Spring Time Cleaning (with downloadable checklist)

Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming if you try to tackle everything at once. The key is breaking it down into small manageable tasks and doing one room at a time.

Below are step-by-step checklists for each room and suggestions on how to approach the process so that it doesn’t feel to stressful. Small, manageable tasks will help you feel accomplished as you finish them and will make the process more attainable.

General Tips to Get Started:

• Set a Timer: Give yourself 2-4 hours per room and take breaks in between. Most of the time people want to do everything in one go when they spring clean, which makes the task a lot more daunting, tiring and frustrating. So, take breaks! It will help you maintain your focus :)
• Declutter First: Before cleaning, always declutter. Don’t skip this step. A clean space starts with getting rid of what you don't need.
• Gather Supplies: Gather all cleaning supplies before you start so you don’t have to keep running back and forth. (Towels, wipes, tissue, cleaning and disinfectant sprays, garbage bags, broom, dustpan, duster, Swiffer or mop)
• Go Top to Bottom: Always clean from the top (dusting) to the bottom (sweeping/vacuuming) to avoid redoing work.
• Put on Music or a Podcast: This can make cleaning feel less like a chore and give you more motivation.

Download your checklist here

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Declutter:

Go through shelves, coffee tables, and any other surfaces.

Donate or toss items you no longer need.

Dust:

Dust the fan, all furniture, baseboards, shelves, and lamps.

Wipe down electronics.

Clean Upholstery:

Vacuum or clean couches, chairs, and cushions.

If possible, wash slipcovers or use a fabric cleaner.

Clean Windows:

Wash the windows inside (and out if possible).

Wipe down windowsills and frames.

Floor Care:

Vacuum or sweep the floor thoroughly.

Mop if necessary.

Organize:

Tidy up any bookshelves or storage areas.

Replace any old or broken items.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bedroom

Declutter:

Sort through your clothes ( including clothes in the dressers ) and shoes and get rid of any items that are stained, ripped, don’t fit or that you don't wear. (If you have a lot of clothes and shoes to go through, do them in sections to help you maintain focus)

Closet Organization:

Organize your clothes and shoes.

Consider donating any unused items.

Dust:

Dust surfaces, including dressers, nightstands, and lamps. Tidy up the dressers.

Wipe down baseboards, windowsills, and shelves.

Bedding:

Change sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. ( Curtains too if you have them!)

Flip or rotate your mattress if needed.

Floor Care:

Vacuum or sweep the floor.

Mop if necessary.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dining Room

Declutter:

Clear off the table and any sideboards or buffets. Throw out any old magazines or papers that you may be stashing on top of them.

Sort through and remove unused tableware or linens.

Dust:

Wipe down light fixtures and fan.

Dust the table, chairs, and any other furniture.

If you have figurines or collections of washable decorations, dust them and if they can be washed, fill your tub with a mild soap or detergent and soak and wash them with a soft non abrasive scrubby pad. Sometimes items sitting for a long time will get a “greasy film” on them that needs to be washed for it to come off.

Clean Windows:

Clean the windows and wipe the sills.

Clean the Floors:

Sweep or vacuum.

Mop if you have a hardwood or tile floor.

Organize:

Tidy up any cabinets or storage areas in the dining room.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kitchen (for the kitchen, take a full day or a weekend as it tends to be a place where clutter lives!) 

Declutter:

Empty and organize the countertops and cabinets.

Toss expired or unwanted food from the pantry, fridge and freezer.

Clean Appliances:

Clean the oven (heavy duty pumice scouring sticks are your friend here!), clean the stove-top, microwave, and dishwasher (If you have one)

Wipe down the fridge inside and out. Use hot soapy water. (This may take a little bit depending on how often (or not) you clean your fridge. Be prepared to change the hot soapy water a couple of times as you clean)

Wipe Surfaces:

Wipe down all counters, cabinets, and backsplashes.

Clean the sink thoroughly. ( After wiping, pour a small amount of baking powder down the drain, followed by a splash of lemon juice and vinegar to freshen it up, letting it fizz before rinsing with hot water.)

Clean Floors:

Sweep and mop the floors. (If your floor feels “greasy” try using a bit of Dawn with hot water when mopping-please be mindful of your floor type when you do this. I have tile and this works great for me)

Organize:

Organize your pantry, drawers, and fridge grouping similar items together for easier access. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bathroom

Declutter:

Go through your toiletries and discard expired items and medicines.

Clear off all countertops.

Scrub the tub, shower, sink, and toilet.

Clean mirrors and light fixtures.

Organize:

Organize toiletries and store them neatly.

Consider adding organizers under the sink or inside the cabinets.

Floor Care:

Sweep and mop the floor.

Wash Towels & Linens:

Change out any towels, washcloths, bath mats and shower curtains. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Car

Declutter:

Remove any trash, old receipts, and unnecessary items from the car.

Vacuum:

Vacuum the seats, carpets, and floor mats.

Clean the Seats:

Wipe down leather or fabric seats.

Consider using a seat protector.

Wipe Surfaces:

Clean the dashboard, console, and door panels.

Clean Windows:

Clean the inside and outside of the windows.

Organize:

Store emergency supplies and personal items in the glove box or console.

 

Maintaining a clean place after spring cleaning

Once you've done the hard work of spring cleaning, maintaining that tidy and clean environment can be a lot easier with some simple habits and strategies. Choose a day of the week to build a habit. Here’s a list of suggestions to help you keep each room in top shape:

1. Daily Tidy-Up:
• Take 5-10 minutes each day to quickly declutter. Put away or throw away items that have accumulated throughout the day.
2. Wipe Surfaces Regularly:
• Dust surfaces and wipe down coffee tables, shelves, and electronics once a week to avoid dust buildup.
3. Vacuum or Sweep Frequently:
• Vacuum high-traffic areas (e.g., around furniture and walkways) at least once a week to keep dirt from accumulating.
4. Cushion Maintenance:
• Fluff and rotate throw pillows and cushions weekly to keep them looking fresh.
5. Keep Shoes and Coats Organized:
• Use hooks or a basket near the entry to keep shoes and jackets organized.

1. Make Your Bed Every Morning:
   • This simple habit instantly makes the room feel tidy and organized.
2. Nightstand Clean-Up:
   • At the end of each day, clear any clutter from your nightstand. Don’t let papers, books, or other items pile up.
3. Laundry Routine:
   • Do a load of laundry once a week to prevent clothes from piling up.
4. Declutter Before Bed:
   • Take a few minutes each evening to put away any items left out during the day, such as clothes or personal items.

1. Clean After Every Meal:
• Wipe down the table and chairs after each meal to prevent buildup of crumbs and stains.
2. Organize Tableware and Linens:
• Keep your tableware organized in the cabinets and don’t let unused linens or decor sit out unnecessarily.
3. Wipe Down Surfaces:
• Dust and wipe down furniture (including the table and sideboards) once a week.
4. Vacuum Regularly:
• Sweep or vacuum around the dining area weekly to keep crumbs and dirt from accumulating.
5. Store Seasonal Items:
• Avoid clutter by storing extra or seasonal items out of sight (e.g., extra tablecloths or serving pieces) in a cupboard or closet.

1. Clean as You Go:
• While cooking, clean up spills, wash utensils, and wipe down surfaces immediately to avoid buildup.
2. Daily Dishwashing:
• Make it a habit to wash dishes or load the dishwasher after every meal to prevent a pile-up.
3. Wipe Down Countertops:
• Wipe counters and high-touch surfaces (stovetop, fridge handles, etc.) daily to prevent crumbs and spills.
4. Tidy Pantry Regularly:
• Organize pantry items and check for expired food once a month. Keep like-items together and label containers for easy access.
5. Take Out the Trash:
• Empty the trash regularly and clean the trash can once a month to avoid odors.

1. Wipe Down Surfaces:
   • Wipe down counters and sink daily to prevent toothpaste, soap, and other bathroom products from building up.
2. Tidy Towels and Linens:
   • Hang towels neatly after each use, and wash them once a week to avoid any musty smells.
3. Clean Mirrors:
   • Clean mirrors once a week to avoid streaks from toothpaste splashes and watermarks.
4. Deep Clean Toilet Weekly:
   • Scrub the toilet once a week to prevent buildup of germs and stains. Wipe the seat and handle daily.

Car

1. Empty Trash Regularly:
• Take out any trash, receipts, or fast-food containers from your car every day to keep it clutter-free.
2. Vacuum Weekly:
• Spend 5-10 minutes vacuuming the interior of your car every week, especially the floor mats, seats, and between the seats.
3. Organize the Trunk:
• Keep only necessary items in your trunk (e.g., emergency kit, jumper cables). Regularly check for unnecessary clutter.
4. Wipe Surfaces:
• Wipe down the dashboard and center console weekly to remove dust and fingerprints.
5. Check for Spills:
• Clean up any spills immediately to prevent stains on upholstery or carpets.

General Tips for All Rooms:

1. Develop Habits:
• Set small, daily routines for tidying up (e.g., cleaning up dishes, wiping down surfaces, and putting things away).
2. Be Mindful of Clutter:
• Make a rule that "one in, one out" applies: For every new item you bring into the house, get rid of an old one.
3. Set Timers:
• If tidying feels overwhelming, set a timer for 15-20 minutes each day to focus on a specific task (e.g., dusting, vacuuming, organizing).
4. Use Storage Bins and Baskets:
• Keep baskets or bins in each room to quickly throw in any random items that need to be dealt with later.
5. Enlist Help:
• If you live with others, make sure everyone pitches in with a few daily tasks (e.g., taking out the trash, washing dishes, wiping down counters)
  

A clean, picked up surrounding environment for me personally is a must. It clears my mind and thoughts and helps me focus. I hope that it will help you too! :)