sanitization of high-touched areas (door handles, light switches, remote controls etc.).
- Give away all unnecessary items.
- Replace air filters regularly because it helps improve indoor air quality.
The Finishing Touches
After all the hard work is done, you can finally enjoy your refreshed, decluttered and shiny home! We have some extra advice on how to make the home feel even fresher and more comfortable. Add some fresh flowers or essential oils – a natural fragrance will bring the atmosphere to the next level! You don’t need new furniture to make your rooms look fresher – just rearrange decor you already have.
Although spring cleaning might seem like a serious task, dividing it into smaller tasks and following the checklist we provided you with will make things much easier. Go easily – room by room – and welcome the new season in a clean, tidy and inviting space.