Spring cleaning can feel incredibly satisfying. But if you're not sure where to start, don't worry: We've created a spring cleaning checklist that's expert-approved. Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute shared her insights on the tasks you should tackle as part of your spring cleaning, plus the products you should stock up on before getting started.
Forté says these tasks can (and in some cases, should) be done regularly throughout the year. But spring can be a great time to play catch-up or start a new routine. "Spring is the time to do the tasks that have been nagging at you, and that will give you the greatest sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to check off your to-do list," she says.
Keep reading for a complete spring cleaning checklist backed by cleaning experts.
What You'll Need:
If you're planning to clean the entire house, you'll need an assortment of cleaning supplies — starting with these must-haves. Your pre-spring cleanup is also "the perfect time to treat yourself to new cleaning tools," according to Forté. Think microfiber cloths, dusters, mop pads and vacuum filters, or an upgraded vacuum cleaner.
- Quality vacuum cleaner with attachments
- Top-tested mop
- Microfiber clothes
- Heavy-duty sponges
- Rubber gloves
- Essential cleaners, including dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, all-purpose spray and glass cleaner
Spring Cleaning Checklist:
What to Clean in All Rooms:
Before you deep clean individual rooms, consider what should be done throughout the house — think dusty baseboards, dirty walls and dull windows in every room. You may choose to divide your to-do list by room, or start by tackling these tasks one by one.
- Clean baseboards: Vacuum baseboards with the brush attachment. If needed, follow with a wet microfiber cloth (use water or all-purpose cleaner).
- Dust ceilings, vents, fans and light fixtures: Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with water to wipe away dust.
- Clean walls: Your walls might be dusty or dirty (think food splatters in the kitchen). Dust walls with a dry floor mop and tackle grime with a mixture of dish soap and water.
- Wipe down mirrors: Try a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth.
- Wash windows and window treatments: Before cleaning windows with glass cleaner, wipe down the screens and frames. Dust window treatments or clean them in the washing machine if the care label permits.
- Vacuum and mop floors: Use a vacuum to pick up dust, dirt and debris (using attachments to tackle corners and moldings). Use a damp mop to clean floors — don't forget a cleaner that is safe for your flooring.
Your Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklists:
Bedrooms
- Wash all bedding, including pillows and comforters
- Clean the mattress
- Organize closets and dresser drawers
- Dust furniture
- Vacuum under the bed
- Spot clean or deep clean carpets and rugs
Bathrooms
- Deep clean the shower and tub — don't forget glass shower walls and the shower head
- Clean the toilet, sink and countertop
- Wash bath mats
- Wash towels and linens
- Replace or wash shower liner (hint: you can clean it in the washing machine)
Kitchen
- Clean out the fridge and freezer
- Deep clean the oven and microwave inside and out
- Organize cabinets and drawers
- Clean garbage cans
- Wipe down cabinet fronts
- De-grease vent hood over the cooktop
- Deep clean the dishwasher
- Shine-up stainless-steel appliances
Living Room
- Dust furniture
- Clean TV screen
- Wash throw blankets and pillows
- Deep clean couch and upholstered furniture
- Launder or deep clean area rugs
Outdoor Spaces
- Clear out gutters
- Pressure wash deck, patio and siding
- Wash outdoor furniture
- Clean and organize the garage
Laundry Room
- Deep clean the washing machine
- Clean the lint trap thoroughly
- Organize laundry supplies
- Wash or sanitize hampers
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
