As winter fades and longer, sunnier days roll in, many of us feel the itch to freshen up our homes. Spring is the perfect time to reset your space, both by tidying up and by diving into the deeper cleaning tasks that can get pushed aside during the colder months.
Some people look forward to the process of spring cleaning and others dread it each year, but either way, a solid spring cleaning routine can give your space a much-needed refresh, clear your mind, and help you fall in love with your home all over again. Let’s go room-by-room to tackle your spring cleaning with confidence.
Entryways & Mudrooms
Your entryways and mudrooms typically see the most traffic in your home, which means they set the tone when you go in and out. Sweep and vacuum the floors and clean your door mats, wipe down walls and door handles, and organize your shoes, coats, and bags. Clean out any drawers or cubbies and donate unused items. This is also a great time to swap out heavier winter gear for spring essentials like umbrellas and lightweight jackets.
Bedrooms
Your bedroom should be a place for calm and rest, but clutter and dust can make it feel anything but peaceful. Refreshing bedrooms in the spring can help you feel like you’re emerging from winter hibernation with a new glow.
Wash all bedding, including mattress protectors, duvets, and pillows. Flipping or rotating your mattress can also help with even wear and improve your quality of sleep. Other tasks include cleaning under the bed (get that vacuum all the way under there), behind larger furniture, and in the closet. While you’re cleaning the closet, go through your clothing and consider donating anything you haven’t worn in the last year And don’t forget to dust!
Kitchen
The kitchen tends to be one of the busiest rooms in the home—and also one of the messiest. Spring is the perfect time to give this space a serious scrub. Kitchen cleaning tasks include:
- Wipe down cabinets and countertops
- Clean out expired pantry items or old food in the fridge
- Deep clean your oven, microwave, and refrigerator
- Sanitize any trash bins and wipe underneath countertop appliances
- Wash reusable grocery bags and dishcloths
- Run a vinegar rinse through your dishwasher and coffee maker
Bathroom
While regular upkeep of the bathroom is part of a healthy cleaning routine, spring offers the perfect opportunity for a full refresh. Start with organizing the cabinets and drawers and discard any expired or unused products. Scrub any tile grout and descale showerheads or faucets as needed. Clean exhaust fans and replace filters (if necessary), sanitize high-touch areas like light switches and faucet handles, and wash or replace shower curtains to eliminate any mold or mildew build-up. Last, but not least, give your bath mats a thorough wash!
Living Areas
Your living room or family room should feel like the perfect place to relax. Spring cleaning can help you declutter and bring back that cozy vibe. Start by dusting your ceiling fans, light fixtures, furniture, and baseboards, and then vacuum underneath everything. Rotate and vacuum your couch cushions, wash your throw blankets and pillow covers, and wipe down your remote controls. As you’re decluttering, try the “one-touch rule”: If you pick it up, put it where it belongs.
Don’t Forget the Outdoors!
As part of your spring refresh, it’s worth stepping outside and giving a little love to the outside of your home. Tidy up your garden tools, sweep porches or decks, uncover and clean patio furniture, and check your gutters or downspouts. This time of year is also a great opportunity to clean out the garage.
Other Spring Cleaning Tasks (for Every Room)
Deep Clean Windows and Treatments
Give your windows a thorough wash, inside and out, to let in the bright spring light. Remove mesh window screens and give them a gentle clean. Remove any debris from window frames and tracks. Remember to clean blinds and curtains too, as they can accumulate a surprising amount of dust and odors over time.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As you clean your home, check or change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Making sure these function correctly is a important home safety measure that should be done every six months.
Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery
Refresh your carpets, rugs, and upholstery! Get under furniture, steam clean your couches, or consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner to breathe new life into your carpets or rugs. Odors, dust, and allergens get trapped in your carpets and upholstery over time, so you might be surprised with how fresh your home will feel after cleaning them.
Dust and Clean Overlooked Areas
It’s important to take the time to dust and clean the areas that get overlooked or passed over during regular cleaning. These areas can include:
- Baseboards and high surfaces, such as the tops of cabinets, ceiling fans, and light fixtures
- Walls and kitchen surfaces, especially the backsplash, fridge walls, or oven vents
Enjoy Your Refreshed Home
Spring cleaning can feel like a massive chore to tackle, but it doesn’t have to be. Breaking it down room by room and doing a few tasks at a time can help you make real progress! Whether you spend a weekend or a whole month working through your list, each step will bring you closer to a refreshed space.
Happy cleaning!