Springing Out of the Clutter--A Full Checklist for Spring Cleaning

Spring is in the air, and if you like a fresh start to the season, it’s the right time to kick up your cleaning routine and declutter your home. There are multiple areas to tackle, but it doesn’t all have to be completed in one day. Space out the project over the course of a few days or weeks to get your house sparkling clean from top to bottom, both inside and out. To help you organize your projects, our HHS housekeeping and maintenance experts have shared a checklist of items that will leave your home feeling fresh, clean, and ready for spring.

Common Areas and Overall Chores

• - Dust and wash off molding and baseboards and remove scuff marks

• - Use a long wand duster to clean ceiling corners where cobwebs might have formed

• - Clean ceiling fans by dusting off debris then wiping them with a damp cloth, being sure to dry them thoroughly

• - Remove marks and scuffs on doors and walls, then touch up with paint as needed

• - Freshen curtains by removing them, dusting them off outside and running them on the air dry cycle of the dryer for      10 to 15 minutes

• - Clean off the window blinds, sills, and tracks

• - Vacuum and wipe down furniture, be sure to get in the small crevasses and under cushions

• - Condition leather furniture to keep it looking new

• - Dust around pictures and wall hangings

• - Schedule professional services such as a carpet cleaner and chimney sweep

• - Wash off dust and debris from air vents

• - Remove items from bookcases and thoroughly dust

• - Clean out the vacuum to help leave the house smelling fresh

• - Go through closets and remove items that need to be thrown away or donated to a charitable organization—clothes, shoes, unused kitchen items, etc. Create a pile for every room

Kitchen

• - Deep clean the kitchen sink, washing off the knobs and plugs

• - Unclog any food particles lodged in the garbage disposal and clean

• - Remove stuck-on food and stains from the microwave and wipe down

• - Clean and organize the refrigerator

• - Deep clean the oven and stove top, whether it’s a glass cooktop or gas top range

• - Throw away expired food from the pantry, and donate any unopened items that are still good but unlikely to be used

• - Wash off the pantry shelves, thoroughly dry, and organize the items

• - Remove all appliances off the countertop and thoroughly wipe down the area with a damp cloth and countertop cleaner

• - Loosen the debris underneath the cabinets and sweep up

• - Deep clean tile floors

Bathrooms

• - Take down the shower curtains and clean based on the manufacturer's instructions

• - Dust out the bath rugs, wash, and dry them

• - Replace any grout that is chipping or peeling around your tub, shower, sink, and toilet

• - Remove bathroom mold using non-toxic chemicals

• - Deep clean the shower, bathtub, and countertops

• - Clean out the cabinets, discarding any items that are expired

• - Rinse out makeup brushes using gentle soap, and allow to air dry

• - Wipe down all bathroom accessories including toothbrush holders, soap dispensers, mirrors, towel rings, etc.

Bedrooms

• - Remove all bedding and wash or dry clean per the manufacturer’s instructions

• - Vacuum the mattress to remove any dirt, and spot clean

Laundry Room

• - Clean the inside of the washing machine

• - Remove trapped lint and debris from the dryer

Outside

• - Call a professional to clean out the gutters around your home

• - Dust out and wash off outside doormats

• - Wipe down and wash patio furniture

• - Clear garden beds and the lawn of weeds and leaves

• - Power wash the exterior of your home, including decks

• - Wash the outside window panes

• - Deep clean the grill, removing any stuck-on food

• - Rinse out the garbage cans and leave out to dry