Spring Cleaning Checklist
Spring cleaning is a way to demonstrate pride in ownership (or rentership). A home and its contents are investments; money spent on something you really love or really need (ideally both). When you take the time to clean thoroughly and properly, you can maintain and prolong the life of the item or finish for years. Further, it means you live in a cleaner and healthier home; less dust, dust mites, allergens, odors, and dirt.
Always start from the top and work your way down. Think about it like this: dust falls down (like rain or snow) so if you start at the top, you’ll never have to re-clean a surface (which is a time waster). It doesn’t make sense to clean the floors first and then dust the tabletops; you’ll just have to clean the floors again. Use gravity to your benefit and always work from top to bottom. It also helps you not miss anything!
General Spring Cleaning Tasks
These are a list of some of the things that need to be done around the house, and spring is a great time to do them. So often we don’t remember to do them, so let this be your wake-up call!
Tests and replacements:
Test smoke alarm
Test carbon monoxide alarm
Check flashlight batteries
Check fire extinguishers
Change air filters
Check all window screens for tears and repair or replace as required
Check every light switch plate, socket cover and door knob in the house (while you are at it, clean off all dirt and prints)
Other considerations:
Consider stripping, buffing or waxing floors (depending on the type of floor you have)
Consider having your outside windows professional cleaned (if a condo does not take care of this)
Consider having your ducts cleaned, should be done once every 5 years
Consider cleaning your BBQ and patio furniture to prepare for the upcoming warmer weather
Overall Spring Cleaning Chores:
Dust crown molding and baseboards and clean scuff marks
Dust ceiling corners
Dust/wash light fixtures and lamps
Dust ceiling fans
Wipe down doors and walls (Swiffer works great for removing all the dust)
Touch up paint
Vacuum or wash/dry clean window curtains and bedding
Wash or dust window blinds
Wash windows and screens inside and out
Dust books and bookcases
Polish wood furniture
Wipe down and vacuum furniture (clean the base and under cushions)
Condition leather furniture
Remove stains from upholstered furniture
Vacuum and wash lampshades
Deep clean hardwood, tile, linoleum, and carpet flooring
Shampoo carpet (DIY or schedule a professional)
Remove area rugs to shake out, then vacuum, then clean under them
Clean air vents
Dust around and BEHIND mirrors, picture frames, and wall hangings
Schedule chimney sweep
Schedule termite or pest control maintenance
Spring Clean Outside:
Sweep deck
Power wash deck
Stain deck
Power spray siding
Touch up paint trim, wood, doors, and shutters
Oil hurricane shutters
Power wash garage door and eaves of house
Clean outside door frames
Wipe away cobwebs
Shake out entry mat
Clean grill
Clean and repair gutters
Replace broken bricks, wood, or stone
Clean outdoor light fixtures
Clean outside patio furniture
Trim trees, bushes and shrubbery
Check and repair sprinklers
Inspect roof shingles
Clean outdoor and indoor trash cans
Clean out garage and sweep
Get the Spring Cleaning App at Google Store