Spring Cleaning Checklist & Printable

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—with the right checklist, it can actually be simple and satisfying. This easy-to-follow printable breaks everything down into doable steps, helping you refresh your home one task at a time. Grab your copy, or use the template link to customize your list!

Green buds are popping up on trees and bushes, the temps are getting warmer, and spring is in the air. It also means it’s time to wash away the dust and grime after winter, and give your home a refresh. The list can seem overwhelming–who has time for all of that? But it really will make such a big difference for your home in not only the that it looks and feels, but also in its longevity. Many of the things on the list will save you money by helping to extend the life of items in your home.

The words “spring cleaning” might strike fear deep into your heart, but I’m here to tell you that it is totally doable, and that you will love the difference it makes in your home!

Before you start

Make a list

This probably comes as no surprise, since I love lists so much, but it’s the number one thing you can do to get your spring cleaning done. If you know what you need to do, and have a place to check it off, you will be much more successful. It’s wonderful to see yourself making progress, and staying organized in the process. I’ve created a printable of my own spring cleaning list. Print it out, and keep it in a binder, or even place in a frame and use a Sharpie to check items off.  (Sharpie comes right off with a paper towel and water, but not easily with a hand.)

Have a plan

Once you have your list in place, decide which tasks are going to be done when–make a schedule. I schedule tasks out through March and April, sometimes into May. Spreading it out makes it so much more doable and approachable, and you won’t feel like it’s going to consume your whole life. Part of your plan can be to enlist help–kids and teens are great helpers, and you may even want to offer some of the jobs as possible ways to earn extra money!

Get prepared

Make sure you have everything you need ahead of time, and then once you start, you won’t have to stop or put it off. I like using a cleaning caddy, and I keep all necessary cleaners and supplies in it. It’s so handy to store, and then carry from room to room. I suggest creating something similar for yourself–it really helps, and I use it for all my regular cleaning as well.  If you need to purchase new batteries, air filters, or cleaning supplies, get it done first!  If you know you’ll need to rent a carpet cleaner to do it yourself, or if you’re hiring someone to do it, schedule it in advance.

Cleaning checklist & info

This is a more in-depth look at what I do when I’m working on the checklist, and how I approach getting the best possible clean.

kitchen

* Mop on hands and knees? What?  I personally believe it doesn’t matter what kind of mop or steamer you own, nothing beats a really good scrubbing on your hands and knees, if you’re able. It’s the best way to get into corners, crooks, and crannies, and the only way to clean the space between the floor and up under where your cupboards end. For a wood floor, I use vinegar and water. On my tile I use a good multi-purpose cleaner.

* This is the perfect time to clean out all your drawers and cupboards, and discard anything you don’t use, and haven’t used in the past year. Are there any small appliances that don’t work?  Or that need to be cleaned?  Old spices? Use a hose attachment on your vacuum to suck out all those crumbs that magically make their way into your drawers! I like to use a solution of vinegar and water to clean the exterior surfaces of my cabinets–it’s great to get rid of all the fingerprints and griminess!

* If you can move your fridge/freezer, I highly recommend it.  It’s amazing what you’ll find behind there!

* You probably wipe down and clean your stove after you finish eating or cooking, but spring cleaning is the time to take off the knobs, remove burners (if you can), and clean the burner tops if a gas stove.

bedrooms

* I replace my pillows every year. It’s just my thing–I love clean pillows. I do buy synthetic pillows for my kids–they’re cheaper, and they tend to go through them sometimes even faster than a year. Both synthetic and down pillows can also be washed, but it’s important to follow specific instructions so they aren’t ruined–either the batting getting mushed up, or down getting moldy. Here’s a link to washing/drying care…

* Washing a mattress pad is good to do once a month, but this is a great time to do both the pad and the bedskirt.  I’m able to fit my quilt/comforter in my washer, so I do it at home, but yours may require either dry cleaning or a large capacity washer/dryer at a local laundromat.

*Most newer mattresses are one-sided and should not be flipped, because it will damage the comfort layers. Instead, you should rotate them 180 degrees every 3 to 6 months for even wear and to prevent sagging. Check the tag on the mattress for any specific instructions. If the top and bottom look different, then don’t flip it. If the top and bottom are the same, it will benefit from flipping. More info here!

* Changing out seasonal clothing is something I actually do twice a year, but towards the end of spring is  the time to take out sweaters, coats, and other heavy winter items and put them into summer storage. It’s the perfect time to make some donations or pass items down to friends or family that could use them.

laundry room

*We all know to clean out the lint when you throw a load of laundry into the dryer. However, there can be a build-up of lint that you can’t see, and doesn’t come out when you remove the lint screen.  Depending on your dryer, there should be a front panel of the dryer that you can remove with a screwdriver, and be able to remove any excess lint.  A friend recently did this after her friend had a house fire due to her dryer, and it was amazing how much extra lint was in there! PLEASE MAKE SURE to read your owner’s manual before doing this–and make sure you know where to look and follow all safety instructions.

*Washing out your detergent and fabric softener trays

general

I put these all under the label “general”, because they are applicable for every room in the house.  For me, figuring out how I wanted to go about it was the hardest part, i.e. room by room, or task by task?  The answer will probably be different for everyone, and depend on your time and schedule.

*A long, extendable duster is perfect for all the high dusting–ceiling fans, vents, fans, etc.  I use one by Swiffer that works really well, and it goes pretty quickly.

*Most draperies/curtains won’t get so dirty that you have to wash them, but you’ll just need to check them one-by one for stains that need to be removed. If you do need to launder them, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions, as it will greatly depend on the material as to how they need to be cared for.  If they don’t need to be washed, you can just use a hose attachment on your vacuum and gently remove the dust that’s accumulated.  Sheer curtains can be placed in the dryer on a low setting to remove dust.

* Windows. Admittedly, this is my least favorite chore, but will make one of the biggest differences. Washing windows inside and out, vacuuming out all windowsills, and removing screens to rinse them before replacing are a big job, but the end result is fabulous.  I usually vacuum the windowsills on a different day than I wash, just to break it all up.

* Spring cleaning is the perfect time for any and all safety inspections that need to happen in your home.  Smoke and carbon detectors should be tested to make sure they work, and batteries replaced if needed.  Fire extinguishers can be checked, and any expired prescriptions or other medications should be safely discarded.

* Washing walls — This can take a bit of time, but really makes such a difference. My walls may look clean because I do spot cleaning all year long, but not all the way to the top! I have a wall washing product that makes it go much faster, If you have flat paint, you can’t wash the walls, but you can spot clean them using a sponge–DON’T use a cleaning cloth or rag!  Or…you just have to touch-up with paint.

Favorite cleaning products

Check out the cleaning products I use and love!

Download checklist

Included below is a printable PDF (two color schemes) and an editable Canva template link for any customization. You’ll need a free account to access the template.

Editable Canva template

Click HERE to access the editable template. You will be able to change text and colors.

Maintenance

Once everything has been checked off on your spring cleaning list, plan to maintain it through the year.  If you do, next year’s cleaning will be so much easier!  For example–I regularly do some of these tasks, like washing mattress pads/bedskirts, cleaning the oven, washing down cupboards, dusting ceiling fans, vacuuming out couches, etc.  These are things that need to be done more often at my house, and it may differ at yours.  I’m a BIG believer in maintenance cleaning, I know it saves a lot of time and energy in the long run. My regular cleaning schedule is great for ongoing maintenance!

More cleaning & organization ideas

• Declutter List: What to Throw Away, Recycle, or Donate
• Kitchen Drawer & Cabinet Organization Ideas
• Recipe Book Binder Organization + Printables

Disclaimer:  PLEASE read all your specific owner’s manuals for all appliances, and directions for all supplies, materials and cleaners that you use.  Read labels on bedding, curtains, and anything you attempt to wash or clean.   Safety is a priority, and information will vary from product to product. This list is MY list, and is my opinion only.  REMEMBER: It’s important to gather your own information, and make final decisions based on what you find out.

*Originally posted 2013