Sunshine! Warmth! Flowers! Greenery! Is there anything better than burgeoning spring? If you’re like me, you long for the days when the frigid winter weather starts to dissipate and wonderful spring starts to bloom! When you can toss open those windows and let the fresh spring air fill your home. Seems like it’s just the right time to start that annual spring cleaning ritual and get yourself ready to enjoy the upcoming seasons.

In case you get overwhelmed by everything you want to accomplish, I’ve created a great spring cleaning checklist that might just help you along.

What is Spring Cleaning?

At its core, spring cleaning is essentially a REALLY deep clean of your home. Ya’ know – getting into all those nooks and crannies that we normally only bother with a few times a year. Under the fridge. Behind the furniture. Those baseboards.

For me, spring cleaning is also the PERFECT time to purge items that are no longer needed. And I’m the first to admit – I’m not great at this part. I may have been a hoarder in a former life Nope – let me rephrase! I still have some pretty big pack rat tendencies.

Back to purging. I like to use my own method of Donate, Destroy or Do Something Else.

Donate – Pretty self explanatory. These are items in good working order that someone could make use of. Perhaps it’s old clothing I no longer wear, small household appliances I simply don’t use or books I’ve already read. You get the idea. Make a pile of all the things you no longer want to keep and donate them to your favorite charity.

Destroy – Well, technically it’s not really destroying them, but it IS trashing them. These items are simply of no use to anyone anymore and can be tossed in the nearest bin.

Do Something Else – This could actually mean a number of things. As an example, the girls (Heidi, Julie and Christine) and I will often bring items we no longer want to our girls’ days to see if any of the other gals could make use of an item. If yes, wonderful! If not, it moves to my donate pile.

The ‘Do Something Else’ category could also mean it moves to my Recycle pile – this is where I keep those items that I have ‘plans’ for – you know, I’m going to upcycle something. Or paint something. Or turn something into something else Yes, I’m one of THOSE people!

When something needs repaired, cleaned or even needs special attention it might also move into the ‘Do Something Else’ space.

In addition to purging and getting rid of clutter, it’s the ideal time to re-organize items and make sure everything has a place. I firmly believe that all items should have a home and everyone in the household should know where that home is. Whether they actually put it there is an entirely different story

Spring Cleaning Supplies

Do yourself a favor and gather up your favorite cleaning supplies ahead of time. Some people swear by natural cleaning products. Heck, some folks make their own cleaning supplies. Honestly, I do a little of everything. I buy some products – both natural and otherwise. And, I’ve made a few products over the years, too!

How about you? What are your favorite cleaning products. What’s the ONE thing you couldn’t live without when it comes to cleaning?

If you’re interested in whipping up your own products, check out Unexpectedly Domestic for some great ideas to get you started.

Where to Start Spring Cleaning

Honestly, there are no hard or fast rules on where to start. If you’re following along with my Spring Cleaning checklist, pick whichever room calls to you, set aside the proper amount of time to get it done and just get started. No matter where you start though, be sure to work from the top to the bottom of any room. Me, I tend to start with a smaller room just to knock it out and feel a sense of accomplishment. Then, I move onto the rooms that I KNOW are going to take some time to complete.

Maybe you can get your cleaning done in a day or two. Maybe it will take you a week. Only you know your home and the amount of time you’ll need to set aside to get that spring cleaning finished.

Since my heart attack 5 weeks ago, I’m not sure I’ll be able to do a full blown spring clean by myself this year – but I can certainly direct the family to assist on those things I’m not quite up to yet

Spring Cleaning Done…Time to Spruce

I’m a big believer in taking the time to do a bit of a room spruce after you’ve completed your spring cleaning checklist. Maybe that spruce up is as simple as adding some fresh cut flowers or a lovely new candle to your space. Perhaps it’s new organizers to help with clutter. Maybe you’ve been holding on to some new home decor items until you find the perfect place to display them. Take a few minutes after the cleaning is done to refresh each room with a few items that make you smile.

So, download that checklist and let’s get started.

Spring Cleaning – Here we Go!

All Around the House

Some cleaning tasks are repetitive and they’ll need to be done in pretty much EVERY room that you tackle.

• Wash windows, blinds and sills – be sure to rinse and clean screens, as well.
• Closets – clean, organize and donate anything you no longer need
• Dust and wash all ceiling fans and light fixtures. Change bulbs, if needed.
• Dust all furniture and home decor items
• Curtains – launder all curtains, being sure to follow care instructions
• Carpets & rugs – Shampoo and vacuum all carpets and rugs. If needed, test an inconspicuous spot first.
• Wash all baseboards, trim and doors
• Walls – wipe down
• Switches – wipe down all light switch covers
• Trash cans – clean the interior and exterior of all trashcans
• Cobwebs – clean all cobwebs – especially from corners of rooms
• Clean all lamps and lampshades

In the Kitchen

Oh, the beloved heart of the home! It’s where we laugh together, cook together, eat together, maybe even have a food fight together now and then. Oh wait, is that just my house? We all spend so much time in our kitchens that it’s no wonder they usually need an awfully DEEP clean.

For your kitchen spruce, how about displaying a decorative bowl of citrus fruits – practical and pretty, no? How about some fun new tea towels? I LOVE the flour sack towels with the quirky sayings and change those out pretty often at my place. A pitcher filled with fresh flowers not only looks amazing, but it will put a little spring in your step, too!

• Countertops – wipe down and, depending on type of counter, reseal, if needed
• Cabinetry – wipe down, degrease and rid yourself of that oily build-up
• Pantry – clean, organize and discard all old or expired food and spices
• Large appliances – clean stove, oven & range hood and dishwasher
• Microwave – clean inside and outside
• Refrigerator – dust top, clean fridge and freezer, move fridge and clean coils
• Sink – Clean, disinfect and polish sink & faucet. Don’t forget to clean the drain, too!
• Small appliances – clean small appliances such as coffee pot, stand mixer, toaster
• Organize – purge unnecessary items from all cabinets and drawers and reorganize

Living Room Spring Cleaning

Next to the kitchen, your living area is likely one of the most popular spots in your home. Be sure to take the time to move the furniture, take cushions off the couch, launder your favorite cuddly blanket and wash those pillows or pillow covers. Do you have wall-to-wall carpet or area rugs? If so, give them a good cleaning, too!

For your living room spruce, how about swapping out some old photos and displaying some new ones in their place. Maybe add a plant or two. Seasonal pillows and blankets can add a charming touch, as well.

• Furniture – spot clean, vacuum as needed and move furniture to vacuum underneath
• Launder curtains, blankets, pillows
• Fireplace – clean fireplace, dust mantle and shelving
• Electronics – dust all electronics such as TV, remote, DVD, stereo systems

Cleaning the Bathroom Build-up

Be sure to clean up the clutter in your bathroom, whether it’s outdated medicines, make-up or even those little travel shampoo bottles. The biggest key to a clean and clutter-free space is organization.

For a quick and easy bathroom spruce, new towels, hand soap and candles are all simple and cost effective solutions.

• Cabinetry – wipe down all cabinetry and drawers and throw out expired products
• Mirrors – clean all mirrors
• Tub – clean tub & drain, replace shower curtain liner, wash shower curtain, clean showerhead
• Grout – scrub and repair grout, as needed.
• Counters – wipe down all counters
• Sinks – clean sinks and drains
• Toilet – clean toilet, paying special attention to those hinges on the seat
• Rugs – wash rugs being sure to follow care instructions

Clean Bedroom or Bust

For me, the bedroom area often takes the longest to clean. Probably because I take the time to swap out clothes – I sure don’t need those UGG boots in the summer As I’m swapping my clothes, I set aside those items I don’t want or those that don’t fit for donation. In addition, I go through handbags, shoes, books and sometimes jewelry. And remember, the more you get rid of, the more new stuff you can get That’s my motto and I’ll stick with it, thank you very much.

For your bedroom spruce, there is simply nothing better than a lovely vase full of fresh flowers. Just something to add a little ‘aaaah’ to the room and make you all the more ready for spring to arrive.

• Discard/donate any old clothing
• Dust
• Wash all bedding including comforter, duvet, mattress covers
• Rotate mattresses
• Swap those winter clothes for the summer ones

Laundry Room Spring Cleaning

While it may not be the area in the home that receives the most guests, your laundry room is, no doubt, one of the hardest working areas. Take a little time to clean the washer AND those dryer vents. Could you use some organization to help corral all of your laundry supplies? Now is the perfect time to snag some bins and put things in their place.

Your laundry rooms spruce could be as simple as some pretty baskets or containers to hold those necessary supplies. Just because something is needed doesn’t mean it can’t look pretty while it’s there.

• Vacuum and mop behind and under washer/dryer
• Clean washing machine
• Remove lint from vent and hose

Around the Office

Does your mail multiply? Mine does – it’s like Gremlins. One day there is ONE piece of mail. The next day there are 50 pieces of mail. And so on and so forth. Take a minute to shred the old and unneeded paperwork and get rid of it. Oh, and if you’re anything like me, you probably have a few cups FILLED with all sorts of pens, pencils, sharpies and the like. Trust me on this one – at least half of them no longer work.

I’m personally a big fan of bright colored file folders and fun organizational supplies, so that’s an ideal spruce up for your office area. Heck, if you don’t want to go through all of those writing instruments, get rid of the old and just buy yourself some fun new ones.

• Clean electronics such as computers, laptops, shredders
• Clean out & organize drawers and cabinets
• Shred – get rid of all old documents you no longer need
• File – organize and file any paperwork you need to keep
• Wipe down all furniture

Make it Welcoming

If you’re lucky enough to have a formal foyer, take the time to give it a thorough cleaning, because it’s probably the first place guests are going to see when they enter your home.

For a quick spruce, be sure you have a ‘key drop’ area to place your keys and other items when you get home. It could be as simple as a small tray or as elaborate as cubbies for each family member.

• Organize shoes/closets
• Clean rugs/mats
• Clean banisters and make sure railing is secure

Don’t Forget the Outside

If you live in an area with a harsh winter climate like I do, getting outside and starting that spring cleaning ritual in your favorite outdoor space is one of the most therapeutic things you can do.

After you complete the cleaning portion of spring cleaning, be sure to take a minute and add some festive planters filled to the brim with your favorite flowers. While you’re at it, throw down a new welcome mat, too.

• Sweep and/or power wash porch, deck, patio, paths
• Clean/replace doormats
• Wash trash cans
• Clean gutters
• Organize garage/sheds
• Power wash siding
• Wipe door thresholds
• Clean screens
• Wash outdoor furniture

Playroom Pick-Me-Up

Be sure to get the littles involved in cleaning their areas, provided they’re old enough to do so. Have them decide which toys they want to keep and which they feel comfortable donating. Not only does that teach them all about giving to others, it teaches them the responsibility of taking care of their areas.

While you’re at it, how about letting the kiddos decide what that playroom spruce should be. I mean, mom could certainly make a suggestion or two If they’re old enough, maybe a terrarium that they could help put together and watch grow. How about a little reading nook with fun and colorful floor pillows for them to snuggle on with their favorite book.

Once your spring cleaning undertaking is complete, you can sit back and enjoy your home, all fresh and new and ready for the spring and summer to come. What’s even better, you’ll have plenty of time to spend doing the FUN stuff with your friends and loved ones because your home will seem fresh and new.

Maybe you’ll decide to hit a few wineries with your besties, maybe you’ll view the beautiful blooms at the local conservatory or maybe you’ll get out and do some yoga with the goats. No matter what, you can enjoy your time knowing that your house is all taken care of!

Until next time, make memories with your friends and loved ones. As you know, tomorrow isn’t promised and life is just too short.

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