Spring is the perfect time to reset your home, clear out winter dust, and create a fresh, calm space for the months ahead. But “spring cleaning” can feel overwhelming if you are not sure where to start. A simple, organized checklist turns a big job into a series of small, doable steps. This whole-home spring cleaning checklist is designed like a printable plan you can follow room by room, or spread out over several days or weekends. You will focus on the tasks that make the biggest difference first, then work your way into the details. Use this guide as your master list, and customize it for your own home and schedule.
On this page(click to collapse)
- How to Use This Whole-Home Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Whole-Home Spring Cleaning Checklist (General Tasks)
- Entryway and Hallways Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Living Room and Family Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Kitchen Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Bathroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Bedroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Home Office Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Laundry Room and Utility Areas Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Kids’ Rooms and Play Areas Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Garage and Storage Areas Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Turn This Checklist into a Printable Plan
- Maintaining Your Home After Spring Cleaning
- Related guides
Below you will find a clear, step-by-step checklist for every major area of the home, plus tips for planning your time, decluttering as you go, and keeping your home cleaner for longer once spring cleaning is done. You can bookmark this guide or copy the sections into your own printable planner to keep yourself on track.
How to Use This Whole-Home Spring Cleaning Checklist
Before you dive into specific rooms, set yourself up for success with a simple plan. Treat this like a printable checklist you would keep on a clipboard or in a home binder.
Step 1: Choose Your Timeline
- One-weekend blitz: Focus on high-impact tasks in each room. Skip deep detail work if you are short on time.
- Two-week plan: Tackle one floor or zone per day (for example: living areas one day, bedrooms the next, kitchen another).
- Month-long plan: Assign one or two rooms per week and add tasks to your regular routine.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
Keep a basic cleaning caddy ready so you can move quickly from room to room.
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass and mirror cleaner
- Disinfecting cleaner or wipes
- Microfiber cloths and dusting wand
- Vacuum with attachments
- Mop and bucket or spray mop
- Scrub brushes and sponges
- Trash bags and donation box
- Rubber gloves and optional mask for dust
Step 3: Follow the Same Order in Every Room
To stay efficient, repeat this order in each space:
- Declutter surfaces and floors
- Dust from top to bottom
- Clean glass, mirrors, and fixtures
- Wipe surfaces and spot clean walls and doors
- Vacuum and mop floors
Whole-Home Spring Cleaning Checklist (General Tasks)
Start with tasks that apply to the entire home. Doing these first gives you a quick sense of progress.
- Open windows for at least 10–15 minutes (weather permitting) to air out the home.
- Replace or clean HVAC and furnace filters.
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries if needed.
- Wipe light switches, door handles, and high-touch surfaces throughout the home.
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents in every room.
- Spot clean walls and doors where there are fingerprints or scuffs.
- Wash or vacuum window treatments (curtains, blinds, and shades).
- Clean interior windows, window tracks, and sills.
- Shake out or vacuum entryway rugs and floor mats.
- Gather items for donation: clothing, toys, decor, and small appliances you no longer use.
Entryway and Hallways Spring Cleaning Checklist
The entryway sets the tone for your home. A clean, organized entrance makes the whole house feel calmer.
- Clear out shoes, bags, and coats; set aside items to donate or store for the off-season.
- Wipe down doors, door frames, and baseboards.
- Clean doorknobs, light switches, and railings.
- Vacuum or sweep floors, then mop if needed.
- Wash entry rugs or mats, or shake them outside.
- Organize hooks, baskets, and shelves so daily items have a designated spot.
- Recycle old mail and papers; create a simple tray or folder for incoming mail.
Living Room and Family Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
Living areas collect dust, crumbs, and clutter. Use this checklist to refresh the spaces where you relax and gather.
- Remove all clutter from coffee tables, end tables, and media centers.
- Dust shelves, picture frames, decor, and electronics.
- Clean television screens and remotes.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture, including under and between cushions.
- Spot clean fabric stains on sofas and chairs according to care labels.
- Wash or refresh throw blankets and pillow covers.
- Dust baseboards and trim.
- Vacuum area rugs and under furniture if possible.
- Move furniture slightly to vacuum edges and corners where dust collects.
- Mop hard floors or follow manufacturer instructions for special flooring.
Optional Living Room Declutter Tasks
- Sort through magazines, books, and games; donate items you no longer use.
- Organize media storage (movies, music, game consoles, and accessories).
- Limit decor on surfaces to a few favorite items to make dusting easier.
Kitchen Spring Cleaning Checklist
The kitchen is the heart of the home and often needs the most attention. Work from top to bottom and focus on one area at a time.
Surfaces and Cabinets
- Clear countertops of small appliances and items; only keep what you use daily.
- Wipe cabinet doors, handles, and drawer fronts.
- Dust the tops of cabinets and the refrigerator.
- Clean backsplash and walls near cooking areas.
- Scrub the sink, faucet, and drain area; shine stainless or other finishes.
Appliances
- Empty and wipe the inside of the refrigerator; discard expired items.
- Remove shelves and drawers from the refrigerator and wash with warm soapy water.
- Wipe the refrigerator exterior, including handles and sides.
- Clean the microwave inside and out; do a steam clean with a bowl of water and lemon slices or vinegar if desired.
- Clean stovetop and control knobs; remove burner grates or drip pans and wash.
- Wipe inside the oven door and run a cleaning cycle or manual scrub, following appliance guidelines.
- Wipe the dishwasher door, control panel, and edges; clean the filter and run a cleaning cycle.
- Vacuum or wipe refrigerator coils and the area behind or under the fridge if accessible.
Pantry and Drawers
- Take everything out of the pantry; wipe shelves before returning items.
- Check expiration dates and discard stale or expired food.
- Group pantry items by category (baking, snacks, canned goods, breakfast).
- Use clear bins or baskets where possible to keep similar items together.
- Empty utensil drawers; wipe them out and sort utensils before putting them back.
- Recycle or toss extra takeout menus, packets, and worn utensils.
Floors and Finishing Touches
- Dust baseboards and corners.
- Vacuum or sweep under the table, chairs, and movable furniture.
- Mop floors, paying attention to sticky spots and grout lines.
- Wash dish towels, oven mitts, and table linens.
- Place a small bin or basket to collect clutter that tends to land on counters.
Bathroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
Bathrooms benefit from a thorough deep clean during spring. Focus on both cleanliness and organization.
Showers, Tubs, and Sinks
- Spray shower walls, doors, and tubs with bathroom cleaner and let it sit.
- Scrub grout, corners, and fixtures; rinse thoroughly.
- Clean shower doors or curtains; wash fabric curtains and liners if machine-washable.
- Scrub sinks and faucets; clean around drain stoppers.
- Polish fixtures to remove water spots.
Toilets and Surfaces
- Clean the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and base.
- Wipe the outside of the tank and behind the toilet where dust collects.
- Disinfect light switches, handles, and towel bars.
- Clean mirrors with a streak-free glass cleaner.
- Wipe countertops and cabinet fronts.
Storage and Linens
- Empty medicine cabinets; discard expired medications and products according to local guidelines.
- Sort under-sink storage; group items by category (cleaners, toiletries, backup supplies).
- Use bins or baskets to contain smaller items like hair tools and skincare.
- Wash bath mats, shower curtains, and towels.
- Replace worn-out towels or bath accessories if needed.
Floors
- Vacuum or sweep floors, including behind the door and around the toilet.
- Mop with a bathroom-safe cleaner, focusing on corners and grout.
Bedroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
Bedrooms should feel restful and clutter-free. Use this checklist to refresh your sleeping spaces.
Beds and Bedding
- Strip beds and wash sheets, pillowcases, and mattress protectors.
- Wash pillows and comforters according to care labels, or air them out if not washable.
- Vacuum mattresses using an upholstery attachment.
- Rotate or flip mattresses if recommended by the manufacturer.
Surfaces and Storage
- Clear off nightstands and dressers; keep only essentials and a few decor items.
- Dust furniture, lamps, headboards, and decor.
- Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces.
- Organize drawers; fold and sort clothing, donating items you no longer wear.
- Declutter under-bed storage; remove anything you have not used in the past year.
Closets
- Take everything out of the closet in sections to avoid overwhelm.
- Sort clothing into keep, donate, and seasonal storage piles.
- Wipe closet shelves and vacuum or sweep the floor.
- Return only items you truly wear and love; group by type (tops, pants, dresses, etc.).
- Use matching hangers if possible to create a more streamlined look.
Floors and Windows
- Dust baseboards and window sills.
- Vacuum carpets slowly to remove dust and allergens.
- Mop hard floors, paying attention to under-bed areas.
- Wash or vacuum curtains and wipe blinds.
Home Office Spring Cleaning Checklist
If you have a home office or workspace, spring is a great time to clear paperwork and digital clutter.
- Clear your desk surface completely; wipe it down and only return essential items.
- Dust monitors, keyboards, and other electronics (use appropriate tools).
- Clean computer screens and wipe down the mouse and phone.
- Sort paperwork into keep, shred, and recycle piles.
- Set up simple file folders for bills, important documents, and current projects.
- Organize office supplies in drawers or bins.
- Empty trash and shred bins.
- Vacuum floors, especially around cords and under the desk.
Laundry Room and Utility Areas Spring Cleaning Checklist
Laundry rooms, basements, and utility spaces often become catch-all zones. A quick deep clean makes them safer and easier to use.
- Clear off the top of the washer and dryer.
- Wipe the exterior of machines and clean control panels.
- Clean the lint trap and surrounding area; check dryer vent according to safety guidelines.
- Run a cleaning cycle for the washer if available, or run an empty hot cycle with a washer cleaner.
- Sort laundry supplies; discard empty containers and combine duplicates.
- Organize shelves with bins for detergents, stain removers, and cleaning cloths.
- Sweep and mop floors.
- Check for any leaks or moisture issues and address them promptly.
Kids’ Rooms and Play Areas Spring Cleaning Checklist
Kids’ spaces can get cluttered quickly. Involve children where possible so they learn simple organizing habits.
- Sort toys into keep, donate, and trash piles.
- Wipe down toy bins, shelves, and play surfaces.
- Clean frequently used toys according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Sort books and games; donate those your family has outgrown.
- Wash bedding, stuffed animals (if washable), and frequently used blankets.
- Organize art supplies and school papers; keep only favorites or current work.
- Vacuum or mop floors, paying attention to corners where small pieces collect.
Garage and Storage Areas Spring Cleaning Checklist
Garages and storage rooms can be tackled toward the end of your spring cleaning plan, once the inside of the home is under control.
- Open the garage door for ventilation while you work.
- Sort items into keep, donate, sell, and trash categories.
- Group similar items together (sports gear, tools, seasonal decor).
- Use shelves, hooks, and clear bins to get items off the floor where possible.
- Sweep floors and remove cobwebs from corners.
- Check stored items for damage or pests.
Turn This Checklist into a Printable Plan
To make this spring cleaning checklist even more useful, turn it into a simple printable plan you can check off as you go.
- Copy each room’s checklist into a document and add checkboxes next to each task.
- Create a weekly schedule: assign 2–3 rooms or zones per week.
- Highlight high-priority tasks if you are short on time.
- Leave space for notes, such as supplies to buy or repairs to schedule.
- Keep your printed plan in a visible spot, such as the fridge or a home management binder.
Maintaining Your Home After Spring Cleaning
Once your spring cleaning is complete, a few simple habits will help your home stay fresh and organized.
- Do a quick 10-minute tidy at the end of each day, focusing on surfaces and floors.
- Adopt a “one in, one out” rule for clothing, toys, and decor to prevent clutter from building up.
- Wipe bathroom sinks and counters daily or every other day.
- Run the dishwasher and clear kitchen counters each night.
- Vacuum high-traffic areas once or twice a week.
- Schedule mini deep-clean sessions monthly for one or two rooms.
With this whole-home spring cleaning checklist and printable-style plan, you can move through each room with confidence, knowing you are covering the most important tasks without getting overwhelmed. Customize the list for your own home, pace yourself, and enjoy the fresh, organized feeling that comes when everything is clean and in its place.
If you want more ideas for keeping your home tidy and streamlined, explore additional cleaning and organization tips at Signature Home Guide Cleaning & Organization.
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