Spring is the perfect time of year to give your home a much needed deep clean. Our free printable deep cleaning checklist to make your spring clean-up a breeze!
As warmer weather warms up and you feel the urge to let the fresh air into your home, it’s important to ensure that your space is clean and organized. This is the perfect opportunity to involve your family members in the process and make the deep cleaning feel like a less daunting task.
The following are some deep and spring cleaning tips to do around your house along with a printable deep cleaning checklist.
Why should I deep clean my home?
While regular cleaning is important to keep your entire home tidy and presentable, deep cleaning is crucial to maintain a healthy and hygienic clean home.
Deep cleaning the entire house involves a more detailed and thorough cleaning, including hard-to-reach areas that are often neglected during regular basis cleaning.
This type of cleaning helps to eliminate dirt, grime, and germs that can build up over time and can cause health problems. It also helps to extend the lifespan of your home furnishings and appliances.
By investing time and effort in our printable deep cleaning checklist, you can create a clean and healthy living space for you and your family.
I personally make it a point to deep clean my home at least twice a year to ensure that every corner of my home is thoroughly cleaned and maintained.
Things to Know Before Deep Cleaning Your Home
- Have a plan of attack. Use our printable deep cleaning checklist to reduce stress and frustration.
- Gather all the cleaning supplies and tools you’ll need for cleaning.
- Declutter your home and remove any unnecessary items to make cleaning easier.
- Start from the top and work your way down, cleaning ceilings ,walls, and then floors.
- Focus on one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Plan to get behind appliances and under furniture such as sofas and beds.
- Clean areas that get overlooked, such as light switches, door handles, and baseboards.
- Take the opportunity to organize and re-arrange your belongings as you deep clean.
Deep Cleaning Tips from a Pro!
Windows and Mirrors
Eliminate winter grime from your windows by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
To clean windows: apply the solution to the windows and scrub away the dirt. For a flawless, streak-free finish, dry the windows with newspapers.
This cleaning method is equally effective for mirrors. To deep clean the window tracks, use an old toothbrush and a surface cleaner.
Curtain and Blinds
First things first, take down curtains and launder or dry clean them, and dust or vacuum blinds.
Cleaning Hack: Soak a clean sock in one-part water + one-part vinegar to clean dust from blinds.
Clean the Cupboards
Go through every cabinet in the kitchen, pantry, and bathrooms removing every item before cleaning the inside of the cabinet and draws then putting it back.
Consider each item as well: have you used it in the past six months or is it just collecting dust? There’s a good chance you may have items to pitch or donate what you aren’t using.
This process will not only give you a clean and organized space but will also help to declutter and simplify your home.
Clean out the Fridge
Take everything out from the refrigerator and inspect it. Has the expiration date passed? Is it dripping, leaking or otherwise unsanitary or unsavory?
Toss out old leftovers and expired food and reorganize the refrigerator so that commonly used items are easy to access.
Also, give the refrigerator shelves and inside drawers a good scrub to remove debris and spills or stains.
Deep Cleaning your Oven
The night before your home deep cleaning day begins, set the oven to “self-cleaning” mode and prep your oven racks for easy next day cleaning.
Place oven racks in a large plastic garbage and then spray Easy-Off oven cleaner generously over the racks and tie bag. The next day clean oven racks with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry.
Dust Top to Bottom
It is amazing how much dust can accumulate in even the cleanest of homes.
Dust your home thoroughly, including lamps and light bulbs, ceiling fans, moldings, behind and underneath furniture, and shelves.
Polish Furniture
To polish your wood furniture, start by dusting the surface with a soft cloth to remove any loose debris.
Then, apply a small amount of wood polish to another clean cloth and rub it onto the wood in a circular motion. Let the polish sit for a few minutes before buffing it off with another clean, dry cloth to reveal a beautiful, shiny finish.
Wash, Dry, Repeat
Thoroughly wash linens. Remove the sheets, mattress pads, comforter covers, dust ruffles, pillow shams and pillowcase covers from beds and launder.
Also wash any slip covers, blankets or throw rugs. Add a cup of vinegar to the final rinse cycle for an extra burst of freshness.
Be sure to rotate and flip (pillowtops can’t be flipped) mattresses.
Toilet Bowl Cleaning Tip
- Start by pouring a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
- Use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl, making sure to reach all areas, including under the rim.
- Allow the baking soda to sit for a few minutes to help break down and clean stains and odors.
- Next, pour a cup of white vinegar into the toilet bowl.
- As the vinegar and baking soda react, you’ll notice fizzing and bubbling.
- Use the toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl once more, ensuring that the solution reaches all areas.
- Let the solution sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to work their magic.
- Finally, flush the toilet and use the brush to give it a final scrub.
This method is effective at removing tough stains, eliminating odors, and leaving your toilet bowl sparkling clean.
Sweep and Mop
It’s time to tackle those dust bunnies under your furniture! Ensure your floors are spotless by sweeping and mopping them, and vacuuming all rugs and carpets.
For a thorough clean, use a carpet shampoo machine to deep clean carpets and rugs.
Don’t forget to vacuum the baseboards, air vents, and any upholstered furniture, such as sofas or chairs, to remove any embedded dirt or dust. It’s best to use water and vinegar when damp mopping hardwood floors.
Declutter and Organize
Declutter your living space by sorting through stacks of mail, magazines, toys, or other items that have accumulated on surfaces or in corners.
Determine what you want to keep, discard, shred, recycle, or donate. To streamline the process, aim to handle each item only once before finding it a permanent home.
Disinfect Your Home
Sanitizing your home has become more important than ever, right? Cleaning and Sanitizing, so what’s the difference?
Cleaning surfaces: Removes contaminants.
Disinfecting surfaces: Kills germs.
The CDC recommends continuing sanitizing the high traffic touch areas in your home daily to help prevent the spread of germs and viral pathogens.
Here’s a list of approved disinfectants by the EPA that will kill germs and viral pathogens.
You can go the store-bought disinfectant product route, just make sure it’s labeled as a disinfectant. I look for anything with Isopropyl alcohol, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide.
Clean and Disinfect High Contact Surfaces Daily During Flu and Cold Season:
- Light Switches/Plate
- Doorknobs + Drawer Pulls
- Countertop surfaces – Kitchen + Bathrooms
- Toilet + Handle
- Tabletop surfaces
- Sink Faucets + Faucet knobs
- Refrigerator Door Handle + Inside Drawers
- Phones
- Keyboards + Mouse
- Laptops
- Game controllers
- Household Remote Controls
- Hard Surface Toys
Printable Deep Cleaning Checklist for Areas in Your Home
Kitchen
- Clear off all countertops and surfaces, removing any items that don’t belong in the kitchen.
- Clean the exterior of all appliances, including the stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and any other appliances.
- Clean the interior of the refrigerator and freezer, removing all items and wiping down shelves and drawers.
- Deep clean the oven, using a commercial oven cleaner or a natural solution like baking soda and water.
- Clean the stovetop and range hood, removing any grease or grime buildup.
- Scrub the kitchen sink, including the faucet and drain, and wipe down the countertops and backsplash.
- Clean the dishwasher, running a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar.
- Empty and clean out all cabinet doors and drawers, wiping them down with a disinfectant cleaner.
- Clean the floors, sweeping or vacuuming up any debris and mopping with a floor cleaner.
Don’t forget to clean any kitchen tools, such as cutting boards, utensils, and dishes, that have come in contact with raw meat or other food.
Bathrooms
- Remove all items from the countertops, including toiletries and decorations.
- Wipe down all surfaces, including the countertops, bathroom sink, and toilet, with a disinfectant cleaner.
- Clean the inside and outside of the toilet, including the bowl, seat, and tank.
- Scrub the shower and bathtub, including the walls, doors, and fixtures, with a mildew and soap scum remover.
- Clean mirror and windows with glass cleaner.
- Remove any mold or mildew from the grout and tiles in the shower and on the bathroom floor.
- Wash the shower curtain or liner, and replace if necessary.
- Clean the bathroom fan and vent, removing any built-up dust or debris.
- Clean the floor, including behind the toilet and around the baseboards.
- Clean all bathroom accessories, such as towels, rugs, and shower caddies.
By following this deep cleaning checklist, you can ensure that your bathroom is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. A clean bathroom not only looks better, but it also helps to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. So, make sure to add these tasks to your deep cleaning routine and enjoy a fresh and hygienic bathroom.
Bedrooms
- Remove all items from surfaces, such as dressers, nightstands, and shelves.
- Dust all surfaces, including furniture, baseboards, and decor.
- Vacuum or dust the blinds or curtains.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor and mop if necessary.
- Wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, comforters, and blankets.
- Clean the mattress with a vacuum cleaner, paying special attention to the seams and edges.
- Flip or rotate the mattress if necessary.
- Clean the windows, mirrors, and any other glass surfaces with glass cleaner.
- Clean and disinfect any electronic devices, such as TVs and remote controls.
- Organize the closet, drawers, and other storage spaces.
Living Room
- Remove all items from surfaces, such as coffee tables, side tables, and shelves.
- Dust all surfaces, including furniture, baseboards, and decor. Make to clean ceiling fans if you have them.
- Vacuum or dust the blinds or curtains.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor and mop if necessary.
- Clean the windows, mirrors, and any other glass surfaces with glass cleaner.
- Clean and dust any electronic devices, such as TVs, speakers, and remote controls.
- Clean the fireplace, including the hearth, mantel, and any tools.
- Vacuum or dust the upholstery on furniture, including cushions, pillows, and throws.
- Vacuum or dust any rugs or carpeting.
- Organize any clutter and put away items that do not belong in the living room.
A clean and clutter-free main room can help you relax and enjoy your time spent at home. So, make sure to add these tasks to your deep cleaning routine and enjoy a fresh and inviting living room.
Dining Room
- Remove all items from surfaces, such as the dining table, buffet, and cabinets.
- Dust all surfaces, including furniture, baseboards, and decor.
- Vacuum or dust the blinds or curtains.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor and mop if necessary.
- Clean the windows, mirrors, and any other glass surfaces with glass cleaner.
- Clean and dust any electronic devices, such as speakers and remote controls.
- Clean the chandelier or any light fixtures in the dining room.
- Clean and polish any silverware or dishes on display.
- Organize any clutter and put away items that do not belong in the dining room.
- Vacuum or dust any rugs or carpeting.
A clean and tidy dining room can help you enjoy meals with your family or guests in a welcoming and pleasant environment. So, make sure to add these tasks to your deep cleaning routine and enjoy a fresh and inviting dining room.
Home Office or Playroom
- Remove all items from surfaces, such as the desk, shelves, and cabinets.
- Dust all surfaces, including furniture, baseboards, and decor.
- Vacuum or dust the blinds or curtains.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor and mop if necessary.
- Clean the windows, mirrors, and any other glass surfaces with glass cleaner.
- Clean and dust any electronic devices, such as computer screens and keyboards.
- Clean and disinfect toys, books, and other items in the playroom.
- Clean and organize any storage containers or bins.
- Clean and disinfect any high-touch areas, such as door handles and light switches.
- Vacuum or dust any rugs or carpeting.
By following this deep cleaning checklist, you can ensure that your home office or playroom is thoroughly cleaned and organized.
A clean and organized space can help increase productivity and make it more enjoyable to spend time in.
So, make sure to add these tasks to your deep cleaning routine and enjoy a fresh and inviting home office or playroom.
Laundry Room
- Clean and dust all surfaces, including the washer, dryer, shelves, and cabinets.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor and mop if necessary.
- Clean the windows and any other glass surfaces with glass cleaner.
- Clean and organize any storage containers or bins.
- Clean the lint trap and vacuum out the dryer vent to prevent fire hazards.
- Clean and disinfect the washing machine and dryer, including the drum, door, and detergent dispenser.
- Wipe down the ironing board and iron, and clean the soleplate of the iron.
- Clean and organize laundry supplies, such as detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers.
- Dust and clean any decor or artwork in the laundry room.
- Vacuum or dust any rugs or carpeting.
A clean and organized laundry room can make doing laundry more efficient and enjoyable.
So, make sure to add these tasks to your deep cleaning routine and enjoy a fresh and functional laundry room.
Deep cleaning your home is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment and ensuring that your home is free from harmful bacteria and germs.
Regular deep cleaning can help to prevent the spread of viruses and other illnesses, while also improving the overall appearance and functionality of your living space.
By using this free printable deep cleaning checklist, you can stay organized and ensure that every nook and cranny of your home is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
So, take the first step towards a cleaner and healthier home today by using this printable deep cleaning checklist and making deep cleaning a regular part of your household routine.
Check out our post on how to remove carpet stains with homemade cleaning solutions.
