A spring-cleaning checklist
03 Mar 2018
Spring has sprung, and the change of seasons brings chores galore. Here’s a spring-cleaning checklist to help you stay focused.
By Amber Erickson Gabbey As the weather turns warm and days grow longer, many of us want to refresh and renew our homes after the long winter. Spring-cleaning goes beyond regular chores to focus on tasks that don’t happen often, so here’s a checklist to ensure you won’t miss a spot. Spread these chores out over a few weeks so you don’t get overwhelmed, and think how good you’ll feel when everything is sparkling clean!
Every Room
- Dust/wash light fixtures and ceiling-fan blades
- Wash walls and touch-up paint if necessary
- Clean/sanitize doorknobs, cabinet pulls and dresser handles
- Clean/sanitize light switches, outlet covers and remote controls
- Thoroughly vacuum and shampoo carpets, or have them professionally cleaned
- Clean hardwood floors and apply wood protectant or polish
- Wash table linens and chair cushions, and wipe table and chair legs
- Clean air vents and exhaust fans, and replace filters if necessary
- Vacuum and spot-clean fabric furniture
- Wipe and condition leather furniture
- Dust and wipe blinds and wash curtains
- Wash windows inside and out and clean screens
- Dust/wipe lampshades, wall art and décor
- Dust/wipe window frames, door frames, trim and molding
- Wipe scuffmarks off doors and touch-up paint if necessary
- Scrub floors and vacuum/shampoo area rugs
- Vacuum stairs
- Dust/sanitize electronics
Kitchen & Bathrooms
- Wipe kitchen cabinets and organize items inside
- Organize pantry items and discard expired food
- Clean major and small appliances, and the stove vent and hood
- Vacuum refrigerator coils
- Clean and disinfect the garbage disposal
- Reseal granite countertops
- Replace water filters
- Sanitize cutting boards and sharpen knives
- Clean and sanitize trash cans
- Clean and unclog drains
- Launder shower curtains and liners
- Clean showerheads and mirrors, polish faucets
Bedrooms
- Clean and tidy dressers and closets, donate unwanted clothing and accessories
- Flip or rotate mattresses
- Launder winter wear and store in garment bags
Miscellaneous
- Replace batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors
- Clean dryer vent
- Clean the washing machine tub
- Clean/sanitize toys, donate unwanted toys
- Clean out files and shred unnecessary documents
- Discard outdated medicines, health and beauty products
- Dust indoor and artificial plants, and repot live plants if necessary
Outdoors
- Remove gutter debris and pick up yard debris
- Clean/sanitize bird feeders
- Sweep and power wash decks and patios, clean patio furniture
- Power wash the garage door, driveway and siding
- Clean outdoor light fixtures and replace light bulbs if necessary
- Check and repair sprinklers
