Get a Head Start on Your Spring Cleaning With This Ultimate Checklist

Perhaps it's because when the sunlight shines through your windows in the spring, you can see all the grime and dust that has collected over the year. Or maybe the longer days and sunnier skies bring renewed energy. Not to mention it's a long-standing tradition to pull out the mops and rags and do a deep cleaning every spring.

Whatever the reason, spring is an ideal time to do a deep clean, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. We've broken it down into a manageable spring cleaning checklist that even the kids can help with.

Spring Cleaning: How to Get Started

First, make your game plan. If you don't have time to do it all at once, that's perfectly fine. Many people like to break down their cleaning room by room. It can be incredibly rewarding as each space gets clean, even if it takes a few days or weeks, or even longer, to accomplish it.

Second, round up your cleaning tools. Microfiber cloths are a must. They are inexpensive, reusable, absorbent, and do a great job of trapping dust. You will also need your vacuum, dusters, sponges, toilet bowl brush, and your favorite cleaning sprays and solutions.

Next step, involve the family. Decluttering and spring cleaning can be a family project, and you can include your kids. Letting them sort their own stuff and make decisions on what to keep or donate helps them with organization skills. It also helps them develop empathy by donating to those in need. And even little kids can participate in cleaning with simple tasks like dusting and wiping countertops.

Finally, take a look at our checklist below to get you started.

Bathrooms

Although you likely clean your bathroom on a regular basis, spring is a chance to declutter as well. In addition to cleaning your toilet, shower, bath, and countertops, there are other things you can do to freshen up the space, including:

• Check expiration dates of medicine and beauty products, and get rid of anything that's old or that you no longer use.
• Wash your shower curtain liners, or buy a replacement.
• Clean your showerhead by filling a plastic bag with white vinegar. Place the bag over the showerhead and secure it with a rubber band. Let it soak for about 30 minutes, remove the bag, and scrub with a scrubbing brush or sponge.
• For a final touch, shine the mirrors and faucets, wiping with a microfiber cloth to make everything sparkle.

Kitchen

Aside from bathrooms, the kitchen is the next space you will likely spend most of your time cleaning. There are plenty of spaces in your kitchen that don't get cleaned regularly. When you want to do a deep clean, consider the following areas:

• Dust cabinets and scrub with a mix of water and liquid dish soap.
• Pull out your refrigerator and vacuum behind the fridge.
• Don't neglect the sink drain. You can either buy a special cleaner to throw down the garbage disposal or a special brush to reach inside. You can also pour 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. It will fizz, and the gunk will rise to the surface, which you can now wash away with hot water.
• Pull out the filter from the bottom of your dishwasher and rinse the gunk out.
• Clean inside your microwave by steaming it with a bowl of water. You can add lemon or vinegar for added cleaning power. Once it's steamed, wipe it clean.
• Other items that may need extra attention are your coffee maker or Keurig machine, toaster oven, and other small appliances.
• Clean your oven with a commercial cleaner or a mix of baking soda and water.

Living Room

Begin in your living room by decluttering and switching out your seasonal decor. You can use decorated baskets to help keep items organized. You can also take the following steps:

• Clean out your fireplace if you have one.
• When you vacuum the floors, include the furniture. An upholstery brush attachment makes this easier.
• Clean the dust off the ceiling fans and light fixtures.

Bedrooms

Now is the time to take a look at your closet and declutter clothes that you haven't worn for at least a year. Dust the furniture, clean ceiling fans, and rotate your mattress if you haven't recently. Wash bedspreads or blankets that don't get washed regularly. And finally, have your kids help with decluttering items in their room that they no longer use.

Entryway

Your entryway is the first thing guests see when they enter your home. You can make your home feel refreshed by clearing out clutter and old papers. Wash your throw rugs. If your shoes are in a pile by the door, consider buying racks, baskets, or cubbies to keep them more organized.

Garage and Basement

These spaces tend to get overlooked. You can declutter, sort your tools, and vacuum or sweep the entire space to give it a thorough cleaning. Throw out broken items and consider donating items you haven't used in the past year.

Wash Windows Inside and Out

Washing your windows inside and out makes a noticeable difference in bringing in natural light and making your home feel fresh.

Vacuum Everywhere

Do a thorough vacuuming, including inside closets that may get neglected during the year. You can also use a special attachment on your vacuum to clean the baseboards and trim.

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