Spring has nearly sprung, and it’s time to start planning those huge annual cleaning jobs that prepare your home for the summer months. But there are dozens of them to schedule, and remembering them all isn’t easy.
The key to successful spring cleaning is planning and preparation. Forgetting just a few cleaning jobs could make the process complicated and longer than it needs to be — so here is an extensive list of essential cleaning jobs to get you started. You probably won’t need them all, but they’ll help you to check your own cleaning schedule.
The Kitchen
- Declutter the kitchen
- Clean the microwave
- Clean and sanitise the fridge
- Reorganise the fridge
- Clean and sanitise the freezer
- Reorganise the freezer
- Vacuum coils at the back of the refrigerator
- Clean the dishwasher — including all the removable parts
- Clean and sanitise the kitchen bin
- Clean the oven (this is one of the bigger jobs, so schedule sufficient time)
- Clean the cooking range
- Clean the extraction hood and replace the filter
- Clean all storage vessels
- Clean and organise all cutlery
- Clean and organise all crockery
- Clean and organise all pans, pots and baking utensils
- Clean and organise all cabinets, cupboards and drawers
- Clean and organise food storage areas
- Sanitise all handles, knobs and switches
- Clean tiles
- Clean walls
- Deep clean floors
- Clean chairs and tables
- Clean coffee equipment
- Clean worktop appliances (including blenders and bread makers etc.)
- Vacuum curtains or blinds
- Clean and polish all stainless steel
Bathrooms
- Clean windows
- Clean extraction units
- Clean and sanitise handles, knobs and switches
- Clean and refill dispensers
- Clean lighting
- Clean mirrors
- Clean shower curtains and doors
- Clean bathtubs
- Clean taps
- Clean counters
- Deep clean floors
- Clean and sanitise toilets (don’t forget to clean the base, the hinges, behind the bowl and the cistern)
- Clean the shower unit
- Wash or replace bathroom mats
- Wash and sanitise bins
- Wash and sanitise cabinets
- Wash and sanitise towel rails and toilet roll holders
- Clean and de-mould caulk around the bathtub and shower
- Clean and clear drains
- Re-seal grouting and sealant
- Vacuum curtains or blinds
Reception rooms
- Declutter all reception rooms
- Dust skirting, cornices and coving
- Dust and clean walls
- Vacuum and steam clean carpets — with all furniture removed
- Treat leather furniture with the correct agents
- Dust lighting
- Dust and polish shelving, windowsills, mantels and hearths
- Dust and polish furniture
- Dust wall-hangings and ornaments
- Clean windows
- Clean and sanitise switches, knobs and handles
- Dust electronic gadgets and appliances
- Remove scuff marks from walls, doors and door frames
- Dust and clean doors and doorframes
- Disinfect remote controls and console controllers
- Vacuum curtains or blinds
Utility rooms
- Clean vents, extractors and other inlets/outlets
- Clean washing machine and dryers — inside and out
- Clean and sanitise handles, knobs and switches
- Wash walls
- Clean tiles
- Reseal and replace grouting
- Deep clean floors — after moving appliances out of the way
- Dust all shelving, storage areas, windowsills, skirting and other surfaces
- Vacuum curtains or blinds
Bedrooms
- Declutter the bedroom
- Dust all skirting mouldings, ceilings, cornices and coving
- Dust and polish all furniture
- Dust wall-hangings, ornaments and displayed possessions
- Dust lights and lamps
- Clean glass and windows — don’t forget frames and sills
- Vacuum curtains or blinds
- Clean closets and wardrobes
- Re-organise closets and wardrobe
- Clean drawers
- Re-organise drawers
- Replace old clothing — or switch with seasonal garments
- Deep clean mattresses
- Clean and dust bed frames
- Clean bed storage drawers/cavities
- Flip the mattress
- Clean and sanitise switches, handles and knobs
- Remove scuff marks from walls, doors and doorframes
- Clean walls, doors and doorframes
- Wash pillows
- Clean and organise bedside tables
- Dust electrical equipment
Miscellaneous cleaning jobs
- Clean and sanitise children’s toys
- Dust gaming consoles
- Dust all wires
- Dust power outlets
- Clean office areas
- Clean mobile phones
- Clean and organise medical supply cupboards
- Clean pet areas
- Clean and organise bags
- Clean and organise storage chests
- Clean out the garage
- Valet cars
- Clear the garden of debris
Of course, this list is only intended to give you a headstart. No two homes are the same, and the chances are you’ll need to add to it or remove some tasks. But as long as you have everything covered, spring cleaning this year shouldn’t be too taxing.