The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist
If you have a yearly spring cleaning ritual, you might be gearing up to clean and tidy your home and yard. The big thaw across the northern states and the warmer weather in the south provide the perfect climate to get those windows open, dust away the cobwebs, and give your home a deep clean.
You can also use this time to focus on clearing out the clutter in your life! Whether you use the opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need, make time to check in with yourself daily, or tidy up your finances, this is a great time to “cleanse” your home and habits!
Grab your cleaning supplies and read on! 👇
Spring cleaning checklist
Once you’re armed with microfiber towels, multi-purpose cleaner, and Windex, you’ll be ready to get started! Getting a good spring clean in after a long winter can help your home feel rejuvenated while removing pesky allergens. Let’s get started with some spring cleaning tips!
1. Scrub the stovetop
It doesn’t matter if you’re Carmy Berzatto or a humble instant ramen chef — stovetops get dirty. For both gas and electric ranges, accumulations of grease and cooking oils, carbon build-up, and food scraps can make cooking surfaces unpleasant, to say the least. Grab some hot water or cleaning products like stainless steel polish (Bar Keeper’s Friend works great) or degreaser, and get to work. Just read carefully to make sure your products won’t scratch the finish! This can also be a great time to clean ovens or microwaves and decarbonize the bottoms of your cookware.
2. Get in the grout
Mildew and grout are like peanut butter and jelly — you don’t often see one without the other. Take the time this spring to inspect your grout and get it scrubbed. For spot treatments, you can get rid of mildew and other stains with a toothbrush — just use a mixture of distilled white vinegar, dish soap, baking soda, and water. If your grout is blackened beyond repair, hey – don’t despair! You can hit it with another layer of grout — just make sure you chip away anything that’s crumbling. And don’t forget to replace your shower curtain and clean (or replace) the shower head!
3. Don’t forget the floors
We walk on them, we spill on them, bugs crawl on them — floors get filthy. Make it a habit to sanitize your floors regularly, and give them a serious scrub during your spring cleaning. While you’re at it, show those baseboards some love, too. Whether you have laminate, tile, wood, or carpeted floors, give them the attention they deserve — there’s nothing better than walking barefoot on freshly cleaned flooring! First things first, hit them with a good dusting or vacuuming. If your floors are carpeted, consider steam cleaning them. If you have tile, you’ll want to mop the floors, and that’s it!
4. Dust your ceiling fans and light fixtures
As our ceiling fans rotate to keep us cool, they collect tons of dust. If you don’t regularly dust the blades on your ceiling fan, they might look like they’re wearing a black fur coat! Use a feather duster (or a Shop-Vac) and get rid of that dust accumulation. You can also take the time to dust your light coverings, lampshades, and light switches, and maybe change some light bulbs (or install cool Smart LEDs) while you’re up there.
5. Windex your windows
Next, we’ll wash windows. Inside, take a microfiber cloth or paper towel, give your windows a good spritz with Windex or another glass cleaner, and scrub them top to bottom. This will get rid of any debris or gunk accumulated on your windows, and you can also clean the windowsills and the grout. Outside, you can do the same process — just expect it to be substantially dirtier. Avoid using pressure washers on your windows — you run the risk of cracking the panes and loosening the putty. Once you’re done, enjoy — there’s nothing like a clean window!
6. Replace your air filters
Every HVAC system uses air filters to keep your indoor air quality clean and to protect the mechanisms in your furnace or air conditioner from particulate matter damage. To keep your unit running tip top and your air quality favorable, you’ll need to replace your air filters regularly. This is a great time to check how yours are holding up — you’ll know they’re ready for replacement if they’re dirty, if your vents are dusty and covered in lint, or if your electric bill is higher than usual. Also, if you or anyone you live with has allergies, this will be a best practice all year long.
7. Show the hard-to-reach spots some love
The top of your refrigerator, behind small appliances, underneath your oven, behind your toilet, inside your coffee maker — hard-to-reach spots like these are often overlooked during routine cleaning. During your spring clean, resolve to visit these out-of-the-way spots with a thorough scrub. Take a look around the house and see what you can find!
8. Launder your curtains
If you don’t regularly wash your curtains, they can accumulate tons of dust, pet dander, and pollen — especially if you keep your windows open. First, read the label on your curtains to see if they’re okay to go in the washing machine. If not, you can hand-wash them and line dry. This is also a great time to clean any window treatments, like blinds or shades. Be mindful of the material that your window treatments are made of and use the appropriate cleaner.
9. Organize your cabinets
Does your bathroom cabinet have expired medication from your wisdom tooth extraction in 2014? Are there vintage cans of tuna buried in your kitchen cabinets? Take this time to get organized in your cabinets throughout the house. The rule of thumb is to responsibly dispose of things that aren’t serviceable anymore and donate anything that’s still usable. If you’re on the fence about something, non-perishable goods often last longer than the date suggests. Take a moment to look things up before you throw them away.
10. Shampoo your rugs
Whether your home is fully carpeted or you have a few area rugs around the house, take the time to clean them thoroughly. You can rent a carpet steamer, use a vacuum, or clean them by hand — the goal is to loosen dirt and grime, scrub the textiles, and let the area dry. If you’re uncertain about cleaning a vintage rug or your carpet is exceptionally dirty, consult a professional. Don’t forget your bath mats!
11. Clean the upholstery
Couches, sofas, armchairs, and other upholstered furniture need a good scrub, too! Take a look at the cleaning care instructions that are attached to the furniture, and use care when working with older or fragile materials — you’ll need to make sure you use the correct cleanser. Start by cleaning a discreet test patch on your fabric or leather to make sure your cleaning solution (or soapy water) won’t stain the upholstery. Then, continue with the rest of the material until your upholstery is clean and looking brand new.
12. Check your smoke detectors
Did you know that smoke detectors expire? While you’re doing your deep clean, you can make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms (if your home uses natural gas) are in proper working order. To check, remove the alarm from its chassis — there is a test button to make sure the batteries are operational. If they’re not, replace them immediately. There should also be an expiration date stamped on the bottom of the unit, as well.
13. Get your yard in check
Whether the snow has just melted on your deck in Kenosha, WI, or the grass is speedily growing in your backyard in Killeen, TX, the spring season is a great time to get on top of your yard maintenance. Take a walk around your lawn and pick up any debris, like broken branches, dog droppings, and other detritus. Look for weeds and any other invasive plants, and work on pulling them. You’ll also want to clean any outdoor furniture, and check for any seams or suspect areas around your foundation to keep critters out! This can also be a great time to service your mower — especially if it’s been sitting for an extended period of time.
14. Polish wood furniture
While finding authentic cherry hardwood comes with a hefty price tag these days, chances are you’ve got a few things around the house made of natural wood. Porous and prone to excessive drying, wood furniture needs special attention. Use Pledge or lemon oil to keep your wooden chairs, dressers, and desks hydrated and polished. For wood cutting boards, use mineral oil to replenish their hydration, prevent cracking, and keep them functional for years to come!
15. Deep clean your fridge
Leave the science experiments for the lab and deep clean that fridge! Start by tossing everything expired, making sure the packaging is disposed of properly (be sure to recycle). Then, pull everything out and scrub — you’ll want to hit every single surface with warm water or cleaning products. This is also a good time to scrub the gaskets on the door, as they can be a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other bacteria. And remember to replace your water filter if your refrigerator has a dispenser. If you’re interested in sustainability and minimizing food waste, this could be a great time to start composting.
16. Clean out your closet
Do you have a closet you haven’t properly dug through in years? Out of sight, out of mind, right? Take the time during your spring cleaning this year to free up those closets of things you no longer need — and organize them afterward. Whether it’s your bedroom closet, a little cubby under the stairs, or linen cabinets in the hall, make sure you go through them, organize their contents, and get rid of what you no longer need. You can donate these to a local charity, or sell them online or to a consignment store to make a few extra bucks.
17. Know when to call a professional
It might be enticing to embrace the DIY mentality and save money by fixing any problems around the house yourself, but it’s extremely important to know when to call a professional. Google and YouTube are amazing resources, but no amount of information beats professional experience — especially when it comes to electrical, plumbing, roofing, and other hazardous home repairs or jobs where mishaps can be costly. Don’t electrocute yourself or flood your basement — call a pro!
18. Donate what you don’t need
If you have gently-used clothing that you no longer wear or that no longer fits; any unwanted appliances that still function; books, dishware, or other home goods that are in good shape, consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store. Goodwill, The Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and many others will gladly take your unused and unwanted home goods and clothing — you can declutter and give the things you no longer need a new chapter!
19. Revisit your routine
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to end with work around the house — you can also check in with yourself! Take a look at your routine. What do you want to cut out? Whether you want to replace 30 minutes of Netflix with reading, swap your morning Starbucks run with an actual run, or just make time to journal and meditate daily, the ritual of spring cleaning affords you a great chance to re-evaluate your lifestyle and daily routine.
20. Tidy up your finances
Lastly, give your finances a good cleaning! Start by taking a look at your current budget to see how it’s working month over month, and make any tweaks as needed. Get rid of any unused subscriptions, give your investment portfolio a careful gander, and consider switching over to a personal finance app if you’re not currently using one! A financial spring cleaning can help you spot any trouble areas and commit to improving your fiscal habits.
Room-by-room cleaning list
Need help determining where to start? You can break it down room by room — find a starting point and keep cruising along until you find your home decluttered, spotless, and feeling fresh! Use this as a baseline and get as involved with the cleaning process as you wish.
Kitchen
- Clean refrigerator (inside and outside, including rubber gaskets, and dust coils)
- Degrease and scrub range top and vent hood
- Organize pantry
- Deep clean your oven
- Clean and declutter cabinets
Living room
- Vacuum and steam clean any rugs or carpeted areas
- Sweep and mop any hard flooring
- Deep clean furniture (be mindful of fragile upholstery)
- Dust and polish coffee and end tables
- Dust lamps
- Sanitize remote controls for home entertainment systems
Bathroom
- Clean toilet
- Deep clean shower and tub (including grout and fixtures)
- Sanitize vanity area and sink
- Toss expired cosmetics, medications, and any other trash
- Replace shower liner
- Launder towels and linens
Bedroom
- Deep clean mattress
- Organize and declutter closets (donate any unworn clothes!)
- Wash all sheets, quilts, and duvet covers
- Vacuum and steam clean any rugs or carpeted areas
- Sweep and mop any hard flooring
- Wash pillows
Outdoor spaces
- Pressure wash siding, paver surfaces, and decks
- Wash outdoor furniture
- Windex windows
- Check for broken screens
- Tidy any outdoor storage areas
- Look for pest activity
Quicken has made the material on this blog available for informational purposes only. Use of this website constitutes agreement to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Quicken does not offer advisory or brokerage services, does not recommend the purchase or sale of any particular securities or other investments, and does not offer tax advice. For any such advice, please consult a professional.
