When the harsh chill of winter fades into a mild spring, it’s time to turn your home upside down with some good old-fashioned spring cleaning. While people don’t exactly hibernate, we tend to hunker down and accumulate a bit of a mess over the colder months. So, once the warmer weather finally arrives, we use that as a golden opportunity to shake things up and get our homes back into proper working order for the year ahead.If you’ve ever attempted spring cleaning before, you know that cleaning an entire home from top to bottom is easier said than done. If you want to get your apartment in tip-top shape this season, you’re going to need a good spring cleaning checklist.
Your Complete Spring Cleaning Checklist
Before you get to work, keep in mind that spring cleaning is a marathon – not a spring. There’s a reason many cultures set aside an entire week for this particular tradition. So, try to break up your cleaning spree by tasks or by room so you don’t get overwhelmed. And remember, there’s no harm in asking for help if you need it!
With all of that said, here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you conquer your winter cobwebs.
1. Get Organized
The less stuff you have, the fewer things you need to clean. Before you get down on all fours and start scrubbing your floors, you need to take some time to get yourself and your home organized.
Start by getting rid of any junk or clutter. You don’t want or need anymore by selling, donating, or tossing it. Once you’ve freed your home of all the extra stuff, carefully reorganize your closets, cabinets, drawers, etc. to fit everything you kept.
2. Empty Your Cabinets and Drawers
Cabinets and drawers are not immune to dust, dirt, and spills. And spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to show these storage spaces a little much-needed TLC. Start by emptying all of your cabinets and drawers. Then remove any loose dust, crumbs, or dirt with the hose attachment of your vacuum. After the dust is gone, wipe down the insides with a damp cloth to clean up any stains or spills. Finally, take some time to wipe off everything that belongs in that drawer or cabinet to get rid of any dust before putting it all away.
3. Take Care of Your Appliances
Our kitchen appliances accumulate a lot of residue over the year. So, as part of your spring cleaning, make sure you take the time to clean your oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, laundry machines, and any other appliances you may have in your home.
4. Polish Up Your Plumbing
While you may not want to do it, you're going to have to wipe down your toilet — and your shower, your bathtub, and your sink too! When it comes time to give your bathroom a solid once over, remember to wear rubber gloves and ventilate the room if you plan on using a cleaner that includes bleach.
5. Dust Everything
Of all of the spring cleaning tips you're going to get this year, this one is probably the most basic. No matter what steps you take to prevent it, dust will always find its way into your home. And spring cleaning is the perfect time to tear your apartment apart to shake off all the dust that's accumulated over the past few months.
While you're busy dust-busting, don't forget to dust off all your light fixtures, the chords behind your TV, your blinds, and the back of your refrigerator. Dust everything means dust everything!
6. Clean from Floor to Ceiling
You've probably noticed scuffs, stains, and dust on your molding, but did you know dust and grime can accumulate on your walls too?
It may sound like one of the more extreme spring cleaning hacks out there. But, dusting and wiping down your walls and baseboards can help cut down on the amount of dust and fine particles circulating in the air — which could help with your allergies!
7. Wipe Down Your Windows and Doors
Your doors and windows take a lot of abuse both inside and out all year long. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to thank them for all of their hard work by cleaning them up a bit.
When cleaning your windows, don't forget to wipe down the screens to remove any dirt or mold.
8. Wash All. Your Linens
Finally, one of the best spring cleaning tips out there may seem a little unnecessary, but it will make your entire home feel and smell a lot fresher.
Washing rugs, curtains, and throw pillow covers is pretty standard spring cleaning practice. But, to achieve total "spring cleaning" clean, you might want to consider emptying your linen closet and giving everything inside a pass through your washing machine. Over time, stored fabrics can pick up a musty smell. A quick wash is all you need to stamp out the stench and leave your linens smelling fresh and clean.
9. Vacuum and Clean Carpets and Upholstery
While you can throw a lot of fabric in your washing machine, you can't put everything in there. And, unfortunately, while a vacuum can work wonders on carpeting and upholstery, it can't do everything.
You could hire someone to come in and clean your carpets for you. But, if you're up to the challenge, you can easily rent a carpet steamer from many grocery and home improvement stores that will get the job done just as well.
Cleaning upholstery, however, can be a bit trickier. If you plan on using an upholstery cleaner on your furniture, remember to test it first on a small, hard-to-see spot to make sure you don't accidentally wind up with a tie-dye couch.
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