Spring is here, and it’s time to give our homes a fresh start! With the sun shining brighter and flowers blooming, there’s no better time to roll up our sleeves and tackle some spring cleaning. A deep house cleaning can seem like a daunting and boring task, especially if you have no idea where or how to start! I’ve got you covered with these 10 practical spring cleaning hacks to help you achieve a tidy and refreshed home in no time.
How do you spring clean your whole house?
Spring cleaning or annual cleaning is the big cleanup we do every year to make our homes fresh and tidy after winter. It’s a time when we clear out clutter, wipe away dust, and get everything organized. It’s gives our homes a brand-new start for the spring season.
You will be able to make the most of your spring cleaning with this easy checklist. We’ve broken down what to do in every room, from bedrooms and bathrooms to the kitchen and living room. For example, in the kitchen, you’ll clean out the pantry and deep clean the oven. In the living room, you’ll dust furniture and vacuum upholstery.
I’ve also included important tasks for the whole house, like changing batteries in smoke detectors and sweeping the porch. With this checklist, you’ll breeze through your spring cleaning without missing a spot!
So, without further ado, here’s my practical and useful spring cleaning checklist:
Every Room
- Sort items into keep, donate, or throw away piles.
- Dust surfaces: Shelves, furniture, baseboards.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs.
- Mop hard floors.
- Clean windows and mirrors.
Kitchen
- Clean out pantry and fridge.
- Wipe down cabinets and countertops.
- Deep clean oven and microwave.
- Scrub sink and faucet.
- Organize kitchen tools and utensils.
More tips on clever and effective ways to put your kitchen items in order.
Living Room
- Dust and wipe down furniture.
- Vacuum upholstery and cushions.
- Clean TV screen and entertainment center.
- Organize books and magazines.
- Shake out rugs and cushions.
Bedroom
- Launder bedding and pillowcases.
- Rotate and flip mattress.
- Dust and wipe down surfaces.
- Organize closet and drawers.
- Air out pillows and duvets.
Bathroom
- Scrub tub, shower, and toilet.
- Clean sink and countertop.
- Wash bath mats and shower curtain.
- Organize toiletries and medications.
- Replace old or empty toiletry bottles.
General
- Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
- Dust blinds and window treatments.
- Sweep and mop floors throughout the house.
- Check and replace batteries in smoke detectors.
- Donate or dispose of items you no longer need.
This checklist covers all the essential tasks to give your home a thorough spring cleaning from top to bottom. You can of course adjust as needed based on the specific needs of your home.
More Spring Cleaning Hacks
1) Declutter First
Always start your spring cleaning by decluttering one room at a time. Sort through your belongings and decide what you no longer need or use. Donate items in good condition, recycle what you can, and toss out anything that’s beyond repair. Decluttering before deep cleaning will make the process much more manageable and efficient.
2) Microwave Cleaning Made Easy
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few slices of lemon. Place it in the microwave and heat on high for 35 minutes. The steam generated by the heated water will loosen stubborn food splatters and stains inside the microwave. After heating, let the bowl sit for another 5 minutes to allow the steam to further soften the grime. Finally, use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior surfaces, making them clean and odor-free.
3) Freshen Up Carpets with Baking Soda
To get rid of odors and refresh your carpets, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the entire surface. Allow it to sit for at least 1520 minutes, or longer for stronger odors. The baking soda will absorb unpleasant smells, leaving your carpets smelling fresh. Then, vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda and reveal clean, revitalized carpets.
4) Use Vinegar for Sparkling Windows
Create a homemade window cleaner by mixing equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the solution onto your windows. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe them clean, starting from the top and working your way down. This vinegar solution effectively cuts through dirt and grime, leaving your windows streak-free and sparkling.
5) Shine Stainless Steel with Olive Oil
To restore the shine to your stainless-steel appliances, apply a small amount of olive oil to a soft cloth. Rub the cloth onto the stainless-steel surfaces in the direction of the grain. The olive oil will remove fingerprints and smudges while leaving behind a glossy finish. This simple hack will keep your appliances looking like new.
6) Refresh Your Mattress with Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the surface of your mattress. Allow it to sit for several hours, preferably overnight, to absorb any lingering odors. Baking soda is excellent at neutralizing smells and can help freshen up a mattress. Afterward, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to thoroughly remove the baking soda from the mattress.
7) Tackle Grout with a Toothbrush
Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water until you achieve a thick consistency. Apply the paste to the grout lines using an old toothbrush, focusing on areas with stubborn stains. Let the paste sit for a few minutes to penetrate the grime, then scrub vigorously to loosen dirt and discoloration. Rinse the grout with water to reveal clean and brightened lines.
8) Clean Ceiling Fans with Pillowcases
Slip an old pillowcase over each blade of the ceiling fan, one at a time. Gently slide the pillowcase along the length of the blade, trapping dust and debris inside. This method prevents dust from falling onto the floor or furniture below, making cleanup a breeze. Repeat this process for each fan blade until they are all clean.
9) DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
Make your own natural all-purpose cleaner by combining equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lemon or lavender, to create a pleasant scent. This homemade cleaner is safe, effective, and perfect for wiping down surfaces throughout your home, including countertops, sinks, and appliances.
10) Organize with Baskets and Labels
Invest in baskets, bins, or storage containers to help organize clutter in each room. Assign specific items to each basket and label them accordingly for easy identification. By providing designated storage spaces for belongings, you can minimize clutter and keep your home tidy and organized. Encourage family members to return items to their designated baskets to maintain order.
How Do You Make Spring Cleaning Fun?
Making house cleaning enjoyable can be easier than you think! Here are some simple tips:
- Play Music: Put on your favorite tunes to make cleaning more fun and upbeat.
- Set a Timer: Challenge yourself to see how much you can clean in a set amount of time, then reward yourself with a break.
- Break Tasks into Smaller Chunks: Tackle one room or task at a time to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
- Get Everyone Involved: Turn cleaning into a family or roommate activity. Assign tasks to each person and work together.
- Use Pleasant Smells: Light a scented candle or use a room spray with a refreshing scent to make cleaning more enjoyable.
- Take Breaks: Don’t forget to take short breaks to rest and recharge. Enjoy a snack or a cup of tea before diving back in.
- Reward Yourself: Treat yourself to something you enjoy after completing a cleaning task or finishing a room.
By making cleaning more enjoyable, you’ll find it easier to maintain a clean and organized home. And with these practical spring cleaning hacks, you can easily tackle tasks around your home and achieve a fresh and tidy living space in time for the new season!
