Spring Cleaning Checklist for a Squeaky Clean Home (Free Printable)

The weather here is starting to warm up, and I can feel Spring in the air! Something about the new sunshine and warmer temps suddenly inspires me to deep clean all of the things!! And not just the regular daily cleaning, but the big Spring Cleaning Deep Clean!

But, before I start, it’s really important that I follow a checklist. That’s why I created this printable cleaning checklist that goes room by room to help motivate you to get your deep cleaning on.

Plus, I’ll share with you my top spring cleaning products, plus cleaning tips and hacks.

Of course, it would be awesome if my house stayed nice and organized the rest of the year, but I’ve got three kids, so that doesn’t happen. But still, I always feel like my house is pretty clean until Spring rolls around.

Year after year, I’m continually surprised by what I find when I start working on my Spring Cleaning Checklist. How does one house accumulate so much dust and grime throughout the year?

It’s not like I don’t clean, but somehow lots of little things get neglected, which is why I need to do a major deep cleaning twice a year.

The thought of doing a major Spring Cleaning may give you a bit of anxiety since there are a lot of things that have probably been put off for the rest of the year (hello, baseboards).

But this deep cleaning will be so worth it in the end when your house looks and smells amazing.

By the time you finish this checklist, your home will feel fresh, organized, and finally squeaky clean again after months of winter mess.

And the best part is that you don’t have to do it all in one exhausting weekend.

Get ready to tackle that mess with my simple checklist that will take you room by room and guide you through decluttering and organizing each space in your home.

✨ Quick Spring Cleaning Wins

Save this spring cleaning checklist for later 👇
Spring cleaning is much easier when you have a list to follow. Pin this so you can come back to it when you’re ready to start tackling your house.

Where to Start Spring Cleaning When Your House Feels Overwhelming

If you’re staring at your house and wondering where to even start, you’re not alone. Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming because it includes all the things that get skipped during regular cleaning.

Instead of trying to clean the entire house in one day, focus on starting with one small area.

Bathrooms and laundry rooms are great starting points because they’re smaller spaces where you can see progress quickly.

Once you finish one room, it becomes much easier to move on to the next.

If your house feels completely out of control right now, you might also want to read my guide on how to clean a messy house when you’re overwhelmed, which walks through the first steps to get things back to manageable again.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a commission from. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

Cleaning Supplies I Actually Use for Spring Cleaning

There are a lot of cleaning products out there, but these are the ones I personally use every time I do a deep spring cleaning. They’re reliable, effective, and make the whole process a lot easier.

(And yes…my absolute favorite cleaning tool is at the end of the list.)

Toilet Bowl Cleaner That Removes Stains Fast

Best for: toilets with stains or hard water buildup

Why I like it:
This cleaner works incredibly well on toilets that have been neglected for a while. If your toilet bowl has staining or buildup, this usually removes it with very little scrubbing.

Good to know:
Letting it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing makes a huge difference.

Bar Keepers Friend (My Go-To for Tough Cleaning Jobs)

Best for: stainless steel sinks, cooktops, and soap scum

Why I like it:
Bar Keepers Friend is one of those cleaning products that just works. It removes buildup and stains that regular cleaners struggle with.

Good to know:
If you have a pebbled shower floor, this is one of the few products that actually gets it clean.

Disinfecting Spray for Kitchen and Bathroom Surfaces

Best for: disinfecting countertops and high-touch surfaces

Why I like it:
This is the disinfecting spray I use most often in my kitchen and bathrooms because it kills bacteria and viruses but doesn’t have strong bleach fumes.

Good to know:
It’s also baby and pet-friendly because it’s made from natural ingredients.

Magic Eraser Sponges (Budget Version)

Best for: removing scuffs, marks, and stubborn grime

Why I like them:
These generic magic erasers work just as well as the brand-name ones but cost a lot less. I use them constantly for small cleaning jobs around the house.

Blind Cleaning Brush

Best for: cleaning dusty blinds

Why I like it:
Cleaning blinds is honestly one of my least favorite chores, but this brush helps make it a little faster by cleaning multiple slats at once.

Good to know:
It still takes a bit of effort, but it’s much easier than wiping each blind individually.

Streak-Free Glass Cleaner

Best for: windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces

Why I like it:
This is one of the few glass cleaners I’ve used that actually leaves windows streak-free.

Bonus use:
It also works great for cleaning the inside windshield of your car.

Blue Dawn Dish Soap (The Cleaning Multitasker)

Best for: dishes, grease, stains, and general cleaning

Why I like it:
Blue Dawn is one of the most versatile cleaning products in my house. I use it for dishes, removing grease in the kitchen, and even cleaning stains on carpets and clothes.

It’s one of those products that can be used for dozens of different cleaning jobs.

My Favorite Mops for Spring Cleaning

I’ll be honest… I don’t love mopping. But I do love finding tools that make it easier.

Here are the mops I rotate between depending on the job.

Spin Mop

Best for: deep cleaning floors, walls, and baseboards

Why I like it:
This mop is incredibly versatile. I use it not only for floors, but also for cleaning baseboards, cabinets, and even walls.

Surprisingly, it’s become one of my most-used cleaning tools.

Vacuum Mop

Best for: vacuuming and mopping at the same time

Why I like it:
This machine vacuums and mops simultaneously, which cuts the floor cleaning time almost in half. When I’m deep cleaning the house, this saves a ton of time. Plus, it’s so easy to use, I end up mopping my floors almost every day.

Shark Vacuum

Best for: homes with mixed flooring

Why I like it:
After my Dyson died, I switched to Shark and honestly prefer it. It has great suction, multiple floor settings, an odor neutralizer, and it’s very easy to take apart and clean.

Baseboard Duster (Saves Your Back)

Best for: cleaning baseboards and trim

Why I like it:
This duster has an extendable handle, which means you can clean baseboards without bending over the entire time.

It also works great for dusting high trim and moldings.

Drain Cleaning Tool

Best for: clearing hair and gunk from bathroom drains

Why I like it:
This tool pulls hair and buildup out of drains quickly without needing harsh chemicals.

Fair warning though… it’s satisfying and disgusting at the same time.

Electric Spin Scrubber (My Favorite Tool for Deep Cleaning)

Best for: scrubbing tubs, tile, grout, and other stubborn messes

Why I love it:
This cordless electric scrubber has honestly been one of my favorite cleaning upgrades. Instead of scrubbing everything by hand, the spinning brush head does the hard work for you. It’s powerful enough to tackle things like soap scum, grout buildup, and stuck-on messes without a lot of effort.

The rotating brush spins quickly to break up grime, especially when you pair it with your favorite cleaning product.

Good to know:
It has two speed settings depending on how much scrubbing power you need, and the waterproof design means you can safely use it in showers, tubs, and other wet areas.

What makes it even better is the extendable handle, which lets you clean floors, tubs, and walls without bending over or kneeling on the floor.

It also comes with several interchangeable brush heads, so you can switch between large surfaces, corners, grout lines, and small detail areas.

If you’re doing a full spring cleaning deep clean, this tool can easily cut your scrubbing time in half.

If you’re curious, I also keep a full list of my favorite spring cleaning tools and products on my Amazon storefront so you can see everything I use.

Where should I start my spring cleaning?

If you’re asking yourself where to start your cleaning, the answer is wherever you want! If there is a room that you feel inspired to clean, start there. If not, sometimes starting in a smaller area can be more motivating.

If you’re feeling in need of motivation to get your spring cleaning started, then start in the bathroom. You’ll get a quick boost from the accomplishment when you get to cross one room off your list.

The Reverse Spring Cleaning Strategy That Works Better

Most people start spring cleaning with the biggest spaces in their house.

But that’s actually one of the biggest reasons people burn out halfway through.

Instead of starting with the hardest rooms, try starting with smaller areas that give you quick wins.

Begin with spaces like:

• the laundry room
• bathroom drawers
• one small kitchen cabinet
• light switch plates and outlets

These areas take less time to clean but still make a noticeable difference.

Once you start seeing progress, it becomes much easier to keep going and tackle larger spaces later.

This approach builds momentum and helps you avoid the “spring cleaning burnout” that happens when you start with a huge room like the kitchen.

Tips and advice for getting a deep clean | Room by Room

Deep Cleaning the Bathroom

Bathrooms are a great place to start when you’re spring cleaning because they’re smaller spaces where you can see results quickly.

Start by clearing the room so you can clean everything properly.

Remove and Wash Items

• Remove towels, rugs, and shower curtains and put them in the washing machine
• If your decorative curtains are washable, take those down and wash them as well
• Dispose of your old shower liner
• Dust any shelving and decorative accessories

Clean the Shower, Tub, and Drains

• Use a drain cleaning tool to pull gunk out of the shower drain (if you’re anything like me, this is weirdly satisfying)
• Deep clean the shower and bathtub
• Don’t forget to wipe down the wall space above the shower

Deep Clean the Toilet

• Clean the toilet bowl (Lysol Black works great if the bowl is stained)
• Remove the toilet seat and clean around the hinges
• Scrub the entire outside of the toilet

The area around the toilet hinges is one of the most common places for urine and bacteria buildup, especially if you have boys in the house. So don’t skip this step!

Clean the Walls, Vanity, and Fixtures

• Wipe down the bathroom walls
• To clean higher areas, I like to use my microfiber mop with water on the pad because it makes the job much easier

Declutter and Clean the Vanity

• Clean out the vanity drawers
• Throw away empty containers or garbage
• Organize everything you keep
• Wipe down the inside of the drawers

Clean the Sink and Counters

• Clean out the sink drain
• Clean and disinfect the countertops with hydrogen peroxide spray
• Scrub and rinse the sink
• Wipe down electrical outlets and light switches

Finish the Room

• Wash out the garbage can
• Clean the windows
• Dust the baseboards
• Vacuum and mop the floors

TIP: If your bathroom still smells like urine even after you clean it, there’s a weird but extremely effective trick involving shaving cream. I walk through exactly how to do it in my post about getting the urine smell out of your bathroom.

Deep Cleaning the Bedrooms

Bedrooms can collect a surprising amount of dust throughout the year, so spring cleaning is the perfect time to refresh everything from bedding to closets.

Start by removing anything that needs to be washed so you can fully clean the room.

Wash Bedding and Fabrics

• Strip the bed completely and wash all bedding
• Wash pillows if they are machine washable
• Remove decorative pillowcases and wash them
• If your decorative curtains are washable, take those down and wash them as well

Refresh the Mattress and Bed Area

• Vacuum the mattress to remove dust and debris
• Flip the mattress if it is designed to be flipped
• If you have a fabric headboard, vacuum it and spot clean if necessary

Declutter Furniture and Surfaces

• Organize nightstands and remove clutter
• Clean out dresser drawers
• Put away or remove any items that don’t belong in the room
• Dust and wipe down bedroom furniture and decorative accessories

Organize the Closet

• Go through your closet and remove anything you no longer wear
• Prepare a donation bag for clothes or items you no longer need
• Organize what remains so everything is easy to find

Finish the Room

• Clean under the bed
• Wash the windows
• Dust the baseboards
• Vacuum the floors

The Cleaning Trick That Cuts Your Spring Cleaning Time in Half

One trick professional cleaners use is letting multiple cleaning products work at the same time.

Instead of cleaning one thing from start to finish, apply several cleaners and let them sit while you work on something else.

For example, in the bathroom:

• Spray toilet cleaner and let it sit
• Apply shower cleaner and let it sit
• Clean mirrors while both products work
• Return and wipe everything down

The same trick works in the kitchen:

• Start dishwasher cleaning cycle
• Spray oven cleaner
• Apply Bar Keepers Friend to the sink
• Clean cabinet exteriors while everything sits

Letting products sit for a few minutes allows them to break down grime so you don’t have to scrub nearly as hard.

Deep Cleaning the Kitchen

The kitchen is usually the biggest job during spring cleaning, so I like to tackle it in stages. I usually start with the cabinets and work my way through the appliances before finishing with the floors.

Clean and Organize Cabinets

• Wipe down cabinet exteriors
• Wipe down cabinet shelves
• Reorganize cabinets and remove anything you no longer use

Clean the Refrigerator

• Empty the refrigerator and throw away expired food
• Wipe down the inside of the refrigerator
• Organize everything before putting it back

I like using refrigerator organizers to keep everything neat and easy to find.

Clean the Microwave

• Wipe down the inside of the microwave

TIP: Fill a bowl or mug halfway with water and add the juice from half a lemon. Microwave it for about 1 minute. The steam makes it much easier to wipe everything clean.

Deep Clean the Dishwasher

• Pull out the dishwasher filter and wash it with hot water and Blue Dawn dish soap
• If you’re not sure where your filter is, you can usually find instructions by searching your dishwasher model number online

Run a cleaning cycle:

• Place a microwave-safe bowl filled with white vinegar on the top rack of an empty dishwasher
• Run a normal cycle to clean and refresh the machine

Clean Appliances

• Wash the outside of appliances using warm water and Blue Dawn dish soap
• Polish stainless steel with stainless steel cleaner

TIP: The secret to streak-free stainless steel is buffing the polish with a microfiber cloth. It makes a huge difference.

Clean the Cooktop and Oven

• Clean the cooktop (Bar Keepers Friend works great for stainless steel ranges)
• If you have dried-on messes under the burners, let Bar Keepers Friend sit for about 10 minutes before wiping it away
• After cleaning, wipe everything down with your regular counter cleaner

For the oven:

• Remove the racks and soak them in warm soapy water
• Clean the inside of the oven with a fume-free oven cleaner

Clean Small Appliances and Fixtures

• Empty the crumb tray from your toaster and dispose of crumbs
• Dust and wash light fixtures
• Wipe down electrical outlets and light switches

Clean Counters and Sink

• Scrub counters and backsplash
• Scrub and disinfect the sink

Bar Keepers Friend soft cleanser works great for cleaning stainless steel sinks. Just make sure you rinse it thoroughly so it doesn’t leave a film.

Finish the Room

• Wash out the garbage can
• Clean the windows
• Vacuum and mop the floors

Deep Cleaning the Living Room

Living rooms collect a lot of dust throughout the year, especially on electronics, shelves, and decorative items. Spring cleaning is a great time to give the whole space a refresh.

Start by clearing surfaces and removing any fabrics that need to be washed.

Wash Fabrics and Soft Items

• Wash throw blankets
• Remove and wash any removable pillowcases
• If your decorative window coverings are washable, take those down and wash them

Just make sure to check the tags first. Usually, cold water and low heat drying works best.

Dust Surfaces and Decor

• Dust decor and electronics
• Dust your mantle, shelves, and tabletops
• Organize shelves and cabinets and clean out drawers

Clean Blinds, Walls, and Fixtures

• Dust blinds
• If your blinds have more than just dust on them, warm water with Blue Dawn dish soap works great for cleaning them
• Dust and wash light fixtures
• Dust the ceiling and walls

Clean Windows and Trim

• Clean the windows
• Dust the baseboards

Finish the Room

• Vacuum the floors
• Mop if you have hard flooring

Deep Cleaning the Laundry Room

Like the bathroom, the laundry room is a smaller space that can be cleaned fairly quickly. If you’re struggling with motivation, this can be a great place to start because you’ll see progress fast.

Clean the Washer and Dryer

• Wipe down the exterior of your washer and dryer
• Clean the detergent drawer with warm soapy water
• Clean the washing machine filter

If you’re not sure where your washing machine filter is, try searching your washer model number online and you should find instructions.

Run a Washing Machine Cleaning Cycle

• Run a cleaning cycle using a washer cleaner product or disinfecting bleach

While your washing machine is running its cleaning cycle, it’s a great time to tackle the dryer maintenance.

Clean the Dryer Vent and Lint Trap

• Use a dryer vent cleaning tool to remove lint buildup from the dryer vent

You might be surprised how much lint comes out. Cleaning the dryer vent regularly is important because lint buildup can become a fire hazard and it also helps your dryer run more efficiently.

• Remove the lint trap and scrub it with a cleaning brush, hot water, and Blue Dawn dish soap

Fabric softener buildup can clog the lint screen over time. A quick scrub helps restore proper airflow.

TIP: If you’re not sure whether your lint trap needs cleaning, run it under the faucet. If the water doesn’t pass through easily, it’s time to clean it.

Clean Surfaces and Fixtures

• Dust and wash light fixtures
• Dust window blinds

Finish the Room

• Clean the windows
• Vacuum and mop the floors

The Cleaning Zones Method for Busy Moms

One mistake people make with spring cleaning is trying to do everything in one day.

If you have kids, that’s almost impossible.

Instead, try dividing your cleaning into small time blocks throughout the day.

Morning Zone (Quick Wins)

• Clean one bathroom
• Declutter a small space
• Start laundry

Midday Zone (Kitchen Focus)

• Clean while preparing meals
• Wipe down cabinet exteriors
• Run dishwasher and washing machine

Evening Zone (Living Spaces)

• Dust surfaces
• Tidy living areas
• Involve kids in picking up their own rooms

Even just 15 minutes per zone can make a huge difference.

This helps you complete your entire spring cleaning checklist without feeling completely overwhelmed.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Download your printable checklist by clicking on the image. Print as many as you need! (THIS WAS UPDATED FOR 2026. IF YOU WANT THE OLDER VERSION YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THAT HERE)

How to Keep Your House Squeaky Clean After Spring Cleaning

Once your deep cleaning is finished, the goal is to prevent the mess from slowly building back up again.

Simple habits like a weekly cleaning schedule or a nightly reset can make a huge difference.

Instead of letting everything pile up again, focus on small daily habits that keep your house manageable.

If you want a simple routine that keeps your house under control, you might like my nightly cleaning reset that makes mornings easier.

Final Thoughts on Following a Spring Cleaning Checklist

Where are you currently in your spring cleaning process? I started mine over the weekend in the master bedroom.

A word of advice: don’t skip the vacuum mattress step! Even with a waterproof mattress cover, I was shocked at what I found in my canister!

If you found this Spring Cleaning Checklist with tips and advice useful, please make sure to pin it for later and share it with your friends on Facebook.

After working through this spring cleaning checklist, your home will feel brighter, fresher, and finally squeaky clean again.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or not sure where to start, you don’t have to tackle everything at once. These posts go a little deeper into the areas that usually trip us up and can help you make real progress without turning spring cleaning into a giant, exhausting project:

• Why Your House Never Stays Clean
• Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Home When You’re Overwhelmed by The Mess
• How to Get the Urine Smell Out of Your Clean Bathroom
• Cleaning When Kids Destroy Everything
• The Nightly Cleaning Reset