What is it about the start of Spring that makes us just want to scrub everything clean? Probably something to do with that feeling of re-birth. Plus, that sun coming in and highlighting all of those dust bunnies! I don’t know about you, but sometimes having a long list of spring cleaning items can be pretty overwhelming. So, I always break it up over a week into smaller more manageable chunks! This is just my way, based on my home, but I hope it inspires you to see what you can come up with a spring cleaning schedule for your home!
My Spring Cleaning Schedule
I like to chunk similar rooms together, both in the type of room and proximity.
Day 1: Kitchen and Bathroom
I mean, I feel like these just make sense to go together, right? Since I only have one bathroom, it does make it easier. But, if I had multiple, I would probably have a separate day dedicated to just the bathrooms! I also like to start with these rooms because they are the most time-consuming, so I get them out of the way early!
Day 2: Living Room, Dining Room, Primary Bedroom
These are just the living spaces on the main floor! I’ll also start to decorate for spring as I finish. 🌼
Day 3: Upstairs
This includes my attic closet, our two guest rooms, and a small hallway.
Day 4: Exterior and Car
After a brutal winter, there will be a bit of work to do to get everything back to “normal”!
Day 5: Basement
As you’ve seen, my basement has been pretty busy lately! It is in desperate need of a cleaning and it would be a good time to start thinking about organizing some items on my new storage shelves.
My Spring Cleaning Schedule Checklist
There are a ton of cleaning checklists out there! This is just what works for me and my home!
Kitchen
- Declutter fridge, pantry, drawers
- Wipe down cabinet interiors & exteriors
- Wipe down backsplash
- Clean countertops
- Scrub sink (I like to spray a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice and let it sit for a couple of minutes)
- Clean dish rack
- Wash garbage bin
- Clean fridge interior and exterior
- Clean stovetop and interior
- Descale Keurig
- Clean cat dishes
- Wipe down walls, light fixtures, baseboards
- Vacuum and mop
Bathroom
- Declutter drawers and cabinet
- Wipe down vanity and cabinet interiors and exterior
- Clean vanity top with a marble cleaner
- Clean faucet and sink
- Disinfect and clean toilet
- Scrub shower, including shower head and faucets
- Wipe down walls, trim, and light fixture
- Declutter hallway linen closet
- Wipe down hallway walls, trim, and light fixture
- Vacuum and mop
Living & Dining Room
- Declutter and organize
- Launder blankets and curtains
- Vacuum under furniture
- Vacuum furniture
- Wipe down all surfaces, decorative items, walls, trim, light fixtures
- Clean windows and front door
- Clean mirrors
- Mop
Bedrooms & Closet
- Declutter and organize
- Launder bedding and curtains
- Vacuum under furniture
- Wipe down all surfaces, decorative items, walls, trim, light fixtures
- Clean windows
- Clean mirrors
- Mop
Basement
- Declutter and organize
- Sweep, vacuum, repeat! Possibly mop if needed
- Wipe down washer and dryer
- Clean washer
Exterior
- Pick up any debris
- Sweep surfaces
- Hose down surfaces (weather permitting)
- Put up seasonal awning
- Bring out patio furniture (weather permitting)
Car
- Declutter and organize the interior
- Vacuum interior
- Wipe down interior surfaces
- Wash either at home or at the car wash
Just Caulk It!
Caulking is something that I always like to add to my spring cleaning schedule. If you live somewhere that had a particularly rough winter like we do (Buffalo!), then you may have noticed your caulk lines are particularly bad this spring! This is because the house is shifting with the temperature changes and high winds. But, luckily, you can fix this!
You’ll want to start by removing old caulk with a razor. You’ll score the caulk line and it should come up pretty easy. They do make caulk remover tools, which I just ordered!
Then you’ll just apply your new caulk. The Alex Fast Dry caulk is my personal favorite. In my opinion, you’ll get the best results if you follow these tips:
Caulking Tip #1: Make sure your applicator hole is small!
When I first started applying caulk, this was my first HUGE mistake. I cut the hole way too low and it came out really messy. Now, I cut the hole as high as possible, and at an angle. This makes sure that only a small amount comes out at a time, and keeps things much cleaner.
Caulking Tip #2: Don’t start right at the corners
I start about ½” away from the corners to avoid build-up. As you’re running your finger along the caulk line, you’ll end up with extra. Fill in the corners with this extra instead!
Caulking Tip #3: Have a wet finger
This will make smoothing out the caulk much easier and you’ll get a cleaner finish.
Caulking Tip #4: Use baby wipes
Now, some people use baby wipes to smooth out their line right from the start. I prefer not to do that. Instead, I use the moisture of the baby wipe to wet my finger, and then, I go back over on a second pass to clean up any extra. This is all just personal preference from trying new things, but this is my favorite!
Decorate for Spring 🌸
This is my favorite part of this process. Once the home is nice and clean, I pull out my spring candles and it really helps get me in the mood for some color. I tend to decorate with a variety of (faux) plants and flowers that I’ve purchased over the past few years. They are all affordable and from either Home Goods, Target or Michaels!
