The Best Spring Cleaning Checklist: Room-by-Room

The "Green and Clean" Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a fresh start and the best way to do that is to clean and declutter. No matter how far into the spring season we are, it's never too late to give your home a clean makeover. Although the idea of spring cleaning sounds light and refreshing, thoroughly cleaning your entire house can be overwhelming. This is especially true if you don't know where or how to start.

We put together this room-by-room spring cleaning checklist to help guide you through the cleaning process so that your spring cleaning is easy to tackle. On top of that, we've sprinkled in some eco-friendly cleaning products, DIY cleaning recipes, and pro tips so that you can be green and clean.

We even made a downloadable spring cleaning checklist for you to print out.

Getting Started: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

One of the best tips for spring cleaning is to prep a little bit beforehand. Before diving into your cleaning journey, make sure you are prepared with all the supplies you'll need along the way. Although everybody has their own tools and methods they like to use to clean, you should have the following spring cleaning products on deck: 

• Sponges

• Duster

• Microfiber clothes

• All-purpose cleaner

• Mild dish soap 

• Window and mirror cleaner 

• Vacuum

• Mop

• Bucket 

• Broom

• Dustpan

• Toilet scrubber

• Laundry detergent 

• Vinegar 

Optional items:

• Gloves 

• Facemask 

• Apron

• Candles 

• Speakers for music

What to clean in every room

 1. Dust and wipe down all surfaces

Dust can easily accumulate on surfaces, and it can have harmful effects on our health if not taken care of regularly. Dust often accumulates on tables, shelves, and under the couch. But it also gathers in places that are usually ignored like baseboards, windowsills, blinds, and the corners of the room.

When dusting, make sure to take everything off the surface you are cleaning and use a duster to get into the crevices.

You can use a homemade dusting solution made from 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well before use and spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth or repurposed rag. The vinegar will help dissolve any dirt and grime while the olive oil will help condition and protect surfaces.

2. Wipe down baseboards

Often ignored, baseboards are one of those small details that can make or break the crisp clean look of a home. To clean off your baseboards, begin with dusting and finish off by wiping them down with the vinegar mixture or an all-purpose cleaner.

3. Vacuum and mop floors

Use a vacuum to suck up any leftover dust, crumbs, or dirt on the floor. It is also essential to vacuum your carpets to get rid of any dirt, hair, or other uncleanly things that are caught in the carpet hairs.

Mop all of your floors with an all-purpose cleaner, but you can also use a mixture of hot water and vinegar for mopping as well. This is an eco-friendly DIY way to get rid of any bacteria on your floors and leaves them with a sparkling finish. You can also treat your floors with a wood oil after if they need some extra TLC.

4. Shampoo carpeting and rugs

Synthetic rugs with plastic backings can be cleaned with a generic carpet shampoo and hot-water extraction machine. If you do not have one of these tools on deck, you can also use an eco-friendly foam carpet cleaner to draw the dirt out of your carpet.

5. Wipe down walls, ceilings, and doors

Cleaning your walls and doors is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to cleaning your home, however, it's not uncommon for these surfaces to gather dirt and grime over time. Touching doors and walls with dirty hands often leaves marks that need to be wiped off. You can use an all-purpose cleaner to wash down your walls and doors, or the same vinegar mixture used for the floor.

6. Shake off (and wash if needed) upholstery

If you can take the covers off your cushions and pillows, do so and take them outside for a shake-off. If there are any stains or marks on them, you can clean them with an upholstery cleaner or in a washing machine with a fabric-safe detergent. There are great eco-friendly options for environmentally-safe fabric cleaners.

7. Wax wooden surfaces

Wooden furniture can outlive the average human if taken care of properly. To treat your wooden surfaces, wipe them down with warm water and mild dishwashing liquid. Once dry, use wax or oil to bring the shine back to the furniture. Let the surfaces dry completely before putting anything on them.

You can also use wax on vinyl and linoleum floors that need a little extra luster. Stone and tile floors can also be treated with a specialized wax product.

8. Clean window furnishings

Drapes and curtains collect a ton of dirt from outside and inside the home, so they'll definitely need some care every now and then. Curtains should be washed in the washing machine if their fabric type allows for it, otherwise, they may have to be sent to the dry cleaners.

Pro tip: Use freshener bags full of activated charcoal to get rid of any odors in your house. The charcoal absorbs the smell rather than just covering it up. You can put the bags in the corners of your house.

Spring Cleaning Your House Room-by-Room

These checklists should help you know what to focus on cleaning in each individual room in your home.

Bedroom:

Step 1: Declutter your closet and drawers

Step 2: Sort clothes, shoes, and accessories into "keep" and "donate" piles

Step 3: Wash all bedding and laundry

Step 4: Get rid of any random knick knacks or junk you don't need

Step 5: Organize closet, dresser, and any shelves or tables you have

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to let go of those clothes you haven't worn in a long time and lean into minimalism. Rather than throwing them away, consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store. Not only will you be giving back to your community, but you'll also be helping to reduce waste by giving your clothes a new life.

In addition to donating, consider upcycling any clothing items that you no longer wear. Upcycling involves repurposing old clothes into something new and useful, such as turning an old t-shirt into a tote bag.

Bathroom:

Step 1: Clear out old cosmetics and beauty products from cabinet

Step 2: Organize storage compartment underneath the sink

Step 3: Wipe down the sink with a strong all-purpose cleaner

Step 4: Shake off and vacuum bathmats

Step 5: Wash towels and washcloths

Step 6: Scrub underneath, on top, and inside the toilet with a strong cleaner

Step 7: Wash down bathtub and shower walls with a grime-fighting cleaner, or vinegar and baking soda

Step 8: Replace or wipe down shower liner

Step 9: Sweep and mop floors thoroughly

A clean bathroom makes for a peaceful and inviting home. Start by going through all of your products and discarding the ones you never use. Make sure to recycle any empty containers while doing so. You can also consider donating unopened or unused products to local charities or shelters. Lastly, you can make your home more eco-friendly by switching to refillable or biodegradable containers for your products. For more ideas on how to make your home more environmentally friendly, check out our 11 Sustainable Remodeling and Redecorating Ideas article.

Kitchen:

Step 1: Clean out your pantry and donate any non-perishable food items.

Step 2: Wash any dishes that are left in the sink or dishwasher

Step 3: Clean your refrigerator by removing expired items and wiping down shelves with an all-purpose cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water.

Step 4: Scrub down your oven with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

Step 5: Clean and organize your cabinets and drawers.

Step 6: Use a non-toxic cleaner to clean your floors.

Step 7: Clean your dishwasher and sink with an all-purpose cleaner

Step 8: Wipe down the outsides of all appliances with a grime-fighting cleaner.

Kitchens can accumulate a ton of grease and grime from all the activity that takes place there. Make sure to pay extra attention to the nooks and crannies in your kitchen to keep it hygienic. Wiping down the walls and appliances like the microwave and fridge will help give your kitchen that crisp, fresh feel and make you want to spend more time in there.

Living Room:

Step 1: Dust and wipe down all surfaces in your living room.

Step 2: Vacuum upholstered sofas, couches, and chairs.

Step 3: Clean off upholstered furniture with an upholstery cleaner.

Step 4: Dust blinds or wash curtains

Step 5: Dust and wipe off window sills.

Step 6: Wipe windows down with Windex or a DIY window cleaner made from water, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol.

Step 7: Dust off ceiling fans and lamp shades

Step 8: Use dryer sheets to dust off electronics

Step 9: Vacuum and mop floors

Step 10: Shampoo rugs and carpets

The living room sees a lot of traffic and activity which makes it one of the biggest culprits of clutter. One of the biggest incidents that take place in the living room is spilled liquids on the couch or sofa. Make sure to get an effective upholstery fabric cleaner before you tackle your living room so you can leave no stain untouched. You can also hand wash your upholstered furniture, though it's usually a bit less effective.

Pro tip: If you have coffee rings on your coffee table, use a little bit of white toothpaste to get the stain out. Just cover the stain with the toothpaste and rub it in.

Office:

Step 1: Recycle unneeded paperwork and documents

Step 2: Dust off keyboard, computer, and other electronics

Step 3: Dust bookshelf and books

Step 4: Wipe down computer with a computer cleaner

A disorganized, cluttered home office can negatively affect your productivity, according to several different studies. Getting rid of old paperwork and unneeded documents can help this space feel more open and inviting, and in turn, help you get more work done.

Garage:

Step 1: Organize tools, sporting equipment, and toys

Step 2: Go through storage boxes and get rid of anything you don't need

Step 3: Sweep floor

Step 4: Get rid of any junk, old clothes, or other unneeded items

We are all guilty of it. Throwing things into the garage that we "might" need later and then never touching those items again. This spring cleaning, let's get rid of those old clothes, books, broken toys, and whatever else is stored away in the garage. Once you have a clearer garage, you may even be able to transform the space into an extended living area for you and your family.

Outdoor:

Step 1: Sweep off deck and patio

Step 2: Clear out any cobwebs with a broom

Step 3: Cut back any overgrown plants or trees

Step 4: Mow lawns in the front yard and backyard

Step 5: Wash outdoor furniture coverings

Between overgrown bushes and outdoor furniture that probably hasn't been washed in years, it's easy to overlook the upkeep of your outdoor spaces when you are busy taking care of the inside of your house. However, outdoor areas add a ton of value to your home, and keeping them tidy can provide a sense of escape from the activity in your home.

Other Cleaning Tips

Always opt for natural cleaners if you can. Most cleaning product brands use chemicals that are harmful to your lungs and have bad health impacts over time. These products are typically bad for the environment as well. Using eco-friendly and nontoxic cleaning products can help preserve your health in the long run, and help the Earth stay green.

Pro tip: Once you are done cleaning and made it through the checklist, don't be afraid to spark up a candle and throw your favorite song on the speakers. Nothing beats relaxing in a clean home with some aromatics in the air.

Dumpster Rental for Major Spring Cleaning

If you haven't done a deep cleaning on your home in a while, you may need to dispose of a lot of junk. If you have a ton of trash to get rid of (that can't be repurposed or upcycled), you may benefit from a small dumpster rental.

Dumpsters can assist with the cleaning process by helping you conveniently put all your junk in one place. The best part is, all you have to do is fill the container up. We will come pick it up and get rid of your trash for you. If you think you may need a dumpster for your spring cleaning project, give us a call at (732) 366-9355 and we would be happy to help!