I *LOVE* spring cleaning. It is an opportunity to throw open the windows, let some fresh air in, and make our homes clean, happy and efficient spaces. Don't be daunted by the size of this list, many of the jobs are small ones that will go by quickly, and you'll be so glad you took the time to do them!
(Also,this list is now available as a free printable! Find that by clicking here.)
FOYER
- Dust lighting fixtures.
- Wash walls and trim
- Wash doors, knobs and switch plates.
- Wash bench or other furnishings. Launder bench cushion, if applicable.
- Empty out coat closet. Wash walls and floor, if needed. Sort items as you return them to the closet. Store out of season items, donate unneeded items.
- Clean or replace entry mat.
- Sweep and scrub floors.
- Reseal grout lines, if necessary.
- Open windows
- Dust furniture.
- For each drawer: remove items, wash drawer, place items back neatly. Donate Items you no longer need.
- Remove everything from closets. Sweep and wash closet floor. Put everything back neatly. Donate items you no longer need. Try not to store things on closet floor.
- Move Bed. Sort and put away anything that was under bed. Sweep or vacuum under bed. Try not to store things under bed.
- Put bed back. Freshen mattress by sprinkling with baking soda, letting sit briefly, and the vacuuming it up.
- Launder bedding and curtains. Wash pillows and duvet in hot water. Air out mattress pad, if you have one.
- Dust lights. Clean lamp shades.
- Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
- Wash switch plates. Wash walls and trim as needed.
- Wash mirrors or dust art.
- Wash doors and doorknobs.
- Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
- Sweep and wash floor or vacuum.
- Open windows
- Empty all cabinets and vanity. Wash inside, replace items neatly. Discard expired medications and cosmetics.
- Wash outside of cabinets and vanities
- Clean tub. Wax if necessary. Clean drain.
- Clean toilet, inside and out. Remove seat and clean around seat bolts.
- Clean sink and drain.
- Shine faucets.
- Clean mirror and frame .
- Dust light fixtures.
- Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
- Wash switch plates. wash walls and trim. Wash doors and door knobs.
- Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
- Sweep and wash floors.
- Reseal grout lines if necessary.
- Open windows.
- Remove and clean window coverings. Click here for instructions on cleaning mini blinds.
- For each cabinet or drawer: Remove items, wipe out drawer, place items back neatly. Donate unneeded items.
- Wash and sanitize cutting boards
- Sharpen knives
- Wash cabinet doors and knobs
- Clean and organize pantry. Check food expiry dates.
- Clean oven.
- Clean stove top. Remove elements and drip bowls, if applicable, wash and put back.
- Clean and organize fridge and freezer. Defrost freezer, if necessary. Check food expiry dates.
- Clean under fridge and stove.
- Vacuum refrigerator coils.
- Clean microwave.
- Clean crumbs out of toaster.
- Clean and descale kettle.
- Wipe down any other counter appliances
- wash counters and back splash.
- Wash and shine sink. Shine faucet. Clean drain.
- Clean Dishwasher.
- Dust light fixtures.
- Wash windows and window sills. Remove window screens and wash.
- Wash switch plates.
- Wash walls and trim as needed.
- Wash doors and door knobs.
- Wash floor registers and other vent covers
- Sweep and wash floor.
- Reseal grout lines, if necessary.
- Open windows.
- Wash curtains.
- Wipe down table and chairs.
- Wipe down or dust other furnishing.
- Clean chair pads, if applicable.
- Polish table, if necessary
- Create a pretty spring vignette on table!
- Dust any displayed china or serving dishes.
- Launder table linens.
- Shine silverware.
- Dust art.
- Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
- Wash switch plates
- Wash walls and trim.
- Wash doors and door knobs
- Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
- Clean floors.
- Open windows.
- Vacuum sofas.
- Spot clean sofas, if applicable.
- Launder throw pillows and blankets.
- Dust shelves, furniture and decor.
- Clean lamps and lampshades.
- Wash windows and window sills.
- Take out and wash window screens.
- Clean television screen.
- Carefully dust electronics.
- Tidy electronics wires. Tuck nicely out of sight. Label them, if practical.
- Sort through music and DVD collections. Purge things that no longer suit your families interests. Organize what is left in an attractive manner.
- Sort books and magazines. Donate or recycle ones that no longer suit your families interests.
- Wash hard plastic children's toys with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry. Launder stuffed toys. Donate or store toys that your children have grown too old for.
- Wash switch plates.
- Wash walls and trim as needed.
- Wash doors and knobs.
- Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
- Clean floors.
LAUNDRY ROOM
- Open windows.
- Wash windows and window sills.
- Take out and wash window screens.
- Wash cabinet doors.
- Wash inside cabinets.
- Wash laundry sink. Shine faucet. Clean drains.
- Wash outside of washer and dryer.
- Wash inside of washing machine.
- Wash lint trap with soap and water to remove filmy build-up from laundry soaps and dryer sheets. Let air dry thoroughly before putting back in place.
- Wash switch plates.
- Wash walls and trim.
- Wash doors and door knobs.
- Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
- sweep and wash floors.
- Reseal grout lines, if applicable.
- sweep/vacuum stairs
- Spot clean walls.
- Wipe down handrail.
- Dust art and light fixtures.
- Sweep porches and walkway.
- Wash thresholds.
- Wash exterior doors. Give front door a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
- Clean or replace welcome mat.
- Wash siding.
REMEMBER TO:
- Clean blades of ceiling fans.
- Sort through and organize family photographs (digitally or into albums).
- Sort and clean any extra zones such as linen closets, utility closets and office spaces.
***Read the introduction to this list, complete with some helpful tips, by clicking HERE.
Happy Cleaning!
What an amazing list, very inspiring. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I've been searching for a good list. This is perfect!
ReplyDeletethat list made me tired just reading it!!!! But it all needs to be done! Thanks for creating such a thorough list to follow.
ReplyDeleteTell me about it. Perfect list now just have to find the right cleaner to compete the job!
DeleteYes! ;)
DeleteAwesome list! Recently moved into a home and have been trying to get clean and organized...was at a loss for where to start, not now! Thanks for the inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteFound you on Pintrest! Great place. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that in the bathroom you didn't list clean the light fixture first. I always have DUSTY light fixtures and it fall on everything when I clean them. I try to do lights and fans first and work my way down the room ending with the floors. thanks for all your help
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! I always do that too, I clean the ceiling fan blades after I dust the table or vacuum and always kick myself for it.
DeleteI always dust first, starting at the highest point, which are the cobwebs. Most light fixtures are dishwasher safe, so I usually do all mine in one day instead of room by room.
DeleteI don't think any of this is in any particular order..... just a list of stuff to do
DeleteWOW! I have LOTS To DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Thank You! (0:
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess everybody has their own way of working. I like to keep up all year by dividing my house into areas and doing a little in the different areas each week. I learned that--weekly Zones--from FlyLady.
ReplyDeleteFlylady is the BEST!
DeleteDitto, this list was exhausting just to read.
DeleteI`ve bookmarked it for April. I figure it`ll take me at least 3 months to get everything cleaned. Talk to you about it in July, then.
ReplyDeleteReet
Hi! Great list! You might want to add an item to your laundry room list. Clean out the dryer vent pipe/hose! I thought my dryer needed a new heating element and came to find out that the pipe/hose was packed with lint all the way to the outside exhaust. We're so lucky that it didn't burn down the house. This should actually be done every six months. My dryer is working great now and dries in about half the time, so we're not only safer, but we're also saving money on our electric bill.
ReplyDeleteyes! my husband actually did this, then our dryer quit working...it fell down to end and he had to get it from the outside...super important part of cleaning and must be done every 6 months. Thanks for mentioning.
Deletealso.....if you use dryer sheets - you need to take out your filter (where the lint collects) and scrub it in your sink with "DAWN DISH SOAP"; as the sheets make a film build up on the filter that slows drying time.
DeleteWe live in a duplex and our neighbor has never once cleaned her "lint catcher" and it was so blocked up from the outside that barely any heat was blowing out. We finally gave in and cleaned the outside part ourselves for our own safety and told the landlord (who did nothing). Our dryer vent got all nice and clean last year when we had an opossum crawl through it and into our house!!
DeleteMy husband's parents house burned down from this 2 years ago, so it is a very scary thing. I never would have known to clean it, if that hadn't happened to them
DeleteGreat list..wore me out just reading it..lol!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the list...it is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks! This is just what I was looking for!
ReplyDeleteLove this list- Thanks - Can you tell me over what period of time you are able to accomplish these tasks and how much help you have, if any?
ReplyDeleteI got it done in a weekend by myself. However, I spring clean every 3 months. I like to call it season cleaning;)
Deletei clean like this once a month, id say about 4-5 hrs
DeleteI do this most of this twice a year ( the desert has Lots of dust). Great to have it written down! A few things I would add: when washing walls look for holes/blemishes/cracks- fill and paint. Kitchen: wash top of cabinets and wash metal fan cover under stove hood.
ReplyDeleteOk...now I feel like a shlub
ReplyDeleteThis is a bit obsessive/compulsive. Wash walls INSIDE closets? Seriously? Why?
ReplyDeleteWashing walls at all is somewhat risky. First, it can damage the finish on the paint and second, it'll leave them looking uneven. Unless you live where the wind blows all the time -- like the desert -- or in an apartment above a street with lots of trucks driving past, washing walls is excessive. Your best bet is to close your windows or invest in having your ductwork cleaned.
The kitchen is the only room where I can see cleaning walls might be necessary. A closet -- never.
agree
DeleteMy kids tend to kick their boots off, which gets mud and slush on the coat closet walls, which means they really do need to be washed. Feel free to leave out any tasks that you feel are unnecessary. :)
DeleteYeah and don't forget - when they have dirty fingers the walls suddenly become irresistible to them ;)
DeleteHaving your ducts cleaned is one of the biggest scams going; it's nothing more than a scheme designed to part fools from their money, and yes, wall do need to be washed periodicaly, especially high traffic areas. People and plants and animals respire moisture into a room, and washing walls removes the dust and other organic compounds that precipitate out of the atmosphere, not to mention all the other crap that seems to find it's way to the walls, especially if you've got kids in the house.
Deletehttp://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/maho/gemare/gemare_011.cfm
Sometimes duct cleaning is necessary. If dust builds up quickly in a home with forced air heating it likely means that the ducts have build-up of debris or dust. During construction drywall dust and even debris build up in duct work, even when they are sealed. Drywall dust is incredibly sticky! Treatment are not usually necessary though and that is where they get ya.
DeleteQuite clearly Anonymous number 1 does not have cats! The hair goes EVERYWHERE even when you clean regularly!
DeleteNo kids or pets huh? Good for you. If you have quality paint, you will not damage it by washing. If the paint washes off, you either have inferior paint or your cleaner is too harsh. Or you can choose not to wash your walls, but Don't worry about those of us who like our walls clean.
DeleteMy goodness! I am not a stay at home mom. I own a business, work all day, have a family to nourish physically and emotionally at night, a teenager who plays sports and I never miss the games, 3 rescued dogs who need and get my love too, and guess what? My house gets dirty. So I clean it. I love this list. Used it in my living room, foyer and hallway today. Tomorrow I will attempt the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. If I don't get it all done I will try again next weekend. I will do it when I can. If something comes up I will just keep trying. We are all in different places in life. No need for rudeness.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI wash my walls and spring/fall clean twice a year. It is well worth the work to have a truly clean home! Thanks for the list...it inspires me to do more than even I usually do which is a lot!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you girls wash your walls with-just water? Having a 16 month old daughter with grubby hands has made my walls look like a cookie factory.
ReplyDeleteI just use dish soap and water (enough for light suds). It gets rid of little fingerprints and cuts through any grease from little paws, cooking, etc. Unless you have really old paint or a cheaper flat paint on your walls, it will withstand many a scrubbing (in fact, even the less fancy paints can take a beating). It makes an amazing difference and worth the work (which isn't really all that hard!). Yay for spring cleaning!
DeleteI agree with the above, and then I use a magic eraser on tough spots. Gently, those things are really abrasive, but it will take a lot of very touch spots off the wall.
DeleteI used an enjo MIT. You just use water and it does an amazing job. My parents use it before they paint walls too. It is amazing. Be careful with magic erasers because they can burn your skin. Never let children use them.
DeleteBurn your skin? Maybe you're allergic to the material because my mom put it in her mouth and chewed on it to prove to me there were no harsh chemicals.
Deletechildren have died from chewing on magic erasers and if they rub against your skin it takes a layer off leaving a strawberry burn like spot (similar to carpet burn)
DeleteYou'd be amazed at the number of allergens you can reduce in your home by washing the walls - even in closets. And Swiffering ceilings. Especially after a long winter of stagnant air. It's a great suggestion an I'm happy to see it made the list! :)
ReplyDeleteI just found this on Pinterest and Thank you Thank you. I am getting geared up to make this a spring cleaning weekend while my husband is out of town. I didn't know where to start and you have broken it down in a great list! Wow I am actually excited about cleaning.
ReplyDeleteThis list is AMAZING! I am a bit obsessive when it comes to making lists, but I never could figure out where to start!! This post really gave me inspiration and I will be starting my Spring cleaning tomorrow, hopefully in time to surprise my step-father for his birthday! (He works out of town throughout the week and will be returning Saturday) I cannot thank you enough for posting this thorough list. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your inspiration and direction!
ReplyDeleteHow does one go about washing the ceiling? It's not flat and not the popcorn kind...but has all those swirls in it, so it is rough.... any ideas??? thanks for the list too.
ReplyDeleteI use the shopvac with an extension hose on my ceilings, even on the popcorn ceilings that we have yet to scrape and sand.
Deletei did a lot of spring cleaning recently and this list makes me want to start over again but i will not because i am not a stay at home mom and the little time i have with my son is to precious to spend always cleaning.
ReplyDeleteThis list made me want to curl up into the fetal position and cry.
ReplyDeleteThe dishes seem beyond me at the moment!
But I love me some lists, so you know I'll be eager to tick all this off.
Cool post!
Try http://unfuckyourhabitat.tumblr.com/
DeleteIt's great for motivation. It helped me get beyond dishes and to a point where I was able to tackle spring cleaning.
This is such a great list. And I love how you broke it down so I can check off a million things as each room gets finished! It beats the heck out of Oprah's list and promise to a spring cleaned house in 8 hours. Which in my opinion is only possible if you have your whole team of 17 people working on it together. I've been working on my house for the past two weeks getting ready to move and this list hits it right on the head. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteThis list is awesome! I am so OCD it takes me forever to clean one room. Now I can have a list and go down it. I have ADD and am right brained, so a list is good! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSorry, you lost me at "wash walls."
ReplyDeleteGood God, must be nice to be a stay at home mom.
ReplyDeleteAnd it must be nice to have the anonymity required to make such a useless bigoted comment. Well done idiot. (oh look, yeah it is... go slap yourself and don't bother reading this stuff if it injures your bigoted head so). Just saying.
Delete^^ amen. Seriously, the ignorance of some people.
DeleteI work 40 hours a week- anonymous, your jealousy is showing. If you want to be a stay at home mom then do it, if you can't don't be upset with the moms who are able to, they made different choices. Your comment makes all of us working mom's look bad. it's awful
DeleteWow, that's quite a list!! I thought I was thorough, but obviously not as thorough as you are ;-) I use the check list method as well, but I've never had a "cleaning caddy" but that's an awesome idea. Thanks for the awesome post and suggestions :)
ReplyDeleteSo, just wanted to tell you that I am embarking on this mission of spring cleaning. I have never done it before, and am slightly scared, and slightly excited!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful list and how do you get it all done?
ReplyDeleteI have featured you in a post on Spring Cleaning, please feel free to grab a feature button
http://www.missinformationblog.com/2012/04/spring-cleaning-tips.html
Don't forget about replacing light bulbs.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you wash your walls with? Most of my walls are covered in flat interior paint - very hard to clean grime and fingerprints off and requires intense scrubbing! Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteWarm water with a mild dish soap works well for me. The dishsoap cuts through the oils from handprints where warm water alone wouldn't.
DeleteI used to live in an apartment with flat white paint and the walls would get awful looking but couldn't really wash them cause it would take the paint off. Then I figured out if I mixed some paint in with my washing solution it worked perfectly, taking away the dirt without taking the paint. Whitewashing :)
DeleteIn Australia we have something called "sugar soap" it's by Selly's and no it isn't made with sugar. It is great for cleaning walls.
DeletePlease tell me what all you carry in the caddy to do all of this lovely cleaning. I don't want to weigh myself down...it will take me an extra day! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a thorough list!!!! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for sharing this cleaning tips. I'll be sure to keep this in mind.
ReplyDeleteThis list will take you all of spring and into summer to complete it!!! LOL Who washes the inside of their washing machine, EVER? I think it's a little more than the average person can reasonably take on. I'll pick and choose the most important so I get to enjoy all the lovely spring weather! Thanks though!!
ReplyDeleteWe should ALL clean the inside of our washer, dryer and dishwasher periodically, it makes them run much more efficient! Have you ever taken the bottom plastic cover of your dishwasher off? You'd be cleaning it more often if so! We rent so any time we move we clean those and it is absolutely disgusting.
DeleteYou've really never cleaned the inside of your washer? GROSS! Where do you think all the sweat and dirt residue goes? I guarantee you not all down the drain...think about the buildup in your bathtub....same thing happens in your washer.
Deletewhy wouldn't someone wash the inside of their washer, or closets, or walls? seriously people? spring cleaning! get you kids to help with their rooms& it will not take as long as you may think. a clean house is a truly happy house (:
ReplyDeleteI never cleaned the inside of my washing machine (a new front loading type) until I read a post (with pictures). Went to check and was totally grossed out! Scum buildup in the gaskets and drain holes etc. Thanks for this list. Often I get part way through trying to clean a room and forget where I was!
ReplyDeleteHoly Crap I think I suck at cleaning :(
ReplyDeleteNah, you're just good at building immunities by exposure like me ;-)
DeleteI am with you both. :/
DeleteI have been searching looking around for this kind of info. Will you publish some a lot more in future? I’ll be grateful if you will.
ReplyDeleteWashing walls and insides of one's closet? That is just sick, automysophobia for the win!
ReplyDeleteI just want to warn people, not all of this really needs to be done. Don't let it make you feel inferior; I doubt that's the author's intent. It's just an exhaustive list. My apartment is cleaner than anyone's I know, and I've never washed my walls or ceilings, not top to bottom.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's alright if you want to keep your house always clean. Thanks.
ReplyDeletehere's how you should clean to make it easier on yourself:
ReplyDeletetop to bottom & dry to wet.
I'm definitely going to try this out, thank you very much for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI love all these great tips that you shared! I do most the spring cleaning with my family but when it comes to the day to day cleaning I have someone come in! It's such a huge help!
ReplyDeleteI love this list! I always forget to do certain things when cleaning and having a list like this is always useful. And since I'm a little bored at the moment I decided to make a little graphic of this checklist to make it pretty :) Who doesn't love pretty things? I found you on Pinterest and love your blog!
ReplyDeleteAnnyaCStars&Beauty.com :D my little beginner blog
I love lists and this one is amazing but I prefer reading it to doing it all the same lol.
ReplyDeleteSeriously though,this post is very motivating and comprehensive.
Waxing the tub? What does that mean - what kind of wax
ReplyDeleteGrowing up we always used a tub wax to apply to the tub every once in a while. In theory, it helped to keep the tub from getting dirty as fast. I never use the stuff anymore, I just listed it in case other people do!
DeleteI use car wax on the shower walls and tub sides, it keeps the ring from forming.
DeleteHuh... that is a very interesting concept. I'll have to look into that...
DeleteTHANK YOU this is awesome! I added weather stripping to the doors, we live in military on post housing and the doors have tons for cracks. This is a great start to a move out list too. I also added garage door, outside and inside toys and outside webs. If you dont want to wash your walls you can always do touch up paints..were are going to have to. :( also included touch up paint on porch. Just wrote this list down and doing a fall cleaning. I prefer doing this prior to the winter months since odds are.. im not going to feel like cleaning. YOu can also add plant flor bulbs, do edging where needed, prep floor bed for fall. I added make wind chime... found some cute ones on pintrest. THX
ReplyDeleteWhen going to all this effort, it's also a good idea to change the batteries in the smoke detectors at the same time. Should be done at least once a year anyway!
ReplyDeleteAn easy way to remember to change the batteries in the smoke and CO detector is to do it at daylight savings time.
Deletethis is really good i am using it clean my house now!!!!! i just not happy about the work part
ReplyDeleteme tooo
Deleteme three i guess
DeleteWow, this is just an overwhelming list, but in a good way. It just reminds us that there are a lot of things that need cleaning and attention. This will certainly help me not to miss out important areas in our house. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this amazing list!! It's absolutely wonderful and for some odd reason I can not wait to clean my house now!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great list. I've been looking for a list like this.. one that would really motivate me to clean.
ReplyDeleteI live in an old farmhouse along a very busy dirty highway - pollution is horrid - outdoor chairs are black by end of summer - need to add patio cleaning to list. I am nearly 70 and did the list, checked off things for years of spring cleaning even when I had 3 kids, sewed everything they wore, crafted, baked, made terrific meals, etc (the Miss Susy Homemaker or supermom) and then at near age 40 the Lord sent me a fourth child and a few years after that all the cleaning, sewing, and supermom went out the window. Now I clean this cluttered mess as it needs it, bathroom daily to weekly, (only one bathroom and 1/2 bath - easiest rooms to keep clean), have way too much accumulated stuff, papers, crafts, etc. to do a thorough cleaning in a year. And now that hubby is retired, more things & cleaning take a back seat cause we volunteer a lot, eat out more, bake much less, go out when we feel like it and visit friends and some days just rest. I am glad I did the cleaning when I was young but I was taught that by my own mother as we did a thorough cleaning every Saturday finishing with scrubbing the kitchen floor Sat. night after dinner (lived on a farm). Spring cleaning was a necessity with wood stoves. And if one burns candles be sure to clean where soot accumulates above the area. Cleaning use to be high on my priority list but that too is not the end all, be all. It became much more important for me to have time with hubby,kids, grandkids, and friends and work in the community. Be sure you enjoy life especially if you are raising kids. I do have to say that a sparkling house is one of the best feelings in the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your honest reflection.
DeleteYou have become my NEW best friend! LOVE THIS!
ReplyDeleteI should start now!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI must be a clean freak because I found your list and I do most of it everyday,and all of it atlest once a week. I try for twice a week. Its a great list, my kids put stiky all over my house. Thank you for putting this on here.
ReplyDeleteDo your "sticky kids" know they have a mom or are you too busy cleaning??? HOW ON EARTH do you possibly do all that once or twice a week???!!!! OH MY WORD, talk about a clean freak!!!
Deletethat's not a very nice thing to say! shame on you!
DeleteAfter reading your list I read the comments and was suprised that no one picked up on cleaning your mattress you wrote sprinkle with baking powder...think you meant to say baking soda thats the cleaner you would use. Thanks for your list,very helpful.
ReplyDeleteOh, you're right. Thanks for pointing that out...I've fixed it.
DeleteHave a feeling I'll be taking a week's vacation from work in the spring to accomplish this. Wonderful list :)
ReplyDeleteI'm exhausted after reading the list!
ReplyDeletelove this list! My walls get so dirty I literally have to wash them monthly!! Cant wait to get started! Watch out closets here I come!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I noticed missing regarding washing the doors and door knobs.... Wash inside and outside the door FRAME. It collects dirt and dust on the inside corners. GOOD list! Makes the overly-detailed person in me come out!
ReplyDeletefI am hopeless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to do it all at once. I used to work five days - take vacation time, day one bedroom, two kitchen, three extra bedroom, four living room, five bathroom and a quick go over and yard cleanup. I find I spend the year going over my place. Bathroom is cleaned thoroughly twice a year - takes and hour or two to thoroughly clean the bathroom. I might clean my closet for as a weekly special project. I might clean a cupboard a day for awhile until all my cupboards have been cleaned. I disagree about no storage under the bed. I store food under my bed. I have at least a year's supply. I make sure I rotate it. Walls need to be washed about once every two or three years--cleaning the ceiling? Are you kidding?
ReplyDeletePerfect time for me to read your tips as they gonna help me in coming spring. Cleaner Jobs
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelly. Can you tell me about sealing grout? It sounds like a GREAT idea :)
ReplyDeleteHi! You can purchase tile and grout sealer at any home improvement store. You just brush it on, let it sit for however long the bottle states, and then wipe it away. It sinks into the porous grout and protects it from moisture and dirt.
DeleteYou never said anything about removing garbage
ReplyDeleteGreat list, I would have forgotten to wash the curtains- they are very dusty at the top and my kid has used one as a napkin. Ew. I would add dusting houseplant leaves to the list. They can get surprisingly yucky. The top of the fridge is also easy to overlook. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTrash cans. Even if you line them, they need to be cleaned occasionally.
ReplyDeleteGreat post... I think I'll have to break it up over time though or I'll end up breaking my back instead. Thanks for putting everything in one list though!
ReplyDeleteHi, thank for all the information! I've been having problems with maintaining the new-look of my furniture!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness child!
ReplyDeleteare you available for personal consultations?
ReplyDeleteare you near nyc?
ReplyDeleteyou are my hero
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab list! I think I'll print off a copy. Thank!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the list. My family of 5 has moved from a house to a small duplex so I have been purging for the past 6 months so we could be comfortable here and now it is time to clean. If anyone is looking for inspiration to get this done- watch hoarders and hoarding: buried alive. It has been the best motivator for me.
ReplyDeleteNotice you clean the inside of your washing machine. With Shaklee laundry and dryer sheets we do not have that problem. That is all I have used for 20 years and two sets of Washer Dryer that looked brand new when I gave them away. If the crud is left on your machine, how much more is in the fabrics you washed. I am thankful someone introduced me to Shaklee many years ago. The money I saved is incredible. I had one repair in 20 years, a timer went out on the dryer. :) Family of five.
ReplyDeleteWhat are the cleaning products in your basket?
ReplyDeleteI do believe that cleaning is very therapeutic, and that it is good for everyone to take control of some amount of their own house cleaning responsibilities! I also understand, and know that to some people this list could be daunting and even overwhelming! To those people, we are a house cleaning service who is environmentally responsible, precise and affordable. I believe that a beautiful and clean home makes for a happy and successful family! I love helping institute that motto into families lives who may, or may not, have the time to do a Spring Cleaning, but would love to have one!
ReplyDeleteI own, The Real Housekeepers of LA, a green, Eco-friendly cleaning company based in Pasadena, and the LA area! I hope to hear from you soon, and happy spring!! :)
www.RealHKLA.com
Don't forget you can professionally clean,http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/2011/03/cleaning-mini-blinds.html, your window blinds or shades ultrasonically on-site. Services like ours take the hassle, dust and dirt out of the home. You won't mark your tub up either.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing list. You have summarized everything that needs doing. I will pass this onto my students. We provide a manual and support to people who wish to start and run a successful cleaning business.
ReplyDeletehttp://howtostartacleaningbusiness.org.uk/
Fantastic list,this cleaning procedure is brilliant. I would like to add it to my website. A Cleaning Directory covering all areas of cleaning, domestic, office, laundry, windows, patios, oven, etc. http://www.cleaningdirectory.co.uk
ReplyDeleteIt’s really a wonderful checklist, very clear point. I think it going to help me lot. Step by step points are excellent. Thanks for your nice post.
ReplyDeleteCleaning Services Chandler AZ
Hi! Wow! What an awesome list! I recently posted a blog post on my own blog about spring cleaning, but it's such a great idea to make a list like you have here! Mine is more on tips. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHm... didn't show up here :) here's my link if you wanna check it out too :) www.womenyak.com
ReplyDeleteguess what me and my children are doing all weekend? AMAZING...the only thing I didn't see on the list was in my bathroom I have to vacuum the dust and eck from the fan, I just take off the cover. otherwise this is PERFECT, can't wait to show my teenagers - if you all listen I bet you will hear their groans....
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list! I have been working on a few things on the list, but I haven't actually tackled the whole room. I would love to feature this on my blog. http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteDear Kelly!
ReplyDeleteI live in Belarus, between Russia and Poland, and I have a blog "Smart kitchen, easy houshold"(http://smartkitchen.by/) . In my blog I write in Russian.
Most of my readers don't speak Enghlish.
I saw your spring cleaning check-list and was delighted. It is such a comprehensive! I would like to translate it and share with the readers of my blog.
I read that you allow to use only small quotes from your texts. But my readers will not be able to read an extension on your site because of the language barrier.
That's why I ask for your permission to publish the full text. Of course, I will add an indexed link to your website and introduce your site in as much detail as I can. I think some enghlish-speaking persons still come to my site and would be glad to get acquainted with yours.
I love the list but believe I KNOW what needs to be done! LOL Right now I'm battling cold rainy weather and I have 5 dogs that live inside. We are having a weird spring here and I am biting my lip waiting to be able to open the windows and doors.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely using this year to keep me from getting sidetracked!
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a comprehensive list. It's like a road map. I know this is a silly question, but how do you actually clean the walls?
ReplyDeleteI just put a squirt of dishsoap in some warm water and wash the walls with that. It removes oily fingerprints while leaving the paint intact! :)
DeleteWow, great list! Good advice to dust the fridge coils.
ReplyDeleteA Tip for for everyone that's doing Spring Cleaning...
ReplyDeleteA great way to save money is to get your carpets, and tile&grout clean by a pro, instead of getting them replace...
It will save you a pretty penny.
http://www.procleanersnj.com/
Great blog you people have maintained there, I totally appreciate the work.
ReplyDeletecommercial cleaning
Complete list! Need to print this and follow the tips! Are you doing this daily or the whole day non stop?
ReplyDeleteMika
Could you help me I can open the list but cant print or download it says there is an error. Am I doing something wrong? Or could someone email me the actual document instead of the link since my computer is not wanting to work. My email is Markandkatie08@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love this list! I have April fever and I'm working through it right now. (Although with my one-year-old helping, each step is taking much longer than it should.) :)
ReplyDeleteThis is sooo helpful!
ReplyDeleteAwesome awesome list .. It amazes me how many people don't think you need to wash the walls. One of my jobs is cleaning and fixing apartments once people have moved out. People - you don't realize your walls are dirty because you see them every day. Once your furniture is pulled out and someone else comes in you'll see how much grime is actually there. In a large amount of apartments we end of repainting just because of the dirt. Shampooing carpets is also a huge thing that will keep your house cleaner in general if done on a regular basis.
ReplyDeletehow do people have the energy to manage doing all of that? i can't even manage that when i don't have a job.... i've just given up on even trying to clean myself..... (and apparently i don't even stink when i'm sweaty! wtf?! why can't my stink keeep people away when i'm out in public?)
ReplyDeletei'm sorry... this list was just really triggery for me for some reason....
What a fantastic list, and I love the name of your site! Just started blogging myself and hope to reference this list on there!
ReplyDeleteVery long, seems reasonable to break it down into 1 room per day. Also even reasonable to do one room a week if it is still intimidating. Very possible. I may do this
ReplyDeleteThis is my testimony about the good work of wiseindividualspell@gmail.com who help me.... I'm Rosie Maxwell from Reykjavik, Iceland. And am sorry for putting this on net but i will have to by this world top spell caster that brought back my husband which left me out for past 3 years, i eventually met this man on a blog site posting by one of is client for help, i explained everything to him and he told me about a spell caster that he had heard about and he gave me an email address to write to the spell caster to tell him my problems. In just 3 days, my husband was back to me. I just want to say thank you to this truthful and sincere spell caster, sir all you told have come to pass and thank you sir. Please i what to tell everyone who is looking for any solution to problem, i advice you to kindly consult this spell caster, he is real,he is powerful and whatever the spell caster tell is what will happen, because all what the spell caster told me came to pass. You can kindly contact him on: his email address is wiseindividualspell@gmail.com and his phone number is +2348078927387.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your list is so thorough, now I feel like I did not fully spring clean my house, definitely forgot to do a lot on your list. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI am a professional organizer and this is a great list. Everyone has to find a system of what works for them. There are home chores that need to be done each day, some each week, some monthly, quarterly and yearly. Professional cleaners always work from the top down, first clean bathroom vents, lights fixtures and work yourself down. Once your whole is done, it is easy to maintain by figuring out what system works for you. I have kids and a dog so I vacuum at least twice a week. My main level floors are swept daily. It is great to take this list and take off or add what you need to, personalize it for yourself then put it in a sheet protector and highlight the items completed as you go along-daily-weekly.
ReplyDeleteI'm AMAZED anyone could be this motivated and value meticulous cleanliness this much. I would rather spend time doing things that I love with people that I love than have things this clean.
ReplyDeleteI love this list! I have 6 kids going from ages 14yrs. to 7mos. and its amazing how they are in spring cleaning, we have a yard sale the weekend after we finish, they get to help sell what they no longer use and keep the money from it, it makes them think about if they want to keep old toys and cloths they don't use or sell them and buy new ones, I also make them their own list of things they can do to help, when all is done it seems like there is a more relaxed feeling in my house too because I' not side tracked thinking about all the thing that need to be done.
ReplyDeleteoutside house cleaning,house cleaning exterior
ReplyDeleteWe can’t afford the CRL and we certainly can’t afford this.
Thanks for such a thorough list. My house is getting grimy, and I get so overwhelmed I don't know where to begin. This will help me tons. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteoutside house cleaning
ReplyDeleteHome ownership is like a wound that bleeds money and never heals.
Really awesome blog it is :)
ReplyDeletethanks for share these home cleaning information :)
thanks again
Love
Justina
Chemicals
This is a great list. I use somewhat of what you do in my house cleaning business. keep it the good work!
ReplyDeleteI’m Mercy brown by name I have a few testimony to share with you all about myself, I was in a relationship with this guy and for 3years and we were about getting married when we both have misunderstanding with each other and he ask me for a divorce and we both agreed and after 4months I head that he was having an affair with one of my closest friend and I was very upset and worried so a friend of my advice me and told me if I still love my ex and if I really want to have him back so I told her yes, and she ask me to contact Dr. Madurai the spell caster and I did although I never believe on spell so he gave me something when he was casting the spell and ask me to say my wishes on it and after the casting of the spell a receive a phone call from my ex and was ask me at which I did and now we are back together again I’m so happy and I wish not to ever have this mistake again in my life. I will also advice anyone with this kind of issue to contact him for help he is really nice on phone and always there to answer you question giving you the good advice that you need. his email is maduraitemple@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThank you thank you DR LUKMAN for what you have just done, for helping me getting my husband who left me with two kids years ago to me I thank you so much the great DR LUKMAN of templeofsolution@live.com for Bringing back my family i am great full and will always be if you also Need his help his email ( templeofsolution@live.com ) My name is elen jones I am from Spain i want to share my happiness with the general public of what DR LUKMAN of Africa has done for me in the last few weeks i was once in love this guy called McCarty we in love with each other until traveled out of my state for two year and we promise ourselves to be together forever, but before return from my journey he where now having another lover when i try to come back to he. He told me i should go away i love him so much that i could not let he go just like that then i told a friend about it and she advice me and recommend this man DR LUKMAN for me when i visit he at templeofsolution@live.com he only ask me to buy some items for sacrifices to help me get my ex back and he actually did it and it work well and today I am happy in case any one is out there with same problem or any kind I advice he or she to contact this man today at templeofsolution@live.com and with what he did for me I believe he can also help you thank once again DR LUKMAN ...
YOU CAN CALL HIM ON HIS CELL PHONE +2348073082462
ELEN JONES
Spain
Life can be very displeasing especially when we loose the ones we love and cherish so much. in this kind of situation where one loses his/her soul mate there are several dangers engage in it. one may no longer be able to do the things he was doing before then success will be very scarce and happiness will be rare. that person was created to be with you for without him things may fall apart.
ReplyDeleteThat was my experience late last year. but thank god today i am happy with him again. all thanks to DR AKPAKPA, i was nearly loosing hope until i saw an article on how DR AKPAKPA could cast a love spell to make lovers come back. There is no harm in trying, i said to my self. i contacted him via email: afiamensolutionshrine@yahoo.com. words will not be enough to appreciate what he has done for me. i have promised to share the good news as long as i live.
I love this list..... I thought was the only one who is so detailed, glade to know there is others out there that are just like me.. Btw, were did you get the blue in white polka doted scrub brush, I've been searching for one like yours in can'tfind nothing of the sort..
ReplyDeleteOpening the windows is something very important for the quality of air at your home. Also I liked the set of materials you use for the cleaning and the tools you use.
ReplyDeleteOh my this list is amazing, I am going to print it off and laminate it, then keep it with my cleaning stuff. One thing I always forget to clean is the fan blades and the light fittings, I remember them usually after I have cleaned the house and my guests have arrived and as I am looking at them I also see the dust on the lampshade above their head or the fan blades and all my hard word is forgotten.
ReplyDeleteAm mrs Gloria from usa I want to say a big thanks to otorspell for his powerful spell which I experience in my life,he is strong reliable dependable spell caster otorspell has done grate thing in my life by giving me a new good job were am earning good salary I never believe him not until I try his spell and my life was transformed once again am saying thanks to otorspell if you want to try or u want is help you can rich him with this email:otorspelltemple@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAwesome list! Totally linking this to my ADDS Technique for people wanting to sell their house fast, for the most money and with the least amount of hassle.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great comprehensive list. I will print it off, laminate it and keep it in the utility room, so that it can keep me motivated as well as organized. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great article. I always clean my house and I also make a spring cleaning checklist. However, since the fall has just arrived, I made a fall cleaning checklist and most of it is yard maintenance duties. Unfortunately, my family and I have a lot of trees in our yard so we are always raking up leaves. This year I decided to purchase a vacuum mulcher because it can be hitched to my lawn mower. It also is a very easy and quick way to pick up leaves. I highly recommend them if you have the same problem as me.
ReplyDeleteHello,everyone i am from Canada i never ever believed in spell until i meet a man called dr ogala who help me cast a spell that bring back my ex-lover who left me for two years before our marriage,His spells works beyond my imaginations and today i am happily married with two kids and me and my [ex-lover] now husband are very happy more than ever before,what more can i say rather than to say thank you dr ogala for been there for me,contact him today and your life will never ever remain the same his email is Ogalalovespell@yahoo.com, may the lord continue to use you to save people as you did to me, He is the best spell caster that can help you.
ReplyDeleteAwe-inspiring blogs, I love reading your articles.
ReplyDeleteChemDry
ReplyDeletejohnroselin29@gmail.com
I love these incredible tips, it is not a simple task to clean bedroom carpets , bathroom, windows etc but you use above given tips then this tough task turns into a pleasant and simple for you i recommend everybody to follow these tips. But for commercial carpet cleaning we shouls always approach specialize persons.
ReplyDelete