This post was updated in April 2022.
There’s nothing better than throwing open the doors and pushing up the windows at the first signs of spring. Letting the fresh air in goes hand in hand with another rite of spring: the big clean. Use our handy Indoor Spring Cleaning Checklist to help you tackle your chores. The list may look daunting, but many of the jobs are small and quick, and you’ll be glad you took the time to do them! Download a printable version of this Indoor Spring Cleaning Checklist to keep track of all your hard work.
Whole Household
□ Check the batteries in all smoke and CO detectors
□ Check and replace light bulbs
□ Clean air vents
□ Wash baseboards, doorframes and doors with mild soap and water
□ Dust light fixtures, fans and ceiling
□ Thoroughly dust shelves and their contents, including books and decorative objects
□ Wipe walls and touch-up with paint where necessary
□ Polish wood floors or wax non-wood floors
□ Clean and/or polish metal door and window hardware
□ Take area rugs outside and beat out trapped dirt and air out
□ Deep clean carpets
□ Clean window treatments: wash or dry-clean draperies and fabric shades, dust wooden blinds with damp cloth, wash vinyl blinds with mild soap and water
Kitchen
□ Deep clean stove: replace reflector bulbs on electric stove, wash knobs and burners, soak and clean hood vents and run self-clean function or clean inside of stove and racks by hand
□ Dust refrigerator coils; vacuum between refrigerator and counters
□ Defrost freezer; clean out freezer and refrigerator and clean with baking soda and water
□ Dust the tops of cabinets and refrigerator; wipe down cabinet fronts
□ Clean inside cabinets and drawers
□ Clean out and reorganize pantry or cupboard; throw out expired items
□ Clean out food trap in dishwasher
Living Spaces
□ Swap out heavyweight curtains and slipcovers for lightweight ones; wash or dry-clean winter linens before storing
□ Trade heavyweight pillows for light, bright ones
□ Clean out fireplace
Bathrooms
□ Replace shower curtains and/or liners
□ Seal cracked tile or grout
□ Fix leaky fixtures or slow drains
□ Take down fan cover and wash with soap and water
□ Clean inside cabinets and drawers; discard expired medicines and cosmetics
□ Update first-aid kit
Closets
□ Clean out entry/mudroom closet and swap out winter gear for summer gear
□ Organize bedroom closets and replace cold-weather clothing with warm-weather clothing; wash or dry-clean garments before storing or donating them
□ Organize linen closet and replace worn out or stained towels and sheets
Bedrooms
□ Rotate mattress (and flip if it’s not pillow top) to distribute wear evenly
□ Wash all pillows and bed skirt to rid them of stains, mold and bacteria
□ Replace cold-weather bedding with warm-weather bedding; wash or dry-clean bedding before storing
□ Organize bedroom storage spaces
Utility Spaces
□ Run white vinegar through the washing machine to sanitize and clear soap scum
□ Wipe out the inside of the dryer to remove lint buildup with a wash cloth dampened with mild soap and water
□ Wipe down the outside of both appliances
□ Vacuum or dust behind appliances
□ Wash or vacuum lint trap
□ Vacuum with a crevice attachment or use duster to clear lint from inside the dryer hose
□ Organize laundry room storage and cleaning supplies
Home Office
□ Review and reorganize files: update policies and home inventory and shred unwanted documents
□ Clean out and reorganize drawers
□ Clean computers: wipe down computer and screen with dampened lint-free cloth and clean out keyboard using a can of compressed air
□ Back up your computer and delete unwanted files and applications
Browse our selection of storage and organization pieces and find more inspiration from these posts below:
- Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist
- How to Clean Stains on Performance Fabrics
- Room Organization Ideas for Your Hardest Working Spaces
- Best Sofas for Dogs – Our Guide to Pet-Friendly Furniture
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