The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

Read on to see our room-by-room checklist that will ensure you hit all the major spots during your big cleanse.

This oft-neglected spot in the home deserves your full attention – after all, it offers guests a first impression of your abode. Wipe down your front door, shake out your door mats, scrub any and all railings and light fixtures and make sure shoes are organized and (mostly) out of sight. You’ll have your space looking like this gem designed by the Property Brothers in no time.

Giving the living room a deep clean can be a nightmare. To make sure you don’t miss a spot, double check that you’ve vacuumed all upholstery and lamp shades, washed all throw pillows and blankets, polished furniture, shampooed any carpets and scrubbed all windows or mirrors. Don’t forget to give a quick wipe-down to any houseplants, too! We’ve also outlined three items to toss this second from every room in your home.

You might need to tag-team this space as an entire family. Start by organizing the pantry, discarding any items that are passed their expiration date. Wash the kitchen cabinets and give the oven a deep clean before turning to the microwave. Move the fridge and clean the space behind it before tackling the interior contents. Before long, your kitchen will be sparkling like this beauty from Fixer Upper‘s Chip and Joanna Gaines.

The dining room needs (and deserves) just as much attention as the kitchen. Wipe down the table and dust off furniture and decorative pieces scattered throughout the room. Dust the light fixtures and wash any chair cushions and place mats. It might not take you as long as you think: This modest space renovated by the Making it Home With Kortney and Dave stars doesn’t overpower the room with unnecessary decor.

Admit it: This is your least favourite room in the house to clean (we don’t blame you). But tag-teaming this often-grungy space can make the experience a whole lot easier. One person can clean and disinfect the bathtub (even the shower head!) and toilet (don’t forget the pipes) while the other can wash bathmats and shower curtains or liners. Thoroughly wipe down all counter space and mirrors while reorganizing the space beneath the sink to house all your personal effects. Don’t forget to break out the mop to give the floor tiles a deep clean. To prevent clogging, check out these things you have to stop flushing down your toilet and drain.

This pristine Save My Reno guest bedroom is giving us serious decor and cleanliness goals. Whether you’re tidying the guest space or your master suite, the bedroom requires just as much diligence as the kitchen or bathroom. Start by washing all the bedding, including pillows. While they’re tumbling in the washing machine, vacuum the mattress for grit and dust before flipping it. Purge your closet and the space under the bed. Consider organization bins that will make storage a breeze.

When tackling the oft-forgotten laundry room, be sure to run white vinegar through the washer for some serious sanitation. When it comes to the dryer, empty the lint trap and wipe down the interior walls of the drum. Once completed, clean behind both appliances – just be mindful of not stretching the dryer hose too much. Clean all surfaces, shelving and storage bins with a reusable cloth before mopping the floor. For more cleaning ideas, The Home Edit founders share their laundry room organization tips.

What better time to prep for the advent of summer than by turning your spring cleaning attention to the backyard? Start by rinsing the entire patio with a hose before tackling the really grungy spots with warm water and an eco-friendly cleaner. Next, remove the outdoor furniture from storage and wipe it down. Remove any chair cushions and give them a good soapy rinse. If you’re looking to upgrade, consider replacing old or rundown light fixtures for something a little more fun and modern. Looking to incorporate more greenery? Check out the cheapest plants for your home and garden.

The arrival of spring is a great time to rummage through all that junk that has accumulated in your garage over the winter. Declutter the space by donating, recycling or selling old, gently used or unwanted items. Wipe down and sweep out the garage before tackling the floor with a hose or squeegee. Don’t forget to wash the doorframe and any windows. If you’re comfortable with it, leave the garage door open for a few hours to really let it air out. Consider storage bins and bike mounts for additional organization. If you’re looking to to have a little fun with the space, check out these garage doors that are anything but ordinary.