Spring Cleaning Checklist

Many people look forward to the warmth and blooming landscapes during spring. However, this time of year also marks the beginning of the allergy season, as increased pollen and dust mite levels can trigger symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes for those with a family history of allergies [*].

This comprehensive spring cleaning guide will show you all the tasks to achieve a spotless and allergy-free home.

What is Spring Cleaning, and Why is it Important?

Spring cleaning is a thorough cleaning of your home that is typically done in the spring. It goes beyond regular cleaning and involves a thorough approach to organizing and removing clutter from different areas of the home. Common spring cleaning tasks include dusting, window cleaning, scrubbing, and changing filters.

This is important because it helps remove accumulated dust, allergens, and clutter, which creates a healthier living space.

Essential Spring-Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need

When gearing up for spring cleaning, be sure to have the right supplies to make the process more efficient and effective. Here’s a comprehensive list of spring cleaning materials to ensure you tackle every task with ease:

• Microfiber cloths
• Paper towels
• Anti-allergen window and surface cleaner
• Disinfectant wipes
• Non-abrasive sponges
• Scrub brushes
• Mop
• Bucket
• Vacuum (with HEPA vacuum filter)
• Duster
• Grout brush
• Trash bags
• Masks
• Cleaning gloves
• Allergy-friendly cleaning solutions (all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and bathroom cleaner)
• Step ladder for reaching high areas

With this array of supplies, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle every aspect of your spring cleaning for a spotless, fresh, and allergy-free home.

Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist

To effectively tackle spring cleaning, approach it room by room. Each area of your home can harbor allergens, so it’s important to make sure that no space is neglected in your efforts.

Here’s a detailed room-by-room spring cleaning checklist:

Living Room

Dust mites thrive in soft furnishings like pillows, mattresses, bedding, and carpets, while pet owners may find pet dander from their animals settling on furniture and floors. Additionally, pollen can enter from outside through open windows.

Follow these cleaning tips for your living room:

• Wear a mask and gloves while cleaning to avoid worsening allergies.
• Dust all surfaces (shelves, tables, mantels)
• Wipe down electronics and decorative items
• Clean and polish furniture
• Vacuum sofas and chairs
• Spot clean stains on upholstery
• Rotate or fluff cushions
• Vacuum carpets and rugs
• Mop hard floors (wood, tile, laminate)
• Clean under furniture
• Clean windows inside and out
• Wipe down mirrors and glass surfaces
• Wash or replace curtains or blinds
• Organize magazines, books, and remote controls
• Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans

Kitchen

Common allergens include mold that grows in damp spots like sinks, dust on surfaces, and food allergens like nuts that may be left behind after cooking. Food spills and crumbs can also attract pests, which add to the problem.

Follow these cleaning tips for your kitchen:

• Wear a mask and gloves while cleaning to avoid worsening allergies.
• Clear and sanitize countertops
• Clean cabinet fronts and handles
• Wipe down the exterior of appliances (fridge, microwave, toaster)
• Clean the oven, stovetop, and range hood
• Empty and clean the dishwasher filter
• Scrub and disinfect the sink
• Clean and polish the faucet
• Remove expired or unwanted items
• Wipe down shelves and drawers
• Clean the refrigerator coils
• Sweep and mop the floor
• Clean under and behind appliances
• Clean pantry shelves and organize food items
• Wash or replace kitchen rugs

Bathrooms

The bathroom can harbor allergens primarily due to its warm and humid environment, which is conducive to mold and mildew growth. Mold spores can be found in damp areas like showers, sinks, and under bathroom mats.

Follow these cleaning tips for your bathroom:

• Wear a mask and gloves while cleaning to avoid worsening allergies.
• Scrub and disinfect the toilet bowl
• Clean and sanitize the toilet seat and handle
• Clean and disinfect the sink and faucet
• Wipe down and sanitize countertops and cabinet fronts
• Scrub and clean tiles, grout, and glass doors
• Remove and clean or replace shower liners and mats
• Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces
• Wipe down light fixtures
• Sweep and mop the floor
• Clean behind and under bathroom furniture
• Empty and clean bathroom trash cans
• Replace or wash bath mats and towels

Bedrooms

Thoroughly cleaning the bedroom is important because it helps reduce dust mites that thrive in bedding, pillows, and carpets. If you allow pets inside, dander can accumulate there, too.

Follow these cleaning tips for your bedroom:

• Wear a mask and gloves while cleaning to avoid worsening allergies.
• Wash all bedding in hot water
• Use allergen-proof covers for pillows and mattresses (zips around the entire mattress) or replace existing ones every 2-3 years.
• Flip or rotate the mattress
• Dust all surfaces (nightstands, dressers, shelves)
• Clean and organize closets and drawers
• Vacuum carpets or rugs
• Mop hard floors if applicable
• Clean under the bed
• Clean windows and mirrors
• Wash or replace curtains
• Organize and declutter nightstands and dressers
• Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans

Hallways and Entryways

You should definitely include hallways and entryways in spring cleaning. These areas often serve as the first point of contact with dirt, allergens, and moisture that are brought in from outside.

Follow these cleaning tips for your hallways and entryways:

• Wear a mask and gloves so as not to exacerbate your allergies
• Dust surfaces (console tables, shelves)
• Clean any decorative items
• Sweep and mop hard floors
• Vacuum rugs and mats
• Clean windows and mirrors
• Wipe down light fixtures and entryway fixtures
• Organize coats, shoes, and accessories
• Clean and disinfect high-touch areas (doorknobs, light switches)

Home Office

Dust, pet dander, and mold can accumulate in your office, especially around electronics and papers. Spring cleaning your home office can significantly improve both your workspace and your productivity.

Follow these cleaning tips for your home office:

• Wear a mask and gloves so as not to exacerbate your allergies
• Dust and clean desks, computer equipment, and shelves
• Organize paperwork and office supplies (Create a filing system for important documents)
• Vacuum or clean the floor
• Wipe down high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, and remote controls with disinfectant wipes

Laundry Area

The laundry area can collect allergens for a few reasons. Common ones include dust, lint, mold, and mildew, which thrive in damp spaces. If not cleaned often, front-loading washing machines can develop mold around the door seals.

Plus, if you wash pet bedding or clothes, pet hair and dander can build up here as well. Follow these cleaning tips for your laundry area:

• Wear a mask and gloves so as not to exacerbate your allergies
• Clean and sanitize the washing machine and dryer
• Move the washer and dryer to sweep or vacuum behind and underneath them to eliminate dust and allergens
• Wipe down countertops and shelves
• Sweep and mop the floor
• If you use reusable laundry bags, wash them
• Consider placing baking soda or activated charcoal in the laundry area to help absorb odors

Basement and Attic

Some people overlook basements and attics during spring cleaning, primarily because these areas are out of sight and often considered less important. However, these areas can harbor dust, mold, and pests, which contribute to poor air quality and potential health issues.

Follow these cleaning tips for your basement and attic:

• Wear a mask and gloves so as not to exacerbate your allergies
• Declutter and organize stored items
• Dust surfaces and vacuum or sweep floors
• Check for any signs of dampness or pests
• Get rid of items that are no longer needed or are damaged beyond repair to free up space
• Store items in airtight containers to protect against moisture and pests
• Open windows or use fans to improve airflow and reduce humidity during cleaning
• Wash windows and ensure vents are clear to improve airflow and natural light

Storage Areas

Storage areas provide a designated space for items that don’t fit into the main living areas. An unclean storage area can harbor dust and mold, and attract pests, which can lead to infestations that can spread throughout the home.

Follow these cleaning tips for your storage areas:

• Wear a mask and gloves so as not to exacerbate your allergies
• Inspect for any signs of mold or mildew, and clean affected surfaces with a mold-killing solution
• Look for signs of pests and take preventive measures, such as sealing cracks and gaps and using traps if necessary
• Dust shelves, floors, and other surfaces to remove accumulated dust and allergens
• Sort through items and remove anything that is no longer needed, damaged, or expired
• Use airtight containers to protect stored items from moisture, dust, and pests

Tips to Maintain a Clean Home After Spring Cleaning

Maintaining a clean home after a thorough spring cleaning can be a challenge, but with the right strategies and habits, it becomes much easier. Here are some practical tips to help you keep your home looking and feeling fresh:

• Declutter regularly. Make it a habit to declutter frequently. Set aside time each week or month to go through items and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Less clutter means less to clean and organize!
• Clean as you go. Tidy up as you go about your daily activities. This could mean wiping down countertops while cooking, putting things back in their place immediately, or making the bed each morning.
• Establish zones. Divide your home into cleaning zones and tackle one zone at a time. This ensures that every area gets attention.
• Involve the whole family. Make cleaning a team effort. Assign tasks to family members or roommates to distribute the workload.
• Address spills and stains immediately. Deal with spills and stains as soon as they happen to prevent them from setting in. This can save you time and effort later on.
• Check and replace filters. Regularly check and replace filters in your HVAC system, air purifiers, and other appliances. Clean filters help improve air quality and reduce dust and allergens in your home.

The Bottom Line

Using the right supplies and a clear checklist can simplify spring cleaning easier and make it more effective. But remember, keeping your home clean doesn’t end with spring cleaning. It’s about creating habits that keep your space tidy and organized all year round.

References:

1. Spring Allergies. (n.d.). https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/spring-allergies