While technically Spring has sprung away and Summer has begun her reign, here I am with my promised post on Spring Cleaning, and I’ll even argue it isn’t too late. While Spring does bring with it the inescapable urge to freshen up your surroundings, I think we can all see from recent experience that May is perhaps not the best month to undertake a huge cleaning project, being perhaps the busiest month of the year, second only to the great December. The wise homemaker makes her cleaning work for her and not the other way around. Therefore, my very first piece of advice on the deep clean front is to choose the time of year that best works for you. Don’t choose the time when you’re newly pregnant and feeling sick all the time (been there, done that, it didn’t work). Don’t choose the months you have a newborn and need to recover and nurse 24/7. Don’t choose the month you have a million other obligations, or the season that you feel is the right season just because everyone else is doing it. Perhaps you do a deep clean starting January 1st, to ring in the new year. Perhaps you want to do your deep cleaning during Lent, as a form of discipline for yourself, care for others, and preparation for Easter. Perhaps you want to do it in the long Summer months, when you’re taking a break from school. Perhaps you want to do it in the Fall, when you begin a new schedule, new routine, and new school year. There is no right answer here, and you probably won’t do the same time every year, and that’s ok (You probably won’t even manage it every year! I certainly don’t. A time for everything, as Solomon says.) If you keep up with regular cleaning day in and day out, you can get by with very long stretches of time in between deep cleans.
That being said, there are a few timing logistics I would recommend. When you have chosen your season of deep cleaning, do not expect to get through it all in a day or two. Rather, count the number of rooms/areas in your house and pick 1-2 days for each of them. Perhaps you choose to do a deep clean every Saturday for a couple months. Perhaps you try to do one every day of the week. If you have a large house, you may even want to decide to do half your house now and half your house in six months (or a quarter of it every season). Whatever you do, give yourself some extra days in between for rest and wiggle room (you’ll need it-life happens). I like to give a whole week per room, so that there is plenty of time to focus on that area in between other responsibilities, but sometimes that is unrealistic! The key to sticking with a deep clean from start to finish is to think ahead and give yourself a schedule you can actually stick to, add it to the calendar, and maybe convince someone else to be your cleaning buddy and text each other motivating cleaning photos as you go for accountability and inspiration. A great cleaning playlist and a checklist help too.
Before I get into the meat of this post (a room by room checklist), I’ll mention a few general principles that will apply to the every room.
Always work top to bottom, left to right. Dust and dirt fall as you clean them, so starting at the top makes the most sense, and moving left to right takes away the indecision when you enter the room as to where to begin. Just turn to your left, look up, and tackle whatever’s right there.
Vacuum first, then clean, then vacuum again. Every room, every time. Yes, this is counter-intuitive but it works. It’s way harder to clean up hairs and lint and dust when it’s getting wiped around on a wet rag and stuck to everything. Vacuum all that dust and lint away (even from the walls and ceilings and bathtub!), and the rest of the cleaning will be much easier. Then do a quick vacuum of the floor again at the end because, as we learned above, the dirt will fall there and we always save the bottom for last.
Bring an empty laundry basket and a cardboard box to every room. When you find something that belongs in a different room, put it in the laundry basket and put everything away at once at the end of the clean so you don’t lose motivation by walking out of the room over and over again. If you find anything to get rid of (and you will!), put it in the cardboard box, and at the end of the clean you can donate all the stuff in the box to the thrift store.
Bring the cleaning supplies you need to the room you’re cleaning when you’re ready to start. This is for the same reason as the point above- you don’t want to lose motivation by leaving the room you’re working in.
Finishing touches are optional things you can do in a room once it’s been cleaned to make it feel more cozy and beautiful. I’ll suggest a few for each room, and while you shouldn’t think of them as integral parts of a deep clean, I find that they really help you to feel motivated to get to those parts, and feel happier and cozier in that room for a long time afterwards.
If you’re reading this, you probably have little kids and babies underfoot! Life will be happening the whole time you attempt this deep clean. Try to bring older kids into the work on a level that they can, try to keep your attitude about it preppy and excited, and that can rub off on them. And if you’d rather them not be underfoot, choose a time of day when they typically do something outside, or while they’re napping, or while they’re in bed at night, or while they’re watching a movie, or while they’re getting special dad-time on the weekend. If they’re bound to be underfoot, don’t forget the power of a good challenge and reward. Tell them “Mom has a big deep clean challenge set for herself. Here’s the list of things I need to get done. If we can get them all done, we’ll earn an ice cream outing!”
And now, the checklist! You will need to edit this list for the rooms in your own house, crossing off any rooms you don’t have, giving a full day to each room that you have more than one of (bedrooms, bathrooms, etc).
Bedrooms
Walls, doors, light switches, door handles, ceiling fans. Vacuum, then wash down with a cleaner and rag. Dust all picture frames/shelves/mirrors/etc that are hanging on the walls.
Windows. Wash curtains. Scrub the sill, tracks, and clean the glass. If you have screens, you can take them out and either spray them down with a hose if the weather permits or wash them in your bathtub with soap and water.
Bed. Wash sheets, blankets, comforter, pillows. If possible, hang them to dry outside for a good fresh smell. Dust and wipe down bed frame. You can even clean your mattress by sprinkling with baking soda, rubbing it in with a damp rag on any stains, letting stand for an hour or so, and then vacuuming it up.
Dressers. Take everything off and out. Vacuum inside and out. Take the chance to refold and organize and drawers that need it, purging any items that have holes, or are never worn, and putting away any items that are out of season or don’t get worn currently but you need to hang onto.
Bedside Tables. Take everything off and out. Vacuum inside and out. Put everything in its proper place, and purge anything you don’t want anymore.
Closets. Vacuum top to bottom. Empty out, take the chance to purge anything you no longer want and organize what’s left. I like to hang things by color in my closet, as it both looks beautiful and is easy to quickly find the item I am looking for when dressing in the morning.
Floors. Vacuum the whole floor, moving furniture to get behind and around it.
Finishing touches. Make the bed (we talked about this before but it bears repeating- your room will never feel clean if you skip this!) Add a vase of flowers or a potted plant for a spot of green and life. Find a cute little dish in your cupboard or at a store to put on your bedside table for your rings, earrings, glasses, etc. Add a throw pillow or two to your bed. Open the windows and let in the fresh air.
Bathrooms
Walls, doors, light switches, door handles, light fixtures. Vacuum, then wash down with a cleaner and rag. Dust all picture frames/shelves/etc that are hanging on the walls. Clean the mirror.
Windows. Wash curtains. Scrub the sill, tracks, and clean the glass.
Showers and bathtubs. Vacuum first. Start at the top and scrub all the walls and then the tub/floor. Throw any old shower products. Wash kid bath toys (either in the dishwasher if they’re safe for dishwasher, or else the sink). Either remove your shower head to soak and clean it, or fill a ziplock bag with vinegar and tie it around your shower head so it can soak before wiping it clean. Sprinkle baking soda (or cleaner of choice) all over the tub, let sit for a few minutes, then scrub it clean. Get into all the corners and nooks and crannies, use an old toothbrush for small corners. Wash or replace your shower curtain. Scrub clean shower doors and tracks.
Sink and vanity. Vacuum. Clear everything off and out, purging any old products/items. Scrub from top to bottom, getting into all the corners, and not forgetting the sides and drawers and faucet. Use an old toothbrush again for the small corners. Set out a clean hand towel.
Toilet. Remove the toilet seat if possible (you can soak it), in order to get all the crevices cleaned. If not, carefully use an old toothbrush to get all the hidden gunk around the hinges. Scrub the whole thing with your cleaner of choice, even the sides and bottom.
Cabinets/Closets. Empty out, vacuum, wipe down, and organize. Purge anything you no longer use. Put everything else in its rightful place.
Garbage. Remove bag, clean inside and out, then put a new bag in.
Floors. Vacuum, then thoroughly mop (best to do hands and knees mopping or a spin mop). Dump your mop water down the toilet. Give extra attention right around the toilet. Wash rugs.
Finishing touches. Put a little basket on the back of the toilet with extra toilet paper rolls. Put a drop of essential oil inside the toilet paper rolls to add a nice faint scent to the bathroom. Add a little houseplant. Add a candle or small diffuser. Set out a Kleenex box. Use pretty little jars or cups to hold your toothbrushes/razors/ etc. Upgrade your hand soap containers to glass (I use mason jars with a pump). Organize hair accessories/makeup/products with little containers. Open the windows and let in the fresh air.
Kitchen
Walls, doors, light switches, door handles, light fixtures, backsplashes. Vacuum, then wash down with a cleaner and rag.
Windows. Wash curtains. Scrub the sill, tracks, and clean the glass. If you have screens, you can take them out and either spray them down with a hose if the weather permits or wash them in your bathtub with soap and water.
Cupboards and drawers and pantry. Empty one at a time, vacuum, wipe clean, then put everything in its place. Use this as a chance to reorganize and purge as necessary. Throw anything that’s expired or no longer used. Wash the outsides and tops of the cupboard down well, using something that will cut grease.
Countertops. Take everything off, then scrub down and put everything in its place, organizing and purging as you go. Wash any crocks/utensils/appliances/dish racks that habitually sit on the counter.
Sink. Use an old toothbrush to get all the corners clean, scrub the whole thing, including the faucet.
Microwave. Take plate out and handwash. Scrub the inside and outside of the microwave clean.
Stove and oven. Soak burners on a gas stove in the sink. Scrub clean the stove top, including the buttons and nobs. Use the self cleaner on the oven if you have it, then vacuum, wipe, and wash it clean. Wash the outside of the oven thoroughly.
Dishwasher. Take racks out if possible, and get to your filter to wash it clean as well. Scrub clean all over on the inside and out.
Fridge and Freezer. Empty it all out. Take out any drawers and shelves that you can and wash them in the sink. Vacuum it, then scrub it down from top to bottom. Throw any old food, then put everything back and organize it how you want. Wash down the outside of the fridge and freezer as well, from top to bottom.
Garbage. Remove bag, clean inside and out, then put a new bag in.
Floors. Vacuum all over, moving the appliances as well so you can truly get all the dust and dirt. Then thoroughly mop (best to do hands and knees mopping or a spin mop). Dump your mop water down the toilet.
Finishing Touches. Organize your pantry with clear containers (you can use jars you already have or purchase other containers). Open the windows and let in the fresh air. Switch out your dish towels seasonally with patterns that fit the season. Pick a theme for your kitchen (a color or a food or an animal or what have you) and use that as a guide when you need to replace something in your kitchen. For example, I love strawberries and when I need to replace something in my kitchen, I try to get something that is red or patterned with strawberries so that it brings me a little extra joy. This works for all sorts of little things: spoon rests, salt and pepper shakers, butter dishes, dish towels, the sky’s the limit. Don’t go out and buy a whole new kitchen, but as things break or stop working, replace with things you love instead of the most basic and standard version.
Dining Room
Walls, doors, light switches, door handles, light fixtures. Vacuum, then wash down with a cleaner and rag. Dust all picture frames/shelves/etc that are hanging on the walls.
Windows. Wash curtains. Scrub the sill, tracks, and clean the glass. If you have screens, you can take them out and either spray them down with a hose if the weather permits or wash them in your bathtub with soap and water.
Table and Chairs. Remove any clutter and organize it. Scrub them all down, top to bottom, every crevice. Sticky food likes to hide everywhere. Remove booster seats and high chair trays and wash them in the sink to get every little crevice.
Cabinets, closets, shelves, etc. Empty completely, vacuum, wipe down, and reorganize, purging as you go. Don’t forget to clean the outsides as well.
Floors. Vacuum, then thoroughly mop (best to do hands and knees mopping or a spin mop). Dump your mop water down the toilet. Don’t forget to move everything out of the way so you get every little corner of the room.
Finishing Touches. Add a table cloth for instant sophistication. Thrift or make or buy some everyday cloth napkins. Add a vase of flowers. Add some candle tapers. Open the windows and let in the fresh air.
Living Room
Walls, doors, light switches, door handles, light fixtures, ceiling fans. Vacuum, then wash down with a cleaner and rag. Dust all picture frames/shelves/etc that are hanging on the walls.
Windows. Wash curtains. Scrub the sill, tracks, and clean the glass. If you have screens, you can take them out and either spray them down with a hose if the weather permits or wash them in your bathtub with soap and water.
Furniture. Vacuum and wipe down according to fabric care instructions. Remove everything from bookshelves and side tables, vacuum, wipe down, and then put everything back where it goes, purging and organizing as you go. Dust and wipe down lamps and lamp shades. Wipe the tv clean of streaks and dust. Wipe down your piano and bench with a damp rag, and remove and then organize any nicknacks on top of it and anything in the bench. Wash any throw pillows and throw blankets.
Floors. Vacuum, then thoroughly mop (best to do hands and knees mopping or a spin mop). Dump your mop water down the toilet. Don’t forget to move everything out of the way, even the furniture, so you get every little corner of the room. Clean rug according to fabric instructions.
Finishing Touches. Add a plant or vase of flowers. Add some candles or a diffuser. Set out a new Kleenex box. Add some throw pillows and throw blankets. Keep a few coffee table books or favorite pictures out for easy access. Keep a little collection of bookmarks and writing utensils within easy reach of the reading chair. Use a cute little tray or basket for storing remote controls. Use lamps instead of overhead lighting. Open the windows and let in the fresh air.
Mudroom/Entry
Walls, doors, light switches, door handles, light fixtures. Vacuum, then wash down with a cleaner and rag. Dust anything hanging on the walls. Wash the outer doors as well.
Windows. Wash curtains. Scrub the sill, tracks, and clean the glass. If you have screens, you can take them out and either spray them down with a hose if the weather permits or wash them in your bathtub with soap and water.
Coats, etc. Wash all coats, hats, mittens, etc. Put them away if no longer in season. Organize everything all into its proper place and purge anything no longer used or wanted.
Miscellaneous items. Organize these and purge them if necessary. Find a spot for the kids’ outside toys, the sunscreen, the swim towels, the bug spray, the grill utensils, the hats, the boots, the garden tools all the stuff that inevitably ends up at the back door. Make a home for them either inside the house or outside, and teach the family where they should go.
Shoes. Organize all the shoes, washing any that can be washed, purging any old ones. Set them nicely where you want them to be.
Rug. Get a good one. Vacuum it, wash it (if possible), then put it back.
Floors. Vacuum, then thoroughly mop (best to do hands and knees mopping or a spin mop). Dump your mop water down the toilet. There’s obviously a lot of dirt in a mud room- take care while vacuuming!
Finishing Touches. Get a key hanger. Get a mail catcher. Get a coat hanger or hooks on the wall. Get a chair or bench to sit on while putting on shoes. Open the windows and let in the fresh air. Take a moment to walk in your front door like a guest and see what catches your eye, and if you can improve your first impression.
Hallways and Stairways
Walls, doors, light switches, door handles, light fixtures, handrails. Vacuum, then wash down with a cleaner and rag. Dust anything hanging on the walls.
Windows. Wash curtains. Scrub the sill, tracks, and clean the glass. If you have screens, you can take them out and either spray them down with a hose if the weather permits or wash them in your bathtub with soap and water.
Closets and shelves. Empty completely, then vacuum and wash down. Reorganize the contents of the closet, purging as you go.
Floors. Vacuum vacuum vacuum. Stairs are a little annoying to vacuum, but it must be done. Use the attachments to get into all the corners.
Finishing Touches. Put a lamp in a dark corner. Hang some pictures on the wall. Add a chair in a little nook. Add a bookshelf. Open the windows and let in the fresh air.
Laundry Room
Walls, doors, light switches, door handles, light fixtures. Vacuum, then wash down with a cleaner and rag. Dust anything hanging on the walls.
Windows. Wash curtains. Scrub the sill, tracks, and clean the glass. If you have screens, you can take them out and either spray them down with a hose if the weather permits or wash them in your bathtub with soap and water.
Closets and shelves. Empty completely, then vacuum and wash down. Reorganize the contents of the closet, purging as you go. Purge any old products, socks whose pairs will never be found, clothes that need to be repaired but never will, etc.
Garbage. Remove bag, clean inside and out, then put a new bag in.
Washing Machine. Clean according to your machine, inside and out, all the corners and crevices, using a scrub brush as needed. Run a hot water cleaning cycle.
Dryer. Vacuum out lint drawer (you’re emptying it after every use anyway, right?) Wipe the inside and outside clean.
Laundry Baskets. Vacuum and wipe clean.
Floors. Vacuum, then thoroughly mop (best to do hands and knees mopping or a spin mop). Dump your mop water down the toilet.
Finishing Touches. There’s no real glamor to a laundry room, guys. Hang something up on the walls that you love to look at. Get a cute basket to store socks without a match. Get a cute basket to hold your detergent and other cleaning products. Open the windows and let in the fresh air.
Garage
Walls, doors, light switches, door handles, light fixtures. Vacuum, then wash down with a cleaner and rag.
Windows. Scrub the sill, tracks, and clean the glass.
Shelves and storage. Take everything off, vacuum, wipe clean, reorganize, purge, put back.
Floors. Sweep or vacuum. I wouldn’t bother mopping my garage, but maybe you would!
Miscellaneous Rooms
Follow the pattern listed above.
In an office, don’t forget to clean and organize the shelves and electronics. Sort through the clutter and papers- be brave! Purge as much as you can and get a file folder system going to organize the rest.
In a play room, don’t forget to clean and organize the toys (I’m not crazy enough to wash all my kid’s toys, but wash any that need it and definitely organize them). Consider doing a toy rotation if there’s too much.
In a homeschool room, organize the craft supplies, throwing anything that no longer works like old pens and pencils and glue sticks. Find a way to store all the papers- binders are your friends! Sort through your books and keep them organized so you can easily find them.
In a library, do the dreaded work of taking all the books off, shelf by shelf, vacuuming, wiping clean, and then replacing. Pick a system for sorting your books, and make sure everything is where it’s supposed to be for easy access.
In a basement, spend time organizing anything that’s stored down there. Sort and organize totes and label them so things are easy to find. Vacuum up all the dust and cobwebs that have accumulated
Whew! What a list! Remember, a deep clean is not a common clean- for busy moms of little kids it’s probably happening once a year max. If it’s important to you to do it, or if it’s been a few years and you’re really beginning to notice and be bothered, find a time that works for you and fit it into your schedule over a number of days. Take it one room and one day at a time. Persevere! Make it fun! You’ve got this.
If you’re feeling inspired by all this cleaning talk, and want some more, here are a few accounts to go follow: Go Clean Co (full of systems, routines, and how-tos for everything, with way more advice and detail than I go into here), Nancy Birtwhistle (yes, the same Nancy who won GBBO years back can now teach you everything you wanted to know about DIY cleaning), School for Housewives (a whole backlog of short posts on keeping a reasonably clean house, as well as many other helpful bits of advice for the homemaker), The Hobbit Homemaker’s Spring Cleaning (this is for you if your cleaning habits are heavily influenced by vibes and imagination. It’s a great little challenge and great way to add some fun to the chore of cleaning even if it’s no longer Spring!).
Here is a printable PDF of the post, including checkboxes so you can easily check off the cleaning items as you go, room by room.
The amount of effort writing this must have taken has me in awe.
Thank you!