The emergence of spring has long been associated with the deep cleaning of our homes. It signifies a fresh home, or a new start to complement the blossoming of a new season.
Join the ranks of spring cleaners by using this guide to conquer the task. To keep the job from feeling overwhelming, schedule a block of time each day, or even each week, for your annual cleaning. Work on one room at a time and reward yourself for each room until you've completed the job.
The basics – for every room in your home
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Dust wall and ceiling light fixtures, then remove globes and wash them out.
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Dust ceiling fan blades.
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Remove cobwebs with a vacuum and brush attachment or a clean rag attached to the head of a broom.
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Remove and wash window coverings, and dust the top of curtain rods and window trim.
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Remove wall hangings, knick-knacks, and other décor then rinse in warm soapy water.
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Wash doors and knobs and the dust that collects on top of doors and entryway trim.
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Wash walls with an all-purpose cleaning solution. Touch up mars and chips with paint.
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Wipe off switch plates.
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Empty cabinets and drawers then wash them inside and out. Wash out and arrange drawer organizers, as well.
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Wash windows and sills, and don’t forget the unsightly tracks.
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Clean unupholstered furniture from top to bottom with an appropriate cleaner.
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Vacuum upholstered furniture from top to bottom and under cushions, paying particular attention to creases and crevices where dust and grunge build-up.
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Vacuum lampshades with a soft bristle attachment.
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Unplug electrical cords and run through a damp rag to remove built-up dust.
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Wash baseboards, then vacuum carpet edges with a narrow attachment.
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Vacuum and mop under furniture and other stationary items.
Bedroom odds ’n’ ends
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Remove items from under the bed, dust off storage containers, and dispose of clutter.
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Vacuum under beds using attachments.
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Eliminate unwanted articles from drawers.
The bathroom—scour and disinfect
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Remove and launder shower curtain and liner, bath mat, toilet cover, and rugs.
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Scour tub and shower from top to bottom, inside and out. Use a toothbrush to remove mold, mildew, and soap scum accumulation around the drain, faucet, knobs, and showerhead.
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Clean glass shower doors inside and out, including the track.
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Spray exterior of toilets with a sanitizing solution and wipe down.
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If you have young boys, remove the toilet seat and clean the bolts where odors linger. Use a deodorizing solution on the baseboard and wall behind the toilet.
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Wash toilet brush container and wastebasket.
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Scrub sink and countertop, including grooves around the drain, faucet, and knobs.
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Dust the top edge of mirrors, towel racks, and other accessories.
Closets—the always forgotten
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Dust shelving, brackets, and rods.
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Organize shelves, and eliminate unneeded items.
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Remove clothing you haven't worn in two years.
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Dust shoe racks and rarely worn shoes.
Kitchen—contamination zones
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Dust the top of kitchen cabinets.
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Remove grease and grime from small kitchen appliances
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Clean stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher inside and out.
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Wipe built up grunge in the top of the garbage disposal with a rag, then add ice and lemon slices and run the disposal to clean and freshen the blades.
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Scrub countertops with a mild abrasive or degreaser.
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Wash table and chairs from top to bottom, and don’t forget the cracks where table leaves meet.
