Spring cleaning season is here, and tackling your entire home can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive spring cleaning checklist breaks down the 20 most important items to clean, ensuring you don’t miss anything during your annual deep clean.

Kitchen Spring Cleaning Items

1. Refrigerator Deep Clean

Start your spring cleaning in the heart of your kitchen with a thorough refrigerator clean:

• Remove all items and discard expired food
• Take out and wash shelves and drawers with warm, soapy water
• Wipe down interior walls with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar
• Clean door seals with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda solution
• Vacuum refrigerator coils (typically located on the back or bottom)

2. Oven and Stovetop Refresh

Your oven likely accumulated grime during winter comfort food cooking:

• Run the self-cleaning cycle if available (or use oven cleaner for manual cleaning)
• Remove stovetop grates and soak in hot, soapy water
• Deep clean burner heads, removing any food debris from holes
• Polish stainless steel surfaces with appropriate cleaner
• Clean range hood and replace or wash filter

3. Kitchen Cabinet Organization

Spring is the perfect time to reorganize your food storage:

• Empty each cabinet completely
• Wipe down shelves with all-purpose cleaner
• Check expiration dates on all packaged foods
• Reorganize items by category, placing frequently used items at eye level
• Consider adding shelf liners for easier future cleaning

4. Dishwasher Maintenance

Your dishwasher needs cleaning too:

• Remove and clean the filter at the bottom
• Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaning tablet or cup of white vinegar
• Clean around the door seal with a soft brush
• Wipe down exterior and control panel
• Check and clean spray arms to ensure water flows freely

Bathroom Spring Cleaning Items

5. Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Often overlooked but critical for preventing mold and mildew:

• Turn off power to the fan at the circuit breaker
• Remove the cover (usually by pulling down gently)
• Vacuum dust from fan blades and housing
• Wash the cover in warm, soapy water
• Check that the fan is working properly when reinstalled

6. Grout and Tile Refresh

Restore your bathroom’s sparkle with this deep cleaning task:

• Mix a paste of baking soda and water
• Apply to grout lines with an old toothbrush
• For stubborn stains, spray with hydrogen peroxide and let sit for 10 minutes
• Scrub grout lines in circular motions
• Rinse thoroughly and apply grout sealer when dry

7. Medicine Cabinet Purge

Safety first with this important spring cleaning task:

• Remove all items and wipe down shelves
• Check expiration dates on medications and properly dispose of expired ones
• Organize remaining items by category
• Restock essential first aid supplies
• Clean mirrors on medicine cabinet doors

8. Shower Head Descaling

Improve water flow and eliminate mineral buildup:

• Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar
• Secure it around the shower head with a rubber band
• Let soak for 1 hour (overnight for severe buildup)
• Remove bag and run hot water to flush
• Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth

Bedroom Spring Cleaning Items

9. Mattress Refresh

Your mattress deserves attention during spring cleaning:

• Strip all bedding and wash in hot water
• Vacuum the mattress surface thoroughly using upholstery attachment
• Spot clean stains with appropriate cleaner
• Sprinkle baking soda over entire surface, let sit for several hours, then vacuum
• Rotate or flip mattress if recommended by manufacturer

10. Closet Organization

Spring is the ideal time for a wardrobe transition:

• Remove all clothing and wipe down shelves and rods
• Evaluate winter clothing before storing—donate or discard unworn items
• Store clean winter clothing in breathable containers
• Bring out spring/summer clothing
• Consider using the hanger trick: turn all hangers backward, then turn them forward only after wearing an item

11. Under-Bed Cleaning

The forgotten zone under your bed:

• Move bed (if possible) or use long-handled tools to reach underneath
• Remove and discard any trash or lost items
• Vacuum thoroughly, including along baseboards
• Consider storage containers for seasonal items
• Use dust repellent spray after cleaning

12. Ceiling Fan Dusting

Prevent dust distribution when you turn on fans for warmer weather:

• Place an old pillowcase over each blade, then pull back to capture dust
• Wipe blades with microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner
• Clean light fixtures and replace bulbs if needed
• Check for wobbling and tighten screws if necessary
• Consider reversing fan direction for spring/summer

Living Areas Spring Cleaning Items

13. Upholstery Deep Clean

Refresh your fabric furniture:

• Remove and wash all removable covers according to care instructions
• Vacuum thoroughly using upholstery attachment
• Spot clean stains following manufacturer recommendations
• Steam clean if appropriate for your furniture type
• Allow to dry completely before replacing cushions

14. Baseboards and Crown Molding

These dust collectors need annual attention:

• Dust thoroughly using microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment
• Wipe down with solution of warm water and mild dish soap
• For painted moldings, remove scuffs with magic eraser
• Touch up paint as needed
• Apply a thin layer of furniture polish to wood moldings

15. Window Treatments

Curtains and blinds harbor surprising amounts of dust:

• Vacuum fabric curtains with upholstery attachment
• Launder washable curtains according to care instructions
• Dust blinds from top to bottom (use a blind cleaning tool for efficiency)
• Wipe down curtain rods and hardware
• Check for damage or wear and repair as needed

16. Electronics Cleaning

Your devices need spring cleaning too:

• Unplug all electronics before cleaning
• Use compressed air to remove dust from vents and keyboards
• Wipe screens with microfiber cloth and appropriate cleaner
• Disinfect remote controls, game controllers, and phone cases
• Organize and label cords for easier identification

Whole-House Spring Cleaning Items

17. Air Vents and Filters

Improve air quality with this essential task:

• Turn off HVAC system before beginning
• Remove vent covers and soak in warm, soapy water
• Vacuum inside ducts as far as your vacuum can reach
• Replace air filters (or clean if reusable)
• Consider professional duct cleaning if not done in several years

18. Light Fixtures and Bulbs

Brighten your home by cleaning often-neglected lighting:

• Turn off power before beginning
• Remove fixture covers and wash in warm, soapy water
• Dust bulbs with microfiber cloth (when cool)
• Replace any burned-out bulbs with energy-efficient options
• Wipe down exterior of fixtures and switches

19. Washing Machine Maintenance

Clean the machine that cleans your clothes:

• Run empty hot water cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar
• Wipe down rubber gaskets, paying special attention to folds
• Clean detergent and fabric softener dispensers
• Leave door open when not in use to prevent mildew
• Check hoses for bulges or leaks and replace if necessary

20. Windows and Screens

Finish your spring cleaning with crystal-clear views:

• Remove and clean window screens (gentle scrub with soapy water)
• Wash windows using your preferred cleaner and lint-free cloth
• Clean window tracks with vacuum and cotton swabs
• Wipe down window sills and frames
• Check for damaged weatherstripping and replace if needed

By methodically working through this 20-item spring cleaning checklist, you’ll ensure your home is refreshed and ready for the warmer months ahead. Breaking these tasks down over several days or weekends makes spring cleaning manageable rather than overwhelming. Remember to work from top to bottom in each room—dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures before cleaning floors—to avoid having to clean surfaces twice.