To get started spring cleaning, start by decluttering, then create a list of tasks, divided by room. Inventory your supplies, then tackle your spring cleaning checklist all at once or break it up into smaller chunks. The average household breaks up spring cleaning chores across six days.
Prep for Spring Cleaning Day(s)
- Inventory your supplies and add what’s missing to your grocery list
- Make a to-do list for what you want to clean, then divide it up by task or room
- Declutter first to make cleaning for efficient and effective.
Start High
Ceiling fans:
- Wipe or vacuum the blades first to get any loose dust, then spray your cleaning cloth to keep any cleaning product from staining your ceiling
Walls:
- Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment on the hose to clean up any cobwebs in the corners
Continue Down
Window Blinds/Curtains:
- If you try to clean all the blinds in one day, chances are that you may not be as through on the later ones. Pace yourself and only clean one or two windows (or one room) a day.
- Take down curtains to wash or take to the cleaners or vacuum them and use a fabric refresher to neutralize any odors
Upholstered furniture:
- Vacuum the cushions and under them
- Use a fabric refresher to neutralize any odors
Mid-Level Surfaces:
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, including doorknobs, drawer handles and light switches
- Dust or clean other surfaces, including shelves, countertops and tables
- In bedrooms, deep clean mattresses and launder pillows and bedding
Appliances:
- Clean depending on the room
- Kitchen: Clean the fridge and fridge coils, the oven and stove and smaller appliances
- Bathroom: Clean the toilet, shower and bath
- Living Room: Dust any electronics and clean behind and under furniture
- Laundry Room: Clean the washer and make sure to store cleaning products up an out of reach
- Use a fabric refresher to neutralize any odors
End Low
Baseboards:
- Wipe down door frames and baseboards
- Carefully wipe down or clean out heating elements and vents
Floors:
- Vacuum rugsand carpets, then spot clean or steam clean as needed
- sweep then mop floors
Want more tips? Check out our list of the ABC's of spring cleaning.
Spring Cleaning FAQ
What supplies do I need for an effective spring cleaning?
You’ll need cleaning products, including an all-purpose cleaner and glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, sponges, a mop, a vacuum, trash bags, and storage bins for organizing items.
How often should I perform a deep cleaning like this?
While spring cleaning is typically done once a year, it’s beneficial to do a thorough cleaning at least twice a year to maintain a fresh and healthy home.
How can I make spring cleaning less overwhelming?
Break the process into smaller tasks, create a checklist, and clean one room at a time. Enlist help from family members to make the workload lighter and more manageable.
How can I keep my home organized after spring cleaning?
Set up a regular cleaning schedule and use storage solutions to keep items in their designated places. Regularly declutter and donate things you no longer need to maintain order.
How should I go about delcuttering before cleaning?
Start by sorting items into categories: keep, donate, recycle, or discard. Work room by room, evaluating what you actually use or need, and remove anything that
Updated: March 31, 2026