Get a Spotless Home From Top to Bottom With This Spring Cleaning Checklist

To many folks, the spring season is more than just the harbinger of pleasant air and vibrant foliage. They see it as a time to lift their mops and wear rubber gloves. 

Yes, spring is the time to get rid of all the dust and grime that accumulated over the previous winter. Before allergy season is upon us, you can spring clean your home and get it back in order. 

A home that is regularly cleaned not only looks better but is also healthier and smells heavenly. It also reduces the chances of any slip and fall accidents. Are you ready to get back to a safe, organized, and spotless home? Then, this article will be your guide. 

We have covered everything, from top to bottom, for a top-shape home. Read on to tick off the necessary to-dos from your spring cleaning checklist. 

Refresh Your Cleaning Supplies 

You can’t start spring cleaning effectively without a plan. This plan should tick off all the important cleaning supplies. So, start by restocking anything that may be missing. 

It’s also a great opportunity to ditch any toxic supplies and invest in safer alternatives. In the American market, nearly 2,000 cleaning products were found to contain chemicals/ingredients that pose serious health threats. 

Go through your current inventory carefully and check if the product has expired, is toxic, etc. You can keep writing your findings, which will make it easier to know which products to purchase. 

Essentially, your cleaning arsenal must include the following items – 

• Rubber gloves 
• Duster cloths, preferably of microfiber material 
• A vacuum cleaner with attachments 
• Broom and a dustpan 
• A non-toxic, all-purpose cleaner 
• A mop brush 
• Heavy-duty scrubs 
• A carpet cleaner 
• Garbage bags in different sizes, if needed 
• Dish or castile soap 
• Baking soda 
• A glass cleaner for windows 

Remember that this is a general list. You are well-versed in your personal cleaning routine, so there may be a few extras you need to check.

Start With Decluttering 

Ah! Will American homes ever run out of the need to declutter? A recent research made a shocking discovery. Around half of Americans believed that their home was unsalvageable due to clutter. 

Of these, most respondents agreed that at least one room seemed irredeemable. That means these folks were not happy with the amount of current space in their home. Does this not seem a bit backward? 

The reasonable solution to this problem is to keep items that have either aesthetic or functional value. Now, decluttering itself can seem overwhelming. 

You can make it simpler by relying on the one-year rule. If there is any item inside your home that hasn’t been used in the past year, consider getting rid of it. This does not mean you must throw it out. Selling, recycling, or donating are all better options. 

Here’s a quick five-step guide to decluttering your home – 

• Target one room/space at a time and remove all items (large or small) from that area. 
• Decide what you want to keep and what you wish to discard. 
• Now, from the discard pile, decide which items can be put up for sale or recycling. Place them inside separate boxes. Commit to selling or recycling within the next 30 days. 
• Have a third box for items you want to donate. Commit to donating that box any day in the same week. 
• Now, move to the next area and follow the same steps. 

Don’t Forget the Outdoor Space 

Since the warmer weather is fast approaching, you cannot neglect the outdoor spaces. This would include deep cleaning the yard, wiping down the patio furniture, and removing any debris from the balcony or deck. However, you need to also focus on the not-so-glamorous aspects of your home’s outdoors. 

One area that often goes overlooked year after year is the humble roof. Well, this part is humble in name alone because it’s vital from the viewpoint of safeguarding the interiors. While roof replacement may be needed every 15 to 25 years, periodic maintenance is a must. 

This is especially true of some areas more than others. Let’s take the example of San Diego, a Californian city with a poor-quality air index. Now, the particulate matter in the polluted air can easily degrade roofing materials before their time. 

However, there’s another problem for homes in this city. Being a coastal locationthe air is laden with salt. This further accelerates the degradation process, especially during periods of heavy wind and rain. 

Residents of this city must check their home’s roof for maintenance during every spring cleaning session. With common problems to look out for include leakage, shingle damage, clogged gutters, and moss growth. 

If you live in a coastal area to the San Diego area and notice these problems, don’t try to DIY it. It’s best to rely on experts like roof maintenance services in San Diego that will improve insulation and maintain safety. 

Besides roofing, there are other not-so-glamorous yet crucial outdoor aspects to take care of. These will include – 

• Removing leaves and debris out of gutter lines 
• Giving your home exterior a fresh coat of paint 
• Trimming down trees with overhanging branches 
• Maintaining lawn equipment 
• Giving your grill a good scrub 

Deep Clean the Indoors 

Let’s move back indoors for deep cleaning. Once a space is cleared of clutter, it becomes much easier to reach every nook and cranny. Dust levels in a home can vary depending on local factors such as pollution, traffic congestion, and climate.

The American Lung Association has identified the most polluted cities based on ozone depletion, short-term particle pollution, and year-round air contamination. Homes in these areas may experience a higher accumulation of dust, making regular deep cleaning essential.

To make the process more manageable, divide your cleaning tasks over several days, focusing on different areas one at a time. Always clean from top to bottom—start with windows and walls, move on to furniture, and finish with the floors.

Lastly, tackle all upholstery, ensuring it remains covered throughout the cleaning process. Here are some targeted cleaning tips to help you refresh each area:

• Begin with high surfaces such as ceiling fans, light fixtures, and shelves before moving on to countertops.
• Repurpose old garments like t-shirts or socks for streak-free glass cleaning.
• Use mild soap and water to remove scuff marks from walls.
• Eliminate excess moisture from carpets with a non-toxic carpet cleaner.
• Deep clean furniture and upholstery with a specialized steamer.
• Reach tough grout areas with an extendable scrubber brush.
• Wash all bedding and vacuum mattresses for a fresh, dust-free finish.

On a final note, we would urge you to take this spring cleaning opportunity to check all critical appliances and safety systems. This means having the plumbing, HVAC systems, and safety alarms checked. 

Statista shares the findings of a 2024 survey on the frequency of spring cleaning in the US. A majority (80%) of respondents stated that they participated in spring cleaning at least once a year. 

It’s another year with another opportunity to have a fresh start. Deep clean your home and keep it in top shape for improved well-being and comfort.