Chances are, if we asked where in your house needed a good cleaning the most, you’d be able to tell us exactly the spot. Somehow, though, it’s never easy to make the time to deep clean it, and that’s exactly what spring cleaning is for - taking the time to deep clean all those places in your home that don’t get cleaned on a regular basis. Whether you have leftover clutter that’s making your kitchen cabinets a mess or you haven’t deep cleaned the bathtub since the bathroom remodel, it’s time to throw on your rubber gloves and take care of it. We promise it’ll feel like a breath of fresh air after being cooped up all winter!
To help you figure out all the other areas that might need cleaned, we put together this all-in-one guide to spring cleaning, from basement to attic: a list of the most important cleaning tasks to take on as the weather starts warming up. They’re organized by area of the house so you can pick the ones to prioritize. Just print this page out, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!
Basement
Check walls for leaks and cracks. If you do find water damage, be sure to run a dehumidifier until the professional arrives.
Go through and sort any storage in the basement. Reorganize what you plan to keep, and donate anything you no longer need.
Clean cobwebs out of corners and replace broken light bulbs.
First and Second Floor
Sweep and mop all flooring starting with the kitchen and bathroom.
Use pre-programmed cycles and store-bought or DIY cleaners to clean the dishwasher, oven, and washers/dryers.
Re-grout kitchen and/or bathroom tile floors and walls; replace tiles if broken or missing.
Wipe down and polish all appliances. Make note of repairs to be scheduled in the short-term and long-term.
Collect, wash, and store all winter items, such as curtains, linens, and clothes. Bring out spring and summer items. Donate anything you don’t need.
Change the direction of ceiling fans: in the spring and summer, fans should rotate counterclockwise to create a downward flow of cool air.
If you’ve been waiting, now is the time to do all those interior painting and/or redesigning projects. You can open the windows for ventilation, and spring colors are bright and inspiring for interior decorating!
Exterior
Clean the gutters, and repair or replace any that were damaged by winter weather.
Check the roof for damage as well. Note any shingles that are missing or need replaced, and call a professional immediately if you notice any areas of the roof sagging.
Remove the storm windows and clean them. Store them, and replace with screens.
Check the siding for damage as well, and when any damage is repaired power-wash the house (you can rent a power-washer from Home Depot or Lowe's).
Whole House
Replace batteries in smoke alarms (or make the switch to smart alarms, like the Nest).
Dust all surfaces, including window sills, bookshelves, and fan blades. Move furniture if necessary.
Wipe down walls to shed dirt and debris, be careful with cleaners that might strip paint.
Vacuum and steamvac all carpets (this will especially help with springtime allergies).
Call and schedule any yearly maintenance, such as HVAC maintenance, that should be done in spring months.
Clean air vents and registers of dust and debris.
Replace any broken or dead light bulbs with energy-efficient light bulbs to save money (and be more Earth-friendly!).
Attic
While you switch out summer items for winter items, take stock of what you are storing. Donate anything you don’t need. Re-organize what’s left, pulling most-used items to the front and making sure to store decorations correctly.
Check the temperature in the attic, and check for drafts. If needed, reapply insulation or replace vents, both of which will help your home regulate its temperature.
Check the underside of the roof for leaks, rot, and damage. Be sure to take care of damage immediately to avoid costly damage down the road.
