Spring symbolizes things that are new, so it’s a perfect time to refresh our homes after the long winter months; however, the thought of tackling that daunting spring cleaning list can be overwhelming for busy moms juggling all of the other numerous daily tasks on their plates. Having a well-organized spring cleaning schedule and focusing on one room at a time can make all the difference. This blog post will provide you with a comprehensive guide on creating an efficient spring cleaning schedule for each room in your home.
Before we tackle each room, check out this blog in order to set up a successful schedule. Tackling every room of your house will take time, and that blog explains manageable tips to break down all of the necessary tasks.
BEDROOMS
When we do our spring deep clean, I always like to start with bedrooms because refreshing your sleeping space, which is also the place you start and end your day, can clear your headspace and make you feel more rejuvenated and calm. No matter what room we’re tackling though, we always start with decluttering. Without getting rid of unnecessary items, you’re just moving things around, making it harder to really clean the surfaces. Check out my blog on 7 ways to declutter to learn more about that process. I also have a decluttering guide to help you manage that task step-by-step.
When you’re decluttering, be sure to go through all of your clothes in your closet during this process. This is a great time to get rid of clothes that don’t fit you or switch out your seasonal items if you store those away. Because kids grow so quickly, this is a perfect transitional time to clear out what no longer fits them.
Once you decluttered bedroom items and clothes, remove everything off of dressers and shelving. This will allow you to get all of the surfaces clean. I dust first so when the dust falls, you’ll vacuum it afterward. Starting from ceiling to floor, work your way from ceiling fans and light fixtures down to the baseboards. I always dry dust first and then hit the surfaces with a disinfectant or wood polish, depending on the surface.
During this dusting phase, take down all of the window dressings and bedding for washing. If you have window screens, you’ll want to make sure they get a deep clean, too, but this may not be a part of your room checklist. You might choose to tackle all of your windows in one cleaning cycle instead of room by room. Remember, do what’s best for you and is feasible for you to accomplish.
Once you have dusted all of the surfaces, wash down the walls. Follow that task by wiping down all of the fixtures you don’t typically disinfect, such as the light switch, door knobs, and drawer pulls. Finally, hit the flooring with a vacuum. If you have hard surface floors in your bedroom, I recommend a deep cleaning by getting on your hands and knees to scrub instead of just a regular mopping.
Below is a checklist for you to work through as you clean bedrooms. Again, this is a starting point, so do what is best for your schedule, preference, and feasibility.
| Task | Details |
| Decluttering | Remove any items that don’t belong in the bedroom. Go through the closet and drawers and donate clothes that don’t fit or transition seasons. Put away clothes, items, etc. |
| Dusting | Dust all surfaces including furniture, shelves, baseboards, moldings, and decorative items. Dust or wipe down light fixtures, lampshades, and bulbs. |
| Making the Bed | Strip the bed, wash linens, and remake the bed with fresh sheets and blankets. If possible steam clean or vacuum the mattress or spot clean any spots. Deodorize with baking soda. |
| Laundering Bedding and Linens | Wash bedding, pillowcases, curtains, and any other fabric items in the room. |
| Washing Decorative Pillows | Launder or spot clean decorative pillows and throws. |
| Washing/Cleaning Windows | Clean windows inside and out, including frames, blinds, sills, and curtains. |
| Wiping Down Surfaces | Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or cleaning solution, including shelving, nightstands, and dressers. |
| Vacuuming/Sweeping | Vacuum or sweep the floor, including under furniture and in corners. |
| Laundering Floor Mats and Rugs | Wash or vacuum floor mats and rugs. |
| Carpet Cleaning/Floor Waxing | Steam clean carpets or use a carpet cleaner to remove dirt and stains. Polish hardwood floors or apply wax if necessary. |
| Polishing Furniture | Polish wooden furniture with appropriate polish or cleaner. |
| Cleaning Upholstered Furniture | Vacuum and spot clean upholstered furniture as needed. |
| Deep Cleaning Upholstery/Furniture | If necessary, deep clean upholstery and furniture using appropriate cleaners. Wash removable cushion covers, throws, and pillows. |
| Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces | Use disinfectant wipes on doorknobs, light switches, and drawer pulls. |
| Wipe Down the Walls | Scrub down all of the walls to clean off the dirt and any markings that can be easily removed. |
| Cleaning Air Vents and Filters | Vacuum air vents and replace air filters as needed. |
| Organizing | Rearrange furniture, organize shelving, and be sure everything has a spot. Organize your closet by clothing types and colors. |
| Air Freshening | Use air freshener or open windows to freshen the room. |
LIVING ROOM
After tackling our bedrooms, I move to the living room, since this is the heart of our home. You’re going to see a pattern as I work through rooms because as I mentioned before, I always start with decluttering. The other pattern is dusting from ceiling to floor, getting all of the spots we don’t typically hit during regular cleaning, such as corners, ceiling fans, and baseboards. Then I move to the floors and all of the extras.
| Task | Details |
| Decluttering | Remove any items that don’t belong in the living room. Put away and organize items into their space. |
| Dusting | Dust all surfaces including shelves, baseboards, moldings, tables, electronics, and decorative items. Dust or wipe down light fixtures, lampshades, and bulbs. |
| Wiping Down Surfaces | Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or cleaning solution, including all tabletops, shelving, decorative items, and wall hangings or pictures. |
| Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces | Use disinfectant wipes on doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch items. |
| Upholstery Cleaning/Furniture | Vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly. Spot clean any stains if necessary. Wash removable cushion covers, throws, and pillows. |
| Washing/Cleaning Windows | Clean windows inside and out, including frames, sills, blinds, and curtains. |
| Polishing Furniture | Polish wooden furniture with appropriate polish or cleaner. |
| Vacuuming/Sweeping | Vacuum or sweep the floor, including under furniture and in corners. |
| Carpet Cleaning/ Floor Waxing | Steam clean carpets or use a carpet cleaner to remove dirt and stains. Polish hardwood floors or apply wax if necessary. |
| Wipe Down the Walls | Scrub down all of the walls to clean off the dirt and any markings that can be easily removed. |
| Air Freshening | Use air freshener or open windows to freshen the room. |
| Organizing | Rearrange furniture, straighten cushions, and organize shelves and decorations |
Continue reading to see the checklists for other rooms. As always, modify this content to make it work for you and your family. Best of luck with diving into your deep clean, and please like and share this content in order to pollinate joy with other moms who would benefit from these tips.
DINING ROOM
| Task | Details |
| Decluttering | Remove any items that don’t belong in the dining room. Clear off the table of any papers, plates, dishes, etc. |
| Dusting | Dust all surfaces including shelves, baseboards, moldings, table, dining room chairs, and decorative items. Dust or wipe down light fixtures, lampshades, and bulbs. |
| Wiping Down Surfaces | Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or cleaning solution, including all tabletops, shelving, and wall hangings or pictures. |
| Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces | Use disinfectant wipes on doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch items. |
| Furniture Cleaning | Vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly. Spot clean any stains if necessary. Wash removable cushion covers. Polish wooden furniture, including chairs, with an appropriate polish or cleaner. |
| Laundering Table Linens | Wash tablecloths, placemats, and cloth napkins. |
| Washing/Cleaning Windows | Clean windows inside and out, including frames, sills, blinds, and curtains. |
| Vacuuming/Sweeping | Vacuum or sweep the floor, including under furniture and in corners. |
| Carpet Cleaning/ Floor Waxing | Steam clean carpets or use a carpet cleaner to remove dirt and stains. Polish hardwood floors or apply wax if necessary. |
| Wipe Down the Walls | Scrub down all of the walls to clean off the dirt and any markings that can be easily removed. |
| Air Freshening | Use air freshener or open windows to freshen the room. |
| Organizing | Rearrange furniture, straighten cushions, and organize shelves and decorations |
KITCHEN
| Task | Details |
| Decluttering | Remove any items that don’t belong in the kitchen. Get rid of any kitchen appliances or tools you haven’t used all year. Be sure all dishes, utensils, etc. are put away. |
| Cleaning Cabinets and Drawers | Empty cabinets and drawers, wiping them down inside and out. |
| Cleaning Appliances | Clean inside and outside of oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Be sure to read instructions when using cleaners. |
| Degreasing Surfaces | Clean countertops, backsplash, and stove with degreaser. Scrub off tough stains. |
| Scrubbing Sink and Faucet | Clean sink with appropriate cleaner and scrub away any buildup around the faucet. Remove the drain covers and scrub them clean. |
| Disposal Maintenance | Freshen garbage disposal with ice cubes and citrus peels or baking soda and lemon juice, then rinse with cold water. |
| Washing Garbage Can | Clean trash can inside and out with soap and water or disinfectant. |
| Cleaning Small Appliances & Wiping Down Surfaces | Wipe down coffee maker, blender, toaster, and other small appliances. Wipe down all surfaces, including counters, baseboards, moldings, chairs, and door knobs. Dust or wipe down light fixtures, and bulbs. |
| Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces | Use disinfectant wipes on doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch items, like drawer pulls. |
| Washing/Cleaning Windows | Clean windows inside and out, including frames, sills, blinds, and curtains. |
| Vacuuming/Sweeping | Vacuum or sweep the floor, including under furniture and in corners. |
| Deep Cleaning Tile Grout | Scrub tile grout with a brush and appropriate cleaner to remove dirt and grime. |
| Wipe Down the Walls | Scrub down all of the walls, especially near stove and sink to clean off the grease and dirt, and any markings that can be easily removed. |
| Air Freshening | Use air freshener or open windows to freshen the room. |
| Organizing |
Rearrange cabinets and drawers so items can be easily accessible. |
BATHROOM
| Task | Details |
| Decluttering | Remove any items that don’t belong in the bathroom.. Get rid of any old make-up, toiletries, towels, and beauty supplies. Clear countertops and shelving. |
| Cleaning Cabinets and Drawers | Empty cabinets and drawers, and wipe them down inside and out. |
| Scrubbing Bathtub/Shower | Clean bathtub, shower walls, and doors with appropriate cleaner and scrub tool. If you have a shower curtain liner, replace it with a fresh one. |
| Cleaning Toilet | Scrub toilet bowl with toilet brush and cleaner. Clean the exterior and behind the toilet. If you use any toilet bowl cleaners in the tank, replace with new ones. |
| Washing Sink/Faucet/Countertops | Clean sink basin, faucet, handles, and countertops with appropriate cleaner and scrub tool. |
| Cleaning Mirrors | Wipe down mirrors with glass cleaner, vinegar solution, or non-streak cloth. |
| Laundering | Be sure to wash all towels, bathmats, and curtains. |
| Washing/Cleaning Windows | Clean windows inside and out, including frames, sills, blinds, and curtains. |
| Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces | Use disinfectant wipes on doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch items, like drawer pulls. |
| Cleaning Shower Head | Remove mineral deposits from shower head by soaking in vinegar or using a cleaner. |
| Washing Vent Fan and Exhaust | Clean vent fan cover and exhaust to remove dust and grime buildup. |
| Wipe Down the Walls | Scrub down all of the walls to clean off the dirt and any markings that can be easily removed. |
| Air Freshening | Use air freshener or open windows to freshen the room. |
| Organizing | Organize items in drawers and linen closets and on countertops and shelves. |
| Vacuuming/Sweeping | Vacuum or sweep the floor, including in closets and corners. |
| Deep Cleaning Tile Grout | Scrub tile grout with a brush and appropriate cleaner to remove dirt and grime. Clean the floor with appropriate floor cleaner. |
PLAYROOM
| Task | Details |
| Decluttering | Remove any toys, books, or items that are broken, outgrown, or no longer used. |
| Organizing Toys | Sort toys into categories (dolls, blocks, cars, etc.) for easier cleanup and maintenance. |
| Dusting | Dust all surfaces including shelves, baseboards, moldings, tables, and decorative items. Dust or wipe down light fixtures, lampshades, and bulbs. Clean any storage bins. |
| Wiping Down Surfaces | Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or cleaning solution, including all tabletops, shelving, and wall hangings or pictures. |
| Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces | Use disinfectant wipes on doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch items. |
| Furniture Cleaning | Vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly. Spot clean any stains if necessary. Wash removable cushion covers. Polish wooden furniture, including chairs, with an appropriate polish or cleaner. |
| Laundering Soft Toys | Launder stuffed animals and soft toys according to care instructions. |
| Cleaning Hard Toys | Wipe down hard toys with a damp cloth and mild soap. Sanitize if necessary. |
| Washing/Cleaning Windows | Clean windows inside and out, including frames, sills, blinds, and curtains. |
| Vacuuming/Sweeping | Vacuum or sweep the floor, including under furniture and in corners. |
| Carpet Cleaning/ Floor Waxing | Steam clean carpets or use a carpet cleaner to remove dirt and stains. Polish hardwood floors or apply wax if necessary. |
| Wipe Down the Walls | Scrub down all of the walls to clean off the dirt and any markings that can be easily removed. |
| Air Freshening | Use air freshener or open windows to freshen the room. |
| Organizing | Rearrange furniture, straighten cushions, and organize shelves and decorations |
| Safety Check | Ensure that furniture is secured to the wall, electrical outlets are covered, and toys are age-appropriate and in good condition. |
OFFICE
| Task | Details |
| Decluttering | Remove any items that don’t belong in the home office. File away papers. Tidy up the desk. |
| Dusting | Dust all surfaces including shelves, baseboards, moldings, tables, and decorative items. Dust or wipe down light fixtures, lampshades, and bulbs. |
| Shredding/Recycling Paper | Shred or recycle any unnecessary papers and documents. |
| Wiping Down Surfaces | Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or cleaning solution, including all tabletops, shelving, decorations, and wall hangings or pictures. |
| Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces | Use disinfectant wipes on doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch items. |
| Cleaning Electronics | Dust and wipe down computer, keyboard, mouse, printer, and other electronics. Organize cables by arranging and securing them to prevent clutter and tripping hazards. |
| Furniture Cleaning | Vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly. Spot clean any stains if necessary. Wash removable cushion covers. Polish wooden furniture, including chairs, with an appropriate polish or cleaner. |
| Washing/Cleaning Windows | Clean windows inside and out, including frames, sills, blinds, and curtains. |
| Vacuuming/Sweeping | Vacuum or sweep the floor, including under furniture and in corners. |
| Carpet Cleaning/ Floor Waxing | Steam clean carpets or use a carpet cleaner to remove dirt and stains. Polish hardwood floors or apply wax if necessary. |
| Wipe Down the Walls | Scrub down all of the walls to clean off the dirt and any markings that can be easily removed. |
| Air Freshening | Use air freshener or open windows to freshen the room. |
| Organizing | Rearrange furniture, straighten cushions, and organize shelves and decorations. Sort and organize files, folders, and office supplies. |
