Spring Cleaning Checklist

Kitchen

~ Begin by clearing off counters and getting the dishes put away.

~ If you have a dishwasher, run it through a cycle with no dishes in it.

~ Dust areas that don’t regularly get cleaned such as windowsills, behind the stove, in the corners of the walls, and light fixtures and ceiling fans.

~ Put oven cleaner in the oven and have it start self cleaning.

~ Take down any curtains and put them in the wash, wash blinds.

~ Wipe down windows, open them and use a vacuum to clean out any dirt, dust and bugs that have accumulated in between the window and the screen. See more tips for cleaning windows.

~ Remove any picture, clocks, or other decorations from the wall and clean them.

~ Look at the walls and use a slightly wet cloth to wipe off any areas that are dirty.

~ Replace all wall decorations.

~ Sort through items in the fridge. Throw away any expired food.

~ Put items you are keeping on a counter. Remove the shelves and drawers and wash them with dish soap.

~ While the fridge is empty have someone help you move it so that you can vacuum behind and underneath it.

~ Replace all items in the fridge, organizing as you go so that you can find things easily.

~ Clean small appliances such as toasters, the microwave, and other items that are constantly used.

~ Clean the knobs, burners and the rest of the stove top.

~ Go through cabinets and get rid of any items that are not being used. Wipe down the insides of the cabinets and drawers. Then use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the outsides of the cabinets, drawers and their handles.

~ Wash the countertops.

~ Sweep and mop the floors. Read more floor cleaning tips.

~ Wash the sink.

Bathrooms

~ Take a few minutes to pick up any clutter in the bathroom. Get the dirty laundry out and put items away. Remove all items on counters and in the shower and put them outside the bathroom so you can clean it thoroughly.

~ Dust in corners, tops of towel hangers, vents and fans.

~ If you have a cloth outer shower curtain put it in the wash along with the towels.

~ If your shower curtain is looking grungy you may want to just throw it away and purchase another.

~ Clean any light fixtures.

~ Clean shower and tub.

~ Clean toilet including the outside, handle and underside.

~ Remove items from cabinets and drawers. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean up any hair or dust inside.

~ Organize items in cabinets and drawers. Wipe down outsides with a cloth.

~ Clean sinks and mirrors. Read tips for cleaning antique mirrors.

~ Shake and vacuum rugs.

~ Empty and wash the trash can.

~ Sweep and mop the floor.

Living Areas

~ Clear out any clutter and put items away.

~ Remove all pictures and other decorations from mantles or bookshelves.

~ Clean all the items.

~ Dust all surfaces including light fixtures, lampshades, fans, corners and shelves.

~ Look at the walls and use a slightly wet cloth to remove any smudges or dirt.

~ Take down any curtains and wash them. Clean any blinds.

~ Use a vacuum cleaner to clean under the cushions of the couches and in crevices of chairs. Wash any slipcovers and pillows that can be washed. Read more about cleaning upholstered furniture.

~ Vacuum and clean floors.

Bedrooms

~ Do a quick pick up to get clutter out of the room and put items back where they belong.

~ Remove any curtains and bedding and put it in the wash.

~ Remove all pictures and other decorative items from walls. Wipe them down with a slightly damp cloth.

~ Look at the walls and clean any areas with smudges, remember to check light switch and plug covers.

~ Dust windowsills, fans and light fixtures.

~ Use a vacuum cleaner on the mattress and turn the mattress over.

~ Remove items underneath the bed and move the bed and vacuum underneath it.

~ Clean the rest of the floor.

~ Go through the closet last. This is a great time to get rid of clothes that are not worn anymore and other unused items.

Yard

~ Your yard deserves a little cleaning this time of year too.

~ Rake any leftover leaves.

~ Cut down dead plants. Remove debris in flower beds.

~ Sweep and wash dirt off of driveways and sidewalks.

~ Replace any mulch or dirt that has moved to flower beds.

More tips for outdoor cleaning.