The Ultimate List of Spring Cleaning Tips: Free Planning Guide

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In this post, you’ll learn practical spring cleaning tips for your home, get access to a spring cleaning guide with spring cleaning checklists, and learn how to create a personalized spring home reset that actually works for your lifestyle.

The transition from winter to spring is honestly one of the best feelings. After months of hibernating inside like a bear and it getting dark at 4:30 in the afternoon, spring finally shows up and everything just feels lighter.

And I don’t know if you’ve noticed this too, but everyone’s mood shifts in the spring. Music is blasting in people’s cars, people are more willing to help, and everyone just seems… happier.

That same fresh-start energy is exactly why spring is the perfect time to reset your home.

Spring cleaning is one of my must-dos every year. It’s the best time to deep clean the areas we’ve all been quietly ignoring—like dusty ceiling fans. Or, in my case, a glass front door covered in toddler handprints that I’ve been pretending not to see.

Spring is when I finally say, I’m not neglecting these areas anymore.

In this post, I’m sharing a bunch of spring cleaning tips and a spring cleaning guide with a printable spring cleaning checklist and planner.

Because trust me—you want to start spring cleaning with a plan.

Otherwise, you’ll end up like past me: starting in one room, leaving it halfway done, starting another room… and then not finishing either for days.

So let’s get your home smelling fresh, feeling lighter, and fully reset this spring.

Planning Your Spring Cleaning

A successful spring home reset starts with a plan. Before you start scrubbing and getting to it, take some time to map things out. This is one of the most important spring cleaning tips if you want to save time, energy, and overwhelm.

1. Schedule Your Spring Cleaning Time

Decide when you’re going to spring clean and how long you realistically need. Some people prefer knocking everything out in one day, while others spread it out over a weekend or several days.

Once you decide on a timeframe, put it on your calendar. When spring cleaning is scheduled, it’s far more likely to actually get done.

I used to deep clean everything in a single day or weekend. Now that I have a toddler, I break my spring cleaning up over several days—and honestly, it’s much more manageable.

💡 Pro Tip: Break your cleaning into zones (kitchen day, bedroom day, etc.) This works perfectly alongside a spring cleaning checklist and keeps burnout away.

2. Gather and Organize Your Cleaning Supplies

If you’ve been neglecting deep cleaning all winter, chances are you need to restock on some of your spring cleaning supplies and think about tools that make cleaning faster and easier.

For example, I would rather not handwash my couch or rugs because it would take me all day. Instead, I use a carpet cleaner and upholstery cleaner to save time and get a deeper clean with less effort.

My Go-To Tools for Deep Spring Cleaning

These are my favorite tools for deep cleans and seasonal resets like spring cleaning. They make my life so much easier, and I couldn’t live without them. Especially my Dyson cordless vacuum cleaning caddy and mops.

Here are some of my all-time favorite tools for deep cleans like a spring cleaning.

1. Extendable dusting tool: I love the Bona dusting system because it actually traps dust, comes with reusable dusters, and extends up to six feet to reach hard-to-get places like ceiling fans. Because who wants to risk their life standing on a chair?
2. Ionic dishwashing brush set: This is a magnetized brush set that stands up on its own. Which means no more messy brushes all over the sink. It keeps my sink area super neat and organized, and it comes in a few modern color options.
3. Mops: I use both the JoyMoop mop and the Bona spray mop for different types of cleaning. The JoyMoop is great for deep floor cleans with its modern bucket and built-in scraper, while the Bona spray mop is perfect for quick cleanups or low-traffic areas.
4. Electric spin scrubber: I bought this electric spin scrubber a few months ago and love how versatile it is. It comes with multiple heads and adjustable lengths, making it perfect for hard-to-reach spots.
5. Deep cleaning rug and upholstery cleaner: If you have floor rugs, area rugs, or fabric furniture, I highly recommend investing in a deep-cleaning rug and upholstery cleaner like the Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe carpet cleaner.
6. Bathroom cleaning supplies: The Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and Mr. Clean, Clean Freak: Bathroom are amazing products. They’re the only things that consistently remove soap scum for me.
7. Handheld steam cleaner: The Bissell OmniReach Handheld Steamer is great for cleaning grout or soap scum from tile in the shower, windows, stoves, and other difficult areas to get to. When I see the steam, I just know everything is getting deep cleaned.
8. Electric waterless oil diffuser: Who doesn’t want their home to smell fresh during the spring? This electric waterless diffuser pairs with your phone as a remote and makes your home smell clean and fresh.
9. Powerful cordless vacuum: I couldn’t live without my Dyson vacuum Between kids and a husky that sheds daily, I would lose my mind if I had a vacuum with a cord. It’s expensive, but it’s money well spent.
10. Cleaning solutions: I love the Method glass, wood, and all-purpose cleaner; they smell great, and they are so affordable.
11. Reusable cleaning bottles: I decided to order these plastic cleaning bottles so every cleaning product can be organized and look uniform. They also fit neatly in my caddy organizer bag shown above. I made my own modern black labels, but the matte black labels should work as well for many cleaning supplies.
12. Cleaning supplies caddy: This cleaning supplies caddy bag has been a game changer for spring cleaning and regular cleaning. I used to lose all my cleaning products while cleaning and have to lug each bottle from room to room without a bag. I was losing time and my brain.
13. Microfiber cloths: I have been using these Siga microfiber cloths for years, and they have saved me so much money on paper towels. They are highly absorbent, don’t collect lint, are great for dusting, and last a very long time.

The Most Overlooked Areas We Forget to Maintain

When following spring cleaning tips, most of us focus on the areas we clean daily, weekly, or monthly. That’s exactly why spring is the perfect time to tackle the areas we often neglect, forget about, or avoid altogether.
These overlooked areas play an important role in keeping your home safe, efficient, and running properly—making them a key part of any spring home reset.

Use spring cleaning as a timely reminder to:

1. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed
2. Seal leaks or drafts inside and outside the home (look for peeling or chipping paint, which can signal water intrusion).
3. Replace HVAC or air purifier filters
4. Check heating and air conditioning systems
5. Purchase or inspect fire extinguishers and check expiration dates
6. Inspect boilers or heating systems for leaks, rust, or unusual noises
7. Test security cameras and doorbell cameras to make sure they are connected and working properly
8. Replace batteries in security sensors, keypads, or smart locks
9. Check gas burners for even ignition and blue flames
10. Make sure stove knobs turn smoothly and are secure
11. Clean dryer vents and lint traps to reduce fire risk
12. Test outdoor lighting and replace burnt-out bulbs
13. Inspect window screens for tears and repair or replace
14. Check under the sinks for leaks, moisture, or mold.

What to Deep Clean in Each Room of the House

As you clean drawers, closets, cabinets, and storage spaces in each room, declutter and organize as you go. Throw out expired or unwanted items, donate items in good condition, wipe down surfaces, and return everything in an organized way.

This approach works perfectly alongside a spring decluttering checklist.

What to Deep Clean in Each Room of the House

1. Vacuum & mop all floors
2. Ceiling fans and light fixtures: Dust and wipe clean
3. Doors & light switches: Wipe down doors, frames, handles, and sanitize switches
4. Room surfaces: Clean furniture surfaces, counters, and shelves.
5. Every sink: Declog and clean drains to prevent buildup
6. Rugs & furniture: Deep clean fabric surfaces and wipe down furniture.
7. Move furniture and large appliances: Clean underneath and behind (especially couches)
8. Windows: Clean glass, frames, and screens.
9. Blinds & curtains: Dust blinds and wash or freshen curtains
10. Fireplace & chimney: Clean after winter use
11. Indoor garbage cans: Wash and disinfect, especially kitchen trash cans
12. Wall décor & mirrors: Dust frames, art, and mirrors
13. Walls & baseboards: Wipe down accumulated dust

Kitchen-Specific Spring Cleaning Tips

The kitchen gets used daily, which makes it one of the most important areas to deep clean during spring. These spring cleaning tips will help you reset your kitchen and keep it running efficiently.

Refrigerator/Freezer

Clean out, declutter, your refrigerator by throwing out items that are expired or you don’t use. Wipe down shelves, drawers, doors, and the sides of window doors. Wipe down the exterior of the refrigerator as well as the top of the fridge.

All Appliances

Deep clean the inside and outside of all kitchen appliances. This includes, microwaves, toasters, toaster ovens, crockpots, and any other appliances that get heavy use.

Drinking Water

Replace the refrigerator water filter as recommended by the manufacturer, usually every six months. If you use an electronic water dispenser or water filter pitcher, follow the maintenance directions from the manufacturer to clean it.

If you have a large water system for the whole house, schedule yearly maintenance or follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean the system. Especially if you want it to last a while.

Coffee or Espresso Maker

Descale your coffee maker and wash removable parts. This will definitely improve your coffee’s taste and freshness.

Stove Top and Oven

Deep clean your burners, grates, and drip pans. Run self-cleaning mode for your oven, and clean and wipe down the inside of your oven once it’s cool.

Dishwasher

Clean the filter and run a cleaning cycle. Wipe down the door gasket.

Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers

Wipe down cabinets, cabinet handles, and declutter cabinets and drawers.

Living Room-Specific Spring Cleaning

Since the living room is where everyone gathers, it’s one of the quickest spaces to get dirty and cluttered. A spring clean brings it back to feeling fresh and inviting.

TV and Entertainment Center

Dust the TV and other electronic devices near the TV carefully. Hide cords that are seen with cord organizers.

Remote Controls and Electronics

Disinfect remote controls, game controllers, fireplace remotes, or any other frequently touched electronics.

Lamps &Lampshades

Dust the lamps and lampshades. Clean any stains on the fabric of the lampshades.

Throw Pillows and Blankets

Wash blankets and throw pillows if the cases can be removed. If not, clean the throw pillows with your upholstery cleaner.

Bathroom Specific Spring Cleaning Tips

From hard water buildup to hidden grime, bathrooms can use a little extra attention during spring cleaning. After a long winter, my bathrooms always need some extra love. These bathroom spring cleaning tips will help you deep clean and refresh your space from top to bottom.

Showers and Bathtubs

Deep clean grout and tile on shower walls and doors and scrub the inside and outside of the tub. I love the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers for this; they’re the only cleaning product that cuts through the soap scum for me.

Remove and wash shower curtains and liners (or just replace them if it’s been way too long). Don’t forget to clean and descale showerheads to remove mineral buildup that slowly affects water pressure.

Bathroom Vanities

Disinfect toothbrush holders, soap dispensers, and daily used items on your vanity. Wipe down light fixtures, mirrors, backsplashes, and walls behind the sink. Clean out vanity drawers and cabinets, declutter expired products, and organize what you actually use. This makes everyday routines feel so much better.

Bathroom Toilets

Clean and disinfect the toilet base, hinges, and behind the toilet (a very overlooked spot). Scrub the bowl, sanitize the seat and flush handle, and give everything a thorough wipe-down. It’s not glamorous, but it makes a huge difference.

Bathroom Upkeep

Remove and wash bathroom exhaust fan covers and gently clean dust from the blades. To remove mineral deposits from showerheads, fill a bag with vinegar, submerge the showerhead, and let it soak for 30–60 minutes. Run hot water afterward and clear clogged holes with a small brush or toothpick.

Bathroom Linens

Wash or replace dirty bathroom towels, washcloths, and bath mats. If they are looking worn, spring is a perfect excuse to upgrade your linens. I personally think fresh linens make the bathroom feel cleaner.

Bedroom-Specific Spring Cleaning Tips

Bedrooms deserve extra attention during a spring refresh since it’s where we spend most of our time resting and recharging. Here are some areas to deep clean in your bedroom.

Beds and Linens

Rotate or flip your mattress if it’s recommended by the manufacturer. Wash your pillows, pillow protectors, mattress covers, sheets, blankets, comforters, and anything else you haven’t washed in a while. Vacuum the mattress and deodorize it with baking soda and a few drops of essential oil, then vacuum again after a few hours. Spot clean any stains, and don’t skip cleaning under the bed because dust loves hiding there.

If your bedding has seen better days, a spring refresh with new sheets or blankets can make your whole bedroom feel brand new.

Bedroom Electronics

Wipe down TVs, remotes, and any other electronics to remove dust buildup.

Bedroom Closets and Drawers

Donate or throw out unworn or damaged clothes, shoes, belts, and other accessories. Wipe down closet shelves, rods, and any parts of your closet system to remove dust and buildup. Finish by switching out seasonal clothing and replacing it with items you’ll actually wear this season. For more organizing ideas, check out my post How to Organize Your Bedroom: 30 Ways to Transform Your Space.

Air & Smell Refresh

Take a few minutes to clean vents and air returns, then freshen up laundry hampers that can hold onto odors. Finish by adding a room spray, candle, or diffuser for a clean, cozy scent. Bedrooms tend to trap smells over time, and this simple step makes a noticeable difference.

Home Office Specific Spring Cleaning

The home office is another area in the home that can use a good spring cleaning, especially if you haven’t cleaned it in a while. Between paperwork you no longer need, unused supplies, and a filing system that’s gotten out of control, this space can easily become cluttered and overwhelming.

Paperwork & Files

Go through paperwork and shred anything outdated or no longer needed. Organize important documents into clearly labeled folders or a filing system that actually makes sense for how you work. If you can digitize paperwork, even better. Less paper equals less mess.

Declutter Office Supplies

Toss dried-out pens, broken staplers, and random supplies you never use. Group similar items together so you’re not digging through drawers every time you need something.

Desk & Work Surfaces

Clear everything off your desk and wipe it down, including drawers and keyboard trays. Only put back what you use daily. If you want more tips, check out my post on how to organize your desk for maximum productivity.

Electronics & Cords

Dust your monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, and any other electronics. Use compressed air for keyboards and cord organizers to tame messy wires. A few minutes here makes a huge difference.

Kid’s Playroom Spring Cleaning

Kids’ playrooms get messy daily and even messier over time. Between snack crumbs everywhere, crayons and paint on the walls, and toys constantly misplaced, this room really takes a beating.

Toy Reset & Declutter

If you have little ones, get them involved in spring cleaning their playroom. Remove anything broken, missing pieces, or no longer age-appropriate. Toys always mix together, so sorting by category (blocks, dolls, puzzles) helps keep things organized longer.

Toy Cleaning & Sanitizing

Wash plastic toys in warm, soapy water or on the top of your dishwasher rack. Disinfect frequently used toys or larger toys like play kitchens, ride-ons, or a tool station. Wash stuffed animals or freeze them overnight to kill dust mites. Oh, and don’t forget to inspect bath toys for mold.

Furniture and Play Equipment

Wipe down tables, chairs, shelves, and any play equipment to remove sticky fingerprints and built-up grime. Don’t forget to clean inside toy bins and baskets, since crumbs seem to magically collect there. This is also a good time to check for loose screws or damage to keep everything safe.

Storage & Organization

Take a few minutes to organize toy bins and shelves so everything has a designated spot. A simple system, like picture labels, can make daily cleanup quicker and easier for both kids and parents.

Don’t forget the floor

Like every room in your home, don’t forget to deep clean the playroom floor. In a kids’ playroom, this area gets filthy, so sanitize foam mats (my kids’ floor mats get gross), clean floor cushions, and give rugs a deep clean with a powerful carpet cleaner.

Laundry Room Specific Spring Cleaning

The laundry room works hard year-round, so spring cleaning is a great time to clean it out, freshen it up, and make it more efficient.

Declutter Cleaning Supplies

Washer Machine Deep Clean

Run a clean cycle on your washing machine to remove detergent buildup, mold, and odors. Wipe down the rubber gasket on the front-load washers, clean the detergent drawer, and wipe down the interior and exterior of the machine.

Dryer & Lint Areas

Empty and wash the lint trap, then wipe down the inside of the dryer drum. Don’t forget to clean behind and underneath the dryer, where lint loves to hide. Check the dryer vent hose for buildup to improve efficiency and keep things safer.

Utility Sink

Clean and disinfect the utility sink, faucet, and surrounding counters where stains are washed. Scrub the sink basin and descale the faucet if mineral buildup is present.

Clean Walls, Machines, Counters & Small Details

Wipe down the outside of the washer and dryer, paying attention to buttons, knobs, and handles. Spot clean walls, baseboards, and the area behind machines where splashes and dust tend to build up.

Basement & Attic

The basement and attic are often neglected during spring cleaning, but they tend to build up the most clutter. Here are some spring cleaning tips that will help you tidy up these spaces.

Declutter & Sort

Work in small sections and group items by category before putting anything back. My basement attic always collects clutter by spring, so I use this time to declutter and create more storage space. Attics especially tend to hold forgotten or seasonal items, so be intentional about what you keep and remove anything broken or no longer used.

Sweep, Dust & Clean

Sweep basement floors and light surfaces, shelves, and storage bins. Remove cobwebs and wipe down areas where dirt and dust build up after winter.

Organize for Function

Store frequently used items where they are easy to reach, and move seasonal or rarely used items higher or farther back. I like to use shelving in my basement and garage to maximize storage space, because stacking bins on top of each other makes items harder to get to. I also label the bins to keep everything contained and easy to find.

Safety & Maintenance Check

Look for signs of moisture, leaks, pests, or mold. Make sure chemicals, tools, and heavy items are stored safely and that walkways are clear and stable.

Outdoor Spring Cleaning

Winter can definitely leave outdoor areas looking a little disheveled and rough, so spring cleaning outside helps freshen everything up and boost your home’s curb appeal again.

Outdoor Trash Cans

Our outdoor trash cans get funky smelling between two toddlers and a dog. Hose down the inside of your trash and recycling bins, then use soap and water to help remove odors. If you can reach it, wipe down the inside as well.

Power Wash or Hose Down Outdoor Surfaces

If the outside of your home needs it, spring is a great time to power wash. Power washing removes pollen, mildew, and grime from siding, driveways, walkways, decks, and fencing and helps prevent long-term damage.

If you do not have a power washer, you can hire someone, skip it, or use a regular hose to clean outdoor furniture, decks, and other outdoor items.

Clean Gutters & Downspouts

Unclog gutters from sticks, leaves, and other debris so water can flow freely. This helps prevent roof damage, leaks, and foundation issues over time.

Bring Seasonal Items Out and Put Away Winter Gear

Put away winter items such as shovels, salt, and car brushes. Bring out outdoor furniture and cushions, power wash, hose down, and then wipe down each piece of furniture.

Bring out outdoor furniture and cushions, hose them down or power wash if needed, and wipe everything clean. Store warm-weather items like bikes and lawn equipment in easy to reach spots.

Tidy Up Landscaping and Yard Areas

Remove leaves, dead plants, trim shrubs, edge walkways, and pull weeds. Freshen things up with new plants, flowers, or mulch if needed.

Outdoor Furniture

Hose down and wipe outdoor furniture. Put fabric covers in the wash or use your upholstery power washer to deep clean cushions.

Declutter Outdoor Storage Spaces

Clean out your garage, shed, and outdoor storage bins. Toss broken items, organize tools, and create zones for gardening, lawn care, and seasonal décor.

Prep grills and outdoor cooking areas

Deep clean your grill, check propane tanks, and wipe down prep surfaces so you’re ready for cookouts and backyard dinners.

Refresh Decor and Planters

Clean planters, toss old soil, and add fresh plants or flowers. Simple touches like a new welcome mat or outdoor pillows make a big difference.

You’ve Got This

I hope these spring cleaning tips help when you start your spring cleaning. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out where to start and what to do, which is exactly why I created a spring cleaning guide and checklist just for you.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE GUIDE

I hope you enjoy the process. Take your time, break tasks into chunks, ask for help, or spread everything out over a few days. And don’t forget to treat yourself when you’re done. You deserve it after all that hard work.

If you found this spring cleaning guide helpful, you might also love these posts:

• How to Organize a Desk Space for Maximum Productivity
• 24 Ways to Keep a Kitchen Clean When Life Gets Messy
• How to Organize Your Bedroom: 30 Ways to Transform Your Space
• 16 Simple Ways to Keep a Clutter-Free Home All Year Long
• How to Declutter Your Closet and Make Space for What You Wear