The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

This isn’t your average spring cleaning list — it’s the ultimate checklist to help get your home into tip-top shape just in time for summer. The payoff is worth it, even if it takes some time, energy, and maybe even a few tears (though hopefully it’s just a bit of dust in your eye).

That said, feel free to treat this as a gentle guide rather than a strict to-do list. Cleaning can feel overwhelming, so try dedicating one day each weekend over the next few weeks to chip away at it. We’ve broken everything down by room with clear, doable steps. Put on some fun music or a good podcast, and make the most of this annual tradition.

Below you’ll find room-specific cleaning products, but it’s always good to have some great cleaning basics on hand for whatever challenge you may come across. Here are my top three secret weapons for cleaning the whole house:
– Magic Erasers
– Reusable Microfiber Cloths
– Lysol wipes

_{Prices are accurate as of May 2, 2025. Subject to change.}

Living Areas

Living areas get a lot of foot traffic. From outdoor clothes tossed on couches to the hard-to-reach spots behind TVs and bookshelves, dusting and vacuuming are at the top of this list. Investing in a vacuum cleaner with a long, thin hose makes cleaning those tricky spots much easier. A duster that can reach the tops of ceiling fans is also a must, especially as pollen levels rise in warmer weather. And for a deep clean of your beloved couch cushions, the Little Green Pet Pro Machine from Bissell is a game changer. Its powerful cleaning solution should make your sofa look brand new. If you don’t have pets and don’t need as deep a clean, the brand’s Little Green Mini is an affordable, but still impressive, cleaner.

To take things a step further, consider how your shelves are styled. Bookends are a great way to keep books, games, and DVDs organized while doubling as decor. Organizing by color or size adds a visual element of order that would make The Home Edit proud.

Living Areas Cleaning Checklist:
– Clean under furniture and behind electronics
– Wipe down bookshelves and declutter items
– Dust decor and picture frames
– Organize media, books, and games
– Vacuum and deep clean couch cushions

Bedrooms

Bedrooms follow some of the same principles as living areas — vacuuming, dusting, and deep-cleaning pillows are key. But the biggest task? Decluttering. Drawers, closets, and vanities tend to accumulate clothes, products, and random items that no longer serve you. Be intentional and discerning as you clear things out.

For many, spring cleaning also means swapping winter wardrobes for summer ones. This is the perfect time to store off-season clothing smartly. Investing in vacuum-sealing bags and high-quality plastic bins will help keep your clothes just as you left them. These storage solutions protect against pests, moisture, mold, and other threats to your favorite sweaters.

Bedroom Cleaning Checklist:
– Wash all bedding, pillows, and mattress covers
– Organize closets and drawers (donate unused clothes)
– Dust and clean nightstands and dressers
– Vacuum under the bed

Kitchen

We’re all guilty of letting that old can of tuna sit in the back of a cabinet or avoiding the mystery substance in a takeout container. Now’s the time — toss it! Discard expired items and donate anything you know you’ll never get around to using.

Professional chefs swear by the importance of a spotless space, but a clean kitchen is essential for a home chef, too. That said, kitchen cleaning can be one of the more… unpleasant jobs. Grease, caked-on food, and sticky messes are no joke, but with the right tools, you’ve got this.

A simple combo of baking soda and vinegar can get you far. For tougher jobs, Bar Keepers Friend is a secret weapon. If you want something in between, Dawn Platinum Power Wash Spray makes quick work of greasy, sticky surfaces. Have a garbage disposal? Toss in some disposal cleaning tablets for a quick, effective refresh to eliminate funky smells.

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist:
– Clean out pantry and fridge and toss expired items
– Wipe down shelves and drawers
– Deep clean oven, stove, microwave, and dishwasher
– Sanitize sink and garbage disposal
– Wipe down cabinets, backsplash, and countertops
– Organize Tupperware, utensils, and junk drawer

Bathroom

Your bathroom is a sacred space and should be treated with care. Its humid environment makes it especially prone to mold and mildew, so a deep disinfecting session this spring is well worth your time and good for your well-being.

A steam cleaner is great for tackling mold and mildew in the shower. It can help set you up for cleaner results that last through the more humid months.

Tackle stubborn toilet stains with a good toilet brush and a heavy-duty cleaner that’s up to the task. If you can, sanitize your shower curtain to get rid of lingering bacteria. Lysol Sanitizing Additive is an easy way to take your bathroom towel and linen game to the next level.

Windex is a must for your bathroom mirror. It gets all that splattered toothpaste off easily and leaves no streaks behind. Pair it with a microfiber cloth — or even a coffee filter! — and you’ve got a pristine reflection of you smiling because of how good it looks.

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist:
– Scrub tub, toilet, and sink
– Clean mirrors and polish fixtures
– Wash bath mats and shower curtain
– Declutter cabinets and drawers
– Toss expired products and makeup

Feature Image Credit: staticnak1983/ iStock