Now that winter is gone and the spring sun is starting to shine, it’s time to break out the cleaning kit and give your home a thorough scrubbing. It may not seem like it, but spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. Use this checklist to keep it simple and get the family involved to make it fun! Keep reading for tips, tricks, and how-to instructions for every room in the house.

All Through the House

• Take down curtains and blinds and clean them according to the manufacturers’ instructions.
• Scrub baseboards and walls and knock down any high-flying cobwebs in the corners.
• Get rid of those lingering germs from the winter. Clean all door knobs and light switches with an all-purpose cleaner.
• Make it easy to see your beautiful spring lawn by cleaning the inside and outside of your windows.
• Move furniture away from walls to clean under, behind, and all around!

Cleaning the Kitchen and Dining Room

• Empty your cabinets and dust them out. Use an all-purpose cleaner and wipe them down before you replace the items.
• Give your oven a deep cleaning. Now that the weather is warming up, you can open the windows to avoid any fumes.
• Use a dishwasher and garbage disposal cleaner to make sure they’re smelling fresh and functioning properly.
• Remove everything from your freezer and let it defrost (if needed). Use a mixture of baking soda and water to wipe it down.
• Polish silverware.
• Wash table linens and placemats.
• Run vinegar or descaler through the coffee maker to remove any scale buildup.

Liven Up the Living Room

• Sweep out any ashes left over in your fireplace and seal up the damper to avoid energy loss.
• Remove all couch cushions and vacuum the furniture.
• Clear off shelves and tables and give them a good cleaning.

Brighten the Bathroom

• Take down the shower curtain and liner and toss it in the washer.
• Empty the closet and wipe down shelves with an all-purpose cleaner.
• Toss out any expired medicines or cosmetics that you no longer use.
• If you have hard water, soak the showerhead in vinegar to remove any buildup.
• Clean grout and tile to remove hard water and soap scum. Visit your local hardware store to pick up supplies and determine the best method to use.

Beautify the Bedrooms

• Wash all blankets, quilts, and duvets, even if they haven’t been used in a while.
• Sweep under the bed and reorganize any totes or storage you have underneath.
• Wash your pillows in the washing machine to remove bacteria and odors.
• Donate clothes and shoes you haven’t worn lately. As a rule of thumb, if you haven’t worn it in 6 months, you probably won’t wear it again!
• Empty and reorganize nightstands and dressers.

Stay tuned for Spring Cleaning: Part Two. We’ll be covering how to spring clean your garage, basement, and yard. If you need to pick up any cleaning supplies or other items, be sure to visit your local hardware retailer. They’re sure to have everything you need, including the helpful how-to advice to get the job done!