It’s finally spring; nature is revitalising itself, and it’s the perfect time to do the same for your home. That’s why we’re going to share our ultimate spring cleaning guide with you, along with several tips to shake off winter and get ready to breathe new life into you and your house.

Before You Get Started

First thing’s first! Before you can start cleaning and refreshing your home, there are a few things you need to do to prepare:

• Start with a game plan. Take a few minutes to figure out just how you’re going to tackle your spring cleaning. Decide what you’d like to do, and put together a checklist you can follow. Having a clear view of the finish line will make things much easier.

• If you have a family, get them involved! There are many simple tasks that kids can do, like making the beds, helping out with dusting, or even taking a turn on the vacuum. You can also muster up a group of friends or your roommates to help you out and have a great time.

• Gather your supplies. Do a quick stock check to make sure you have all the cleaning products and equipment you need. It’s also a good idea to get a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from the cleaning chemicals.

• Declutter. Take a stroll through your home and look for anything that could and should be put away. You may also spot a few things that should be thrown out, so carry a garbage bag with you to dispose of these items immediately. If you see anything that you’d like to sell, keep it seperate. Be critical and don’t cheat - if you say you’re going to sell it, do that!

As you prepare, accept that you might not get everything done at once. If you live in a smaller home and you have plenty of help, you might get all your cleaning done in a day. However, it’s far more likely that you’ll need to take a couple of days to get all the spring cleaning done - and that’s okay. Remember, you don’t want to get burned out before you’re finished.

Things You Can Put On Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

Once you’ve made your checklist and gathered your helpers, it’s time to get started! If you’re not sure what to put on your checklist, don’t worry. We’re going to share a few hot tips with you. We’re also going to go room by room, just to make things a little easier.

Entrance Area

If you don’t have an entryway, you can skip right to the next area. It’s not a common feature in most homes, but since it’s the first point of entry into your house, it’s important to keep it neat and tidy. Remember to:

• Sweep the floor.
• If you have a welcome mat, wash it or dust it outside.
• Dust and polish all the surfaces.
• Wash the windows.
• Clean, polish, and sanitise the door handles.
• Wipe the walls.

If you have any mirrors or artwork in your entryway or entrance hall, make sure to remove them from the walls and dust them as well.

Living / Entertainment Room

The living room is where families spend much of their time together, so keeping it clean should be a top priority. You can add the following points to your checklist:

• Move all the furniture so that you can clean the floors and walls.
• Dust or vacuum the furniture. If it’s leather, make sure to treat and polish it.
• Wash any throw pillows or blankets you keep in the living room. You’ll also want to put the blankets away now that spring is here.
• Wash the curtains and clean the curtain rails. If you have blinds, you can vacuum or dust these as well.
• Clean the windowsills and wash all the windows.
• Dust and wash any ceiling fans you might have. Remember to switch the electricity off and only use a damp, not wet, cloth.
• Dust and clean any lamp shades and decor.
• Sanitise your remote controls.
• Mop and vacuum the floors. If you have any rugs, you can vacuum these as well and hang them outside to air out. You can also shampoo them if you have the necessary supplies and tools.
• Dust off and clean any electronic devices. Make sure to use non-static materials, like a microfibre cloth.

Kitchen

Any mother would say that the kitchen is the heart of the home; the place where she prepares delicious meals to feed the family (unless dad is the better cook, of course!). Here’s how you can give your kitchen a thorough cleaning:

• Clean the stovetop and the oven. Remember to use non-toxic chemicals if possible!
• Clean the microwave and other appliances.
• Defrost and wash out the fridge and freezer. Remember to clean out the seals, too, and dust the radiator.
• If you have a dishwasher, give that a thorough clean as well.
• Discard any old food and stale spices in the cupboards, fridge, and freezer.
• Degrease the cabinets and walls. Pay special attention to the area around the stove.
• Unpack the cabinets and discard any equipment that’s broken or that you aren’t using. Wash the insides of the cabinets and drawers.
• Dust the hard-to-reach areas, including light fixtures.
• Wash any dirty or stained dishes, containers, or utensils.
• Clean the drain and wash the basins.
• Wash the dish rags and clean the sponges.
• Move the appliances to thoroughly clean the floor, wash the windows and sills, and wipe down the walls.

If you have a separate dining room, you should also:

• Dust any china or display cabinets you have.
• Polish any silver or brass items.
• Dust and polish the furniture.
• Thoroughly clean the walls and floor.
• Clean the light fixtures.
• Wash or dust any curtains, blinds, and rails.
• Clean the windows and sills.
• Vacuum or shampoo the carpet.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are our sacred personal spaces. However, a dirty bedroom can be the source of allergies, poor sleep, and even bug infestations if they’re not properly cleaned. Here’s how:

• Flip and turn the mattresses. You can also vacuum them or, if safe, shampoo them.
• Wipe the baseboards and bed frames.
• Dust and clean all surrounding furniture, such as shelves, bookcases, nightstands, etc.
• Organise your closets and donate any unused clothes.
• Wash the bedding, including the sheets, duvets, and pillow covers. You can also wash pillows (if safe) or have them professionally cleaned.
• Vacuum the carpets or area rugs.
• Dust the blinds or wash the curtains and railings.
• Clean the windows and sills.
• Wipe down the walls.
• Clean any ceiling fans.

Pro tip: If you have pets or struggle with coughing and sneezing at night, install a nebuliser to help freshen the room and fight allergens.

Bathroom

A poorly ventilated bathroom can be a breeding zone for mold and other contaminants. It’s critical to keep this room clean and fresh.

• Start by throwing out any unused items or empty containers.
• Clean the mirrors, windows, and walls.
• Wash the tub and shower, and disinfect the fixtures.
• Clean the showerhead, including the inside if possible. Depending on the water quality, there may be lime buildup.
• Scrub the toilet.
• Scrub the tile grout to get rid of any mold.
• Also inspect the walls and roof for any mold to scrub away.
• Mop the floors.
• Clean out the cabinets.

Laundry Room

If you have a laundry room or washer and dryer, those need to be cleaned as well.

• Clean the washing machine. Some have a built-in self-cleaning function.
• Clean the dryer vent and lint trap.
• Wash out the cabinets and get rid of empty containers.
• Wipe the walls and mop the floors.

Home Office

Home offices are becoming more commonplace, and it’s vital to keep your working area neat and comfortable.

• Dust and move any furniture.
• Wipe down the walls and mop the floors.
• Clean out bookshelves, drawers, and cabinets.
• Dust any electronics and light fixtures. Remember to use microfiber cloths to prevent static.
• Sanitise the keyboard and mouse.
• Clean the curtains or blinds, the windows, and the windowsills.

Bonus Spring Cleaning Tips: Overlooked Surfaces and Areas

There are a few areas that are very easy to overlook, even when spring cleaning:

• Remember to move all the furniture. Some items may be difficult to move by yourself, such as large lounge seats or heavy desks and bookshelves. If you can, find someone to help you move this furniture so you can reach all those tough-to-clean spots.

• If you have sliding doors, don’t forget to clean out the door tracks. If you have wheeled doors, you may also want to check that they’re still well-oiled.

• Other surfaces that are easy to overlook are the walls, door frames, decorative arches, and light fixtures. You may have to dig out a ladder, but that’s what spring cleaning is all about.

• Don’t forget to clean out the garage! If you have a lot of equipment like power tools, ensure that the power is switched off and work carefully.

Finally, remember that the outside of your home needs a refresh as much as the inside does. Check and clean out the gutters, wash outdoor furniture, and, if needed, touch up the exterior paint. It’s also a good idea to check the state of your roof before the spring showers begin.

Conclusion

Spring is a wonderful time, filled with colour and life. By spring cleaning the house, you can bring a little of that freshness into your home. Hopefully, our ultimate guide has helped you get on the road to success. Remember to be thorough, but also take the time you need to reach and bleach every nook and cranny. Enjoy!