How to Create a Spring Cleaning Checklist
All Natural Spring Cleaning Supplies
Spring Cleaning Poll
Which month do you complete your spring cleaning?
Steps to Create a Spring Cleaning Checklist
Whether you use the sample list provided in this article or you create your own, writing the list is only half the battle. You need to have a plan on how to accomplish the list as well. By following these steps you can create a spring cleaning list and get it all done before the daffodils start popping up.
- Determine how much time you have for spring cleaning. Will you be cleaning for a few hours, a few days or a week? The amount of time you have for spring cleaning will determine how much you can put on your list.
- Walk around from room to room and make a list for each room of what you want to clean or what you notice needs to be cleaned.
- Gather all the cleaning supplies and equipment you will need to complete your list. If you have to rent any equipment, make sure you will be able to get the equipment back on time to avoid extra fees.
- Gather some helpers. Some jobs will go better if you have an extra set of hands. Have your kids help or see if their is a teenager nearby that would like to make some extra money.
- Organize your list in the order of how you want to accomplish the cleaning tasks. If you are shampooing your rug and will need to go through that area for other tasks, save the shampooing for the end of the list. Think about the layout of your home and try to arrange your list in a way that lets you easily flow from one activity to the other.
Best Way to Organize Your Cleaning List
Most people organize their spring cleaning checklist in one of two ways, by room or by tasks. Some people prefer to clean an entire room and then move onto the next, while others would rather clean all the windows in the house and then do all the carpets, and so on.
The layout of your home, the time you have to commit to cleaning and the number of helpers will all determine which way is best for you. Below is a chart of common things that most people choose to clean during the spring. If you are looking for a more detailed room by room cleaning list, check out the blog, Imperfect Homemaking.
Spring Cleaning List
Cleaning Activity
| Supplies and Equipment Needed
| Amount of Time it May Take
|
|---|---|---|
cleaning windows inside and out
| vinegar and newspaper, power washer for outside of windows
| about 10 minutes per set of windows
|
scrubbing walls
| old rags, bucket, warm soapy water
| time will vary based on room size
|
shampooing carpets
| professional rug steam cleaner and steam machine cleaner or vinegar and water mixture
| 2-6 hours to scrub and dry
|
ceilings and ceiling corners
| extendable duster or vacuum hose, ladder, damp rag
| 10-20 minutes per room
|
door, door jams and frame
| rag, bucket with warm soapy water, drying rag
| 5-10 minutes per door
|
electronics and behind media areas
| extendable duster, damp rag, compressed air in a can
| 10-15 minutes per media area
|
heating vents
| thin duster or vacuum hose, damp rag
| 2-5 minutes per vent
|
heating and allergen filters
| new filters or manufacturers recommended cleaning supplies
| 5-10 minutes
|
ceiling fans
| extendable and foldable duster or vacuum hose with brush attachment
| 2-5 minutes per fan
|
stairs
| for wooden stairs-water with oil soap, bucket and rag/for carpeted stairs-small scrub brush and carpet cleaner
| 30+ minutes depending on the amount of steps
|
furniture-upholstery, behind and under
| depending ont he upholstery you will need either a steam cleaner or a washing machine/ a broom and vacuum will be needed for cleaning under and behind
| 2-3 hours for cleaning and drying
|
window coverings-curtains and blinds
| washing machine (delicate setting for curtains) or bathtub with warm water and vinegar for blinds
| 2-3 hours to wash and dry
|
How to Wash Mini-Blinds in the Bathtub
How to Clean Glass and Mirrors with Vinegar and Newspaper
Things you Might Need to Replace Not Clean During Spring Cleaning
Although most things can be cleaned once or twice a year and last for decades, there are some things that may be better to replace on yearly basis. The following list contains items that most people have around their home but rarely replace. Replacing these things on a yearly basis could reduce the chance of mold and mildew growing in your home.
- shower curtain liners
- large cleaning sponges and mop heads
- worn out filters on vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and heating vents
- small floor mats or entrance rugs
- toilet brushes
Great Resources for Cleaning Your Carpets
Whether you have a home with carpeting in every room or just one room, cleaning those carpets with a steam cleaner on a regular basis is a must. You can rent steam cleaners at most grocery stores or if you want to buy one, check out this review on the Bissell ProHeat. Although all steam cleaners have expensive chemical-filled cleaners that come with them, you can use more natural solutions (like white vinegar and water) in the cleaners and get the same results without ruining the machine or filling your home with chemicals. If you have pets, try this great homemade carpet cleaner.
The most important thing to remember when cleaning your carpets is to have lots of air flow and keep everyone off of the carpet completely for 12-24 hours so that it can dry properly.
