Spring Clean Up Checklist: Your Comprehensive Guide to Refreshing Your Home

Welcome spring! It’s time to organize your home and give it a good, deep clean.

Our handy checklist breaks down spring clean-up chores into two buckets. Start inside with tasks that get your home sparkling from top to bottom. Next, head outside to tackle exterior projects so outdoor spaces are ready for warmer days ahead.

Indoor Tasks

• Declutter and Organize: Before you begin cleaning, start by decluttering and organizing every room in your home. Donate or discard items you no longer need and put away the things you want to keep.


• Deep Clean Surfaces: Now’s the time to clean all those surfaces that get missed during weekly cleaning. After dusting countertops, shelves, and tabletops, clean behind and underneath furniture and give baseboards, door frames, and walls a wipe down with warm, soapy water.


• Clean Windows and Screens: If you used window kits to insulate your windows over the winter, remove them. This video shows you how. Next, it’s time to make your windows sparkle: our step-by-step guide explains how to get window glass crystal clear. While cleaning windows, check screens for rips or tears and either patch them or replace with our adjustable window screens.


• Inspect and Replace Filters: Filters play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality and keeping appliances running smoothly. Clean or replace the filters in your HVAC system, air purifiers, range hood, dishwasher, and vacuum cleaner.


• Freshen Up Fabrics: Clean upholstery and rugs, vacuum curtains and drapes, and wash mattress pads, sheets, and bedding.


• Deep Clean Mattresses: Give mattresses a deep clean by sprinkling the surface with baking soda; let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then vacuum with the upholstery attachment. Before you put the sheets back on, wipe down the bedframe with a soft microfiber cloth.


• Clean Appliances: Deep clean your kitchen appliances, including the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Start by removing shelves or racks, then use warm, soapy water or a mixture of water and vinegar to wipe down surfaces inside and out. Dry thoroughly before replacing shelves and racks.


• Dust Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans: For light fixtures, remove glass or plastic shades and gently wash them with warm, soapy water. Wipe down lightbulbs (make sure they’re cool to the touch first!) with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. For ceiling fans, use a long-handled duster or a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the blades or use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust from hard-to-reach areas. Finish by wiping down the fan motor housing and any other exposed surfaces with a damp cloth.

Outdoor Tasks

• Clean the Garage: Declutter and organize your garage by sorting through tools, equipment, and other items. Sweep the floor, dust shelves, and organize items by zone so it’s easier to keep things in the proper place. Inspect the garage door and if the rubber weatherstripping at the bottom of the door is cracked or torn, replace it.


• Check for Gaps: Examine windows and doors for gaps or openings that let air seep into your home and seal them with weatherstripping.


• Inspect Roof and Gutters: Check your roof for any damaged or missing shingles and repair or replace them as needed. Clean gutters so water flows freely during spring showers, and add gutter guards to keep them clear of debris. If water is pooling near your foundation, check out this article for tips to keep water moving away from your home.


• Prep Garden Beds: Prepare your garden beds for planting by removing weeds, leaves, and debris that accumulated over the winter. Turn the soil using a garden fork or tiller to loosen it and improve aeration, then mix in compost or organic matter to add nutrients back into the soil.


• Plant Flowers: Plant perennials, bulbs, and early-spring blooms like pansies and primroses to add color and beauty to your yard.


• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Prune overgrown trees and shrubs to remove dead or damaged branches and encourage healthy growth. Cut back branches that are growing too close to the foundation and remove any clinging vines, like English ivy.


• Schedule AC Maintenance: If you have central air, schedule a professional HVAC maintenance appointment to ensure your air conditioning system is ready for the warmer months ahead.


• Spruce Up Your Home’s Exterior: Power wash your home’s siding and windows to wash away grime and prevent mold and mildew. Check for flaking paint, which can make siding and shingles vulnerable to rotting or water leaks, and loose siding; sand and re-paint problem areas and make any needed repairs.


• Clean Outdoor Surfaces: Sweep and power wash patios, decks, and sidewalks to remove dirt, debris, and winter grime.


• Clean Outdoor Furniture: Get your porch and patio ready for outdoor entertaining by spraying down furniture and cushions with a garden hose, then spritz with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe down with a sponge or damp cloth.