Spring Cleaning Checklist: 20 Tasks to Refresh Your Home

Spring cleaning is your annual reset -- the deep clean that tackles everything your regular routine skips. After months of closed windows and dry heating, your home needs attention in places that go unnoticed during routine maintenance. This checklist covers every spring-specific task to get your home truly fresh.

1. 1

   Wash all windows inside and out

   Winter grime, condensation residue, and pollen film reduce natural light. Clean both sides with glass cleaner and a squeegee.

2. 2

   Deep clean window tracks and screens

   Vacuum window tracks, then scrub with a brush and soapy water. Remove screens, hose them down, and let them dry before reinstalling.

3. 3

   Wash curtains, drapes, and blinds

   Fabric window treatments absorb cooking odors and dust all winter. Machine wash or dry clean curtains and wipe each blind slat.

4. 4

   Deep clean carpets and area rugs

   Rent or buy a carpet cleaner, or hire a professional. Winter salt, mud, and allergens embed deep in carpet fibers.

5. 5

   Clean and flip all mattresses

   Vacuum mattress surfaces, spot-treat stains, sprinkle baking soda and vacuum again. Flip or rotate to prevent sagging.

6. 6

   Wash walls and baseboards

   Mix warm water with a mild cleaner and wipe down walls from top to bottom. Scrub baseboards with a brush to remove scuff marks.

7. 7

   Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans

   Remove light covers and wash them. Wipe fan blades, which collect dust all winter when running in reverse.

8. 8

   Deep clean the oven and stovetop

   Apply oven cleaner or a baking soda paste, let sit overnight, and scrub. Clean burner grates and drip pans too.

9. 9

   Clean behind and under all large appliances

   Pull out the fridge, stove, washer, and dryer. Sweep, vacuum, and mop behind them. Check for leaks or pest evidence.

10. 10

    Organize and clean out the pantry

    Remove everything, toss expired items, wipe shelves, and reorganize. Group items by type for easier meal prep.

11. 11

    Deep clean the refrigerator and freezer

    Remove all items, discard old food, wash removable parts in warm soapy water, and wipe interior walls with baking soda solution.

12. 12

    Clean and descale small appliances

    Run vinegar through the coffee maker, descale the kettle, deep clean the toaster crumb tray, and wipe blender bases.

13. 13

    Scrub grout in bathrooms and kitchen

    Apply a grout cleaner or baking soda paste, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse. Re-seal grout if it looks porous.

14. 14

    Clean showerheads and faucets

    Soak showerheads in vinegar overnight to dissolve mineral buildup. Polish faucets with a soft cloth.

15. 15

    Declutter closets and donate unused items

    Go through every closet. If you haven't worn or used something since last spring, donate or discard it.

16. 16

    Clean the garage or storage areas

    Sweep floors, organize tools and equipment, dispose of old chemicals properly, and clear pathways.

17. 17

    Service HVAC filters and vents

    Replace furnace and AC filters. Vacuum all air vents and registers. This improves air quality and system efficiency.

18. 18

    Clean outdoor furniture and the patio

    Power wash the patio or scrub with deck cleaner. Wipe outdoor furniture and cushions. Prepare for outdoor season.

19. 19

    Wash exterior doors and entry areas

    Scrub the front door, clean the doormat area, wipe light fixtures, and sweep the porch or stoop.

20. 20

    Test and clean smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

    Press the test button on every detector. Replace batteries if needed. Vacuum dust from detector vents.