Spring is a time of renewal — not just for nature, but for our homes as well. A thorough spring-cleaning helps us start fresh by eliminating dust, allergens, and clutter that may have built up over the colder months. It’s also a great opportunity to assess your home’s condition, tackle overdue maintenance tasks, and create a more organized, stress-free environment. Here is a comprehensive checklist that will help set the stage for an enjoyable and productive season ahead.

A true home refresh means a reset of every space, so a thorough cleaning and decluttering will likely be needed throughout. Start with these helpful whole-home tasks:

• Declutter each room, donating or discarding items you no longer need
• Dust all surfaces, including shelves, baseboards, and ceiling fans
• Clean windows, windowsills, blinds, and curtains
• Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly and consider having them professionally cleaned
• Wash walls, doors, trim, and light switches to remove fingerprints and grime
• Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Weather permitting, open all windows while cleaning to bring in the fresh spring air

Once you’ve given everything a good once-over, create a specific plan of action for individual spaces — decide which rooms need to be tackled first and set realistic goals so you can accomplish everything without feeling overwhelmed. 

We all know the kitchen is the heart of the home, so after months of daily use, it can easily accumulate grease, grime, and clutter. Here are some tasks that will help refresh the space:

• Clean and organize pantry, discarding expired food items
• Wipe down cabinets and deep clean appliance exteriors
• Defrost and clean the refrigerator and freezer
• Sanitize sinks and garbage disposals with baking soda and vinegar
• Degrease the stove and oven, including burner grates and knobs

Over time, soap scum, moisture, and everyday use can leave your bathrooms looking a little dull and dingy. Here are some to-dos to get this room back to its spa-like state:  

• Scrub tile and grout, resealing if necessary
• Clean shower doors and tracks
• Wash shower curtains and replace old liners
• Clean mirrors and light fixtures 
• Organize medicine cabinets and dispose of expired medications properly
• Deep clean toilets, sinks, and bathtubs

The average person spends about 26 years of their life sleeping…that is a lot of time! Because of this, your bedroom should be an important part of your spring-cleaning routine, so take some time to:

• Rotate, flip, and clean mattresses
• Wash all bedding, including comforters, pillowcases, and mattress covers
• Organize closets, packing away winter clothes and donating unwanted items
• Dust and wipe down furniture, including headboards, dressers, and nightstands
• Vacuum under the bed and behind all furniture

Your living areas are where you gather, relax, and entertain, so keeping them clean and inviting is key to creating a welcoming atmosphere. You can start by making an effort to:

• Wash all throw pillows and blankets
• Dust and polish furniture and decor
• Clean and condition leather or fabric upholstery
• Vacuum or sweep under furniture and in corners
• Check and replace air filters in HVAC systems

The warmer spring weather means it’s time to head outside! So, when you’ve wrapped up the interior, remember to complete the tasks below and give your outdoor spaces a reset so they’re ready for all of those fun spring and summer activities:

• Sweep porches, patios, and decks
• Bring outdoor furniture out of storage, wipe it down, and wash cushions
• Get out your grill and ensure it is in good working order
• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Inspect your roof for damage or missing shingles
• Power wash siding, driveways, and walkways
• Check and service lawn equipment so it’s ready for the upcoming season

By following this checklist, you’ll be sure to have a clean and comfortable home just in time for the warmer season ahead. Taking the time to refresh your space now will create a more organized environment and make it easier to maintain your home throughout the rest of the year.