The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist: Room-by-Room Tips for a Refreshed Home

Spring cleaning is a chance to refresh your space and reset your mindset. A well-planned spring cleaning checklist keeps the process from feeling overwhelming.

A room-by-room approach and thoughtful preparation help you clean smarter, not harder. We’ll guide you through each area of your home with helpful tips and links to must-have products from Fleet Farm.

Get Ready: Tools, Supplies & Strategy

Before starting your spring cleaning house checklist, gather everything you need. Having everything on hand prevents you from running around mid-task and helps things go faster.

Here’s a handy supply checklist to get you started:

• Microfiber cloths for dusting and general cleaning
• A sturdy mop and bucket for hard floors
• Scrub brushes for grout and stubborn spots
• Sponges (get a few non-scratch ones too)
• Nitrile or Vinyl gloves to protect your hands
• All-purpose cleaner for everyday surfaces
• White vinegar and baking soda are natural cleaning solutions
• A step ladder for those hard-to-reach areas
• Extendable duster for ceiling fans and vents

Smart Cleaning Strategies

1. Focus on one room per session. Trying to clean your entire house in one day can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick one room and give it your full attention. You’ll stay motivated and see better results.
2. Use a 5-task approach per space. Choose five key tasks for each area—like dusting, wiping down surfaces, vacuuming, decluttering, and organizing. This keeps your work focused and manageable without missing the essentials.‍
3. Delegate tasks with family. Spring cleaning goes faster when everyone pitches in. Assign specific rooms or jobs to each family member. Even the little ones can pitch in with simple tasks like organizing shoes or wiping baseboards.

Whole-Home Cleaning Tasks

Some cleaning tasks apply to every room in the house. Starting with whole-home chores makes everything else easier and sets a strong foundation for the rest of your spring cleaning.

Tackle the following areas first:

• Ceiling fans and vents: Dust tends to build up here over winter. Use an extendable duster to reach these high spots safely.
• Baseboards and trim: Wipe them down with a damp cloth or use a magic eraser for scuff marks.
• Doors, knobs, and switch plates: These are high-touch areas that often get overlooked—give them a good wipe with a disinfectant.
• Windows and window treatments:
  
  • Wash the glass panes inside and out for a clearer view.
  • Clean the screens by rinsing and gently scrubbing with soapy water.
  • Dust or wash blinds, depending on their material.
  • Launder or steam curtains to remove dust and allergens.
  • For a professional finish, use a squeegee to prevent streaks.

These simple steps make your whole home feel lighter and brighter.

Kitchen Deep Clean

The kitchen sees a lot of action year-round, which makes it a top priority during spring cleaning. This is the time to go beyond your regular routines and give every surface and appliance the attention it needs.

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Appliances & Food Zones

Start with your main appliances. Empty the fridge, toss anything expired, and wipe down all shelves. Vacuum the fridge coils to improve efficiency and keep it running smoothly.

Scrub the oven and stovetop, making sure to get under the burners and around knobs. Clean the microwave inside and out, and run a cleaning cycle through the dishwasher to remove buildup and odors.

Cabinets, Drawers & Surfaces

Wipe out drawers and cabinets—both inside and out. Crumbs and spills collect easily in these spots, so a good scrub goes a long way.

Don’t skip the backsplash, which often holds onto grease and grime. Use a degreasing cleaner here, and sanitize the sink and faucet. For a simple drain refresh, try a mix of baking soda, followed by hot water and vinegar.

Bathroom Refresh

A clean bathroom promotes hygiene and peace of mind. Spring cleaning is the perfect excuse to disinfect every surface, declutter old items, and make your space shine again.

Start by scrubbing grout lines to remove mildew and soap scum. Polish all fixtures, clean the mirrors, and don’t forget to replace that shower curtain liner if it’s looking dingy or stained.

Bathroom Organization

Spring is also a great time to go through bathroom storage. Toss out expired medications, old makeup, and anything you no longer use.

Wash makeup brushes with gentle soap, and reorganize shelves or drawers to make essentials easy to reach. A tidy bathroom feels more relaxing and helps keep your morning routine on track.

Bedrooms & Closets

Bedrooms should be a calm, clean space where you can fully relax. Spring is the ideal time to refresh your bedding and reset your storage areas so everything feels lighter and more organized.

Start by washing all bedding—sheets, pillowcases, and mattress cover. If your pillows and duvet are machine washable, throw them in too. Rotate or flip the mattress to extend its life and vacuum underneath the bed to remove dust bunnies.

Closet Reset

Go through your closet and donate anything you haven’t worn in the past year. Use this time to vacuum closet floors and shelves. Store winter sweaters and coats in protective bags to keep them fresh and ready for next season.

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Living Room & High-Traffic Areas

Your living room and other frequently used spaces see a lot of daily activity, and it shows. These areas tend to collect hidden dust, crumbs, and clutter that regular cleanings might miss. Use your spring cleaning session to give them a deeper refresh using the proper cleaning tools

Upholstery & Surfaces

Start by vacuuming all the furniture. Be sure to get under and between the cushions, where dust, crumbs, and pet hair can hide. If you have a vacuum attachment for fabric, use it for a deeper clean. You can also rent a fabric cleaner if your furniture allows it. Wash or spot-clean pillows and blankets. Check the tags first—some are machine-safe, others may need hand-washing or dry cleaning.

Next, dust all the shelves, tables, and decorations. Use a microfiber cloth or duster that grabs the dust instead of spreading it around. Lift items and clean under them, not just around them. Don’t forget to wipe windowsills, lamps, and picture frames.

Wipe down the baseboards and trim, too. These areas often collect dirt but are easily cleaned with a damp cloth. A good dusting not only makes the room look better, but it also helps reduce allergens.

Electronics & Entertainment Centers

Wipe down remote controls, game controllers, and keyboards with a soft cloth and disinfectant. These items are touched frequently, so it’s good to clean them often. Be gentle when wiping screens—use a screen-safe cleaner or a slightly damp cloth.

Now is a great time to organize cords and chargers. Use Velcro straps or twist ties to keep wires from getting messy. Check your shelves for electronics or cables you don’t use anymore. Donate or recycle them if they’re no longer needed. A clean and simple setup looks and works better.

Often Overlooked Areas

Some spots are easy to miss because they’re out of sight. But these overlooked areas can hide layers of dust, grease, and even allergens.

Start with what’s behind and underneath your appliances. If possible, move the fridge and stove. Sweep and mop underneath, and wipe down the sides and nearby walls. These areas collect everything from crumbs to pet hair.

Look up to check the tops of cabinets, ceiling fan blades, and light fixtures. These spots attract dust and kitchen grease but are rarely part of a regular cleaning routine. Use an extendable duster to reach them safely.

Don’t forget door frames, baseboards, and vents. A quick wipe or vacuuming here can make a big difference in how fresh your space feels. Tackling these small but important areas helps your whole home stay cleaner longer.

Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Tips

You don’t need strong chemicals to get a clean home. You can make safe, effective cleaners for almost every room with just a few natural ingredients.

Vinegar and baking soda are powerful on their own, but even better together. Sprinkle baking soda on sinks or tubs, then spray with vinegar to lift stains and soap scum. Let it bubble for a few minutes before scrubbing.

For glass and mirrors, mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle. It cuts through smudges and leaves surfaces streak-free. A soft cloth or newspaper works best for drying.

Do you need to tackle greasy spots in the kitchen? Lemon juice and baking soda can clean stovetops and counters while leaving a fresh scent behind. You can even use lemon to deodorize your microwave—just heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for a minute or two.

Going green with your cleaning routine is easy, affordable, and better for everyone in your home.

Outdoor & Entryway Areas

Your spring cleaning checklist shouldn’t stop at the front door. The areas outside your home deserve just as much attention, especially since they’re the first thing guests see. A clean porch, tidy entryway, and organized tools help set the tone for the season ahead.

Patios, Porches & Tools 

Start by sweeping your porch, deck, or patio to remove leaves and dirt from winter. Wash outdoor furniture with warm, soapy water or a gentle cleaner to remove grime and mildew. Check the care label if you have outdoor cushions—some can be tossed in the washer or hosed down.

Remember your gardening gear. Before the growing season kicks off, rinse off tools, clean any rust, and check hoses for cracks or leaks.

Entryway Reset 

Inside, shake out or replace your doormats to stop dirt from entering the door. Go through the shoe rack and store winter boots to make room for sneakers and sandals. Swap out heavy coats for light jackets and keep only what you need within easy reach.

A clutter-free entryway makes coming and going smoother and helps your home feel more welcoming.

Wrapping Up: Your Fresh Start for Spring

Spring cleaning is your opportunity to reset your space—and your routine. Following this guide will help you get it done without feeling overwhelmed.

Key takeaways:

• Break it down by room to make cleaning feel manageable
• Use a mix of traditional and eco-friendly supplies
• Don’t forget hidden or often-skipped spots
• Rotate seasonal items in storage
• Refresh outdoor spaces along with indoor ones

Action items:

• Make a list of supplies and stock up
• Set a cleaning schedule that fits your life
• Assign tasks to family members
• Create donation piles while you declutter
• Shop storage solutions to stay organized

When ready to start, shop essential cleaning tools, storage bins, and outdoor gear at Fleet Farm. We've got everything you need to help your home feel fresh, clean, and ready for spring.