I’ve written many times about how I use household cleaners to clean my house. Now to check what’s on my temporary list: a complete checklist for the whole house!
Sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation (or time) to clean properly. However, one time of the year that many of us struggle with is when spring approaches and the weather warms up.
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean complicated systems or cupboards full of cleaning supplies. Of course, the process is so easy, I’ll probably actually do it (or convince the kids to help!). I like to open the windows for fresh air, turn on the air filter, and do one room at a time. Nothing beats the satisfaction of checking off a list as you go.
Below is a list of the house-in-house checks I use to properly clean the house each spring. You will also find a printable version at the bottom.
Cleaning supplies should be on hand
Before you begin, it helps to gather simple cleaning supplies so that everything is within reach. Most of these are things you probably already have around the house.
A note on Microfiber
I have some old microfiber cloths that I bought when I first started using natural cleaners that I still use. However, if you are shopping for equipment, I recommend choosing cotton fabric or using old natural fabrics as fabric. Microfiber is basically plastic and contributes to our plastic pollution problem every time it is washed.
I use mine since I have them, but I won’t buy more. You can read more about microfiber and my thoughts on the solution to the problem here. So, whenever you see a towel or microfiber mentioned below, keep this in mind.
The main things to clean:
- Microfiber cloth, cotton cloth, or old T-shirt cloth
- Spray bottle cleaners
- clean up
- Small bucket for soapy water
- Turn off the attachment
Natural cleaning products help:
You don’t need any cleaner on this list, just pick and choose the one that works best for you. Things like baking soda, vinegar, and natural dish soap can overcome many problems!
My smallest natural cleaning closet
Confession time: If you’re wondering how I do it all…well, I’m not. Like many busy families, it’s all about simplifying where possible.
I used to do all my cleaning from scratch, but life with grown kids, a business, and a podcast eventually changed that. These days there are so many good natural options that I like to use a few high-quality products that work for many purposes.
Here’s a quick roundup of my current favorite white soaps:
By using just a few ingredients, it is possible to clean almost everything in the house without the harsh chemicals found in most cleaners.
Things to do around the house (start here)
there are a few cleaning jobs that affect the whole house. Start by opening the windows for ventilation and turn on the air filter if you have one. Fresh air makes the whole process easier and helps eliminate lingering dust and indoor pollution.
Before diving into deep cleaning, start with a quick setup. Pick up things off the floor, put things back where they belong, and keep a small bag nearby for things you want to give or take away. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to declutter as you go.
And if you have kids at home, sign them up! My kids have their own room checklist, and they get the satisfaction of crossing things off that list. Next, work from top to bottom in each room. This prevents dust from settling on the areas you have cleaned.
Whole House Cleaning List:
- Dust from high places (doors, window frames, shelves, etc.)
- Cover or dust with dust
- Clean heaters and ceiling fans
- Clean the walls, change the dishes, and door frames
- Clean doors and door handles (hydrogen peroxide works well if anyone is sick)
- White baseboards
- Remove or clean all soil
- Dry hard floors
- Move furniture (coffee table, chairs, etc.) and clean underneath
- Clean windows inside and out
- Clean window frames and sills
- Wash curtains, linens and mirrors
- White bedding and decorative pillows
- Drop-out bed and under the counter
- Poisonous plant matter
After cleaning (e.g. books) or vacuuming the walls, wipe them with a damp cloth to remove dirt, grease and marks. Kitchens tend to collect grease on the walls over time. If you have tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, water is also a good time to clean and seal the grout line, which helps prevent water damage and stains.
Bedroom and living area
The living space collects a lot of clutter every day, so I like to start here. Start by picking up everything on the floor and moving it into the appropriate room. Then work from top to bottom, cleaning furniture, shelves and fixtures.
Bedroom cleaning checklist:
- Open windows or use an air filter for ventilation
- Cover the furniture with a blanket or blanket
- Light and dust on the fan blades
- Clean furniture with baking soda and water or an all-purpose cleaner
- Use a clean lamp. Hydrogen peroxide is good for cleaning white lamps
- Clean electronics and mirrors with a clean cloth
- Wash windows and windowsills
- Wash or dry the mask. I like to take them down and wash them in the bathtub with vinegar and water.
- Clean the walls and change the dishes
- Wash the bedclothes and pillows
- A bed and a chair
- Remove the bed and remove the crumbs
- Condition leather furniture if necessary
- Sweep, vacuum, or clean the floor
If your room has carpets or rugs, water is also a good time to clean them. Use your vacuum cleaner to reach the corners and along the baseboards.
Restaurant
The kitchen is often the most used room in the house, which means that it benefits from a deep clean at least once a year. Start by vacuuming the countertops so you can thoroughly clean the surface. This is also a great opportunity to declutter and save items you rarely use.
Kitchen Cleaning List:
- Open a window or use an air filter
- Clean surfaces, lights, and fans. Use warm, soapy water as needed to clean kitchen grease.
- Remove everything from the countertops and wipe them down
- Clean the back spreader on the wall to remove the oil bearing
- Clean the outside of the cabinet (use a wood preservative if necessary)
- Wipe off quickly. Use stainless steel as needed.
- Clean the stove, heat the heater, and replace the air filter
- Clean the oven thoroughly
- Remove food from the fridge and freezer and wipe the inside
- Wipe the back of the refrigerator
- Remove the refrigerator from the stove and clean the bottom
- Dust the refrigerator and clean the front grate
- Clean the pantry and wipe down the shelves
- The sink and fixtures are clean
- Wipe a clean plate with an empty dish towel
- White trash
- Take down the litter and let it spread out in the sun
- Sweep and clean the floor
- Clean the tile grout if needed
If your kitchen has granite counters, use a granite-safe cleaner instead of alcohol, which can damage the stone over time. You can also find a detailed description of kitchen cleaning here.
Bathroom
The bathroom is another place where deep cleaning makes a big difference. Hot, humid areas can allow mold and mildew to grow if they are not cleaned regularly. Just like any other room, be sure to start on the highest surfaces first, such as walls and the top of doors and windows.
Bathroom cleaning checklist:
- Open a window or use an air filter
- Clean surfaces, lights, and fans
- Take everything out of the box and clean the shelves. Get rid of anything you don’t use, old or expired
- glass and windows are clean
- Wipe down counters and sinks
- Clean makeup brushes and replace old makeup
- Clean the shower and tub
- Remove soap scum and hard water from the shower/bath and sink
- Replace or clean the shower hose
- Clean the tile and grout, seal if necessary. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide work well for stain stains.
- Deep cleaning the bathroom fan
- Flushing outside the toilet
- Clean the toilet
- Sweep the floor and clean the baseboard
- Bring back natural bathing equipment
Shower filters can also help reduce mineral build-up, which makes the shower easier to clean over time. If the toilet seat still doesn’t look good despite cleaning it, it may just be time to replace it. Sometimes, that’s the easiest fix!
Room
Indoors are usually easy to clean but benefit from seasonal freshness. Start by picking up everything on the floor and clearing things so you can clean up quickly. This is what I keep at home at night for a restful night and a more restful morning.
Home Cleaning List:
- Open a window or use an air filter
- Dust furniture, lights, and fans. Start from the top and work your way down to clean off any loose dirt/dust.
- Wash sheets, towels, and linens
- Wash the pillow if needed
- Hang a pillow or blanket in the sun for a few hours to dry out.
- Wash the pillow in the washing machine if machine washable
- Vacuum or sweep the floor
- Clean under the bed
- Clean the walls and change the dishes
- Clean the door and handle
- Lights and lamps are clean
- Wash windows, windowsills, and shutters
- Clean out nightstands and drawers and throw away damaged items such as old lipstick
- Take the clothes out of the drawer, clean the drawer, and put the clothes back. (This may not be the time to start KonMari folding, but I recommend checking it out!)
- Put the cloth back in the air freshener drawer.
Spring is also a good time to declutter your closet and refresh your wardrobe. I like to use this season to make clothes simple and change things seasonally. Capsule wardrobes can make dressing easier and prevent the room from being overcrowded.
If it has been several years, check if the mattress still provides good support. Sometimes, a better night’s sleep is just an improvement in bed quality. This is the group we love.
Bathroom or utility room
The laundry room often becomes a place for cleaning, storage, and random household items. A quick reset helps organize things. I also keep this printable reference guide on how to treat stains in my laundry room.
Bathroom cleaning checklist:
- Open a window or use an air filter
- Light dust, shelf, and surface
- Remove everything from cabinets and shelves. Clean up and organize what’s left.
- Clear shelves and cabinets
- Get rid of old cleaning products or damaged equipment
- Wash the detergent in the dryer
- Deep cleans the washing machine
- Wash the dry cleaning trap with dish soap to remove the build-up
- Clean air dry
- Clean the walls and floorboards
- Sweep and clean the floor
- Organize laundry products and return as needed
- Replace or replace the cleaning wool ball if necessary
This is also a good time to evaluate the space and see if a better design would help. Maybe it’s time to put a coat hook in the mud, a mat for muddy shoes, or a shelf to store the laundry that is currently piling up on the floor.
Make spring cleaning a family routine
Whole-house cleaning can be tricky, but breaking it down into rooms makes it easier to manage. When you sign up for my VIP newsletter, you’ll receive a free in-depth survey list as a thank you here. I’m giving you a printable of my full house hall with a room cleaning template with spaces to organize it.
I like to print out the checklist and put it in a binder so it can be used again every year. Turn on a favorite playlist, open a window, and enjoy the fresh air while you work. By the time you are done, the whole house will be brighter, cleaner and ready for the new season. Happy cleaning!
Did I miss anything in the checklist? I would love to hear what you think.
