free printable spring cleaning checklist

* You probably wipe down and clean your stove after you finish eating or cooking, but spring cleaning is the time to take off the knobs, remove burners (if you can), It’s amazing what you’ll find behind there! * If you can move your fridge/freezer, I highly recommend it. Are there any small appliances that don’t work? Or that need to be cleaned? Old spices? Use a hose attachment on your vacuum to suck out all those crumbs that magically make their way into your drawers! I like to use a solution of vinegar and water to clean the exterior surfaces of my cabinets–it’s great to get rid of all the fingerprints and griminess! * This is the perfect time to clean out all your drawers and cupboards, and discard anything you don’t use, and haven’t used in the past year. If it’s tile, I use a good cleaner intended for tile. If it’s a wood floor, I use vinegar and water. It’s the best way to get into corners, crooks, and crannies, and the only way to clean the space between the floor and up under where your cupboards end. * Mop on hands and knees? What? I personally believe it doesn’t matter what kind of mop or steamer you own, nothing beats a really good scrubbing on your hands and knees, if you’re able. I’m just going to touch on a few things here… Now let’s take a look at the list itself! In order to fit everything on the printable, I couldn’t go into as much explanation as I would otherwise. I’m a BIG believer in maintenance cleaning, I know it saves a lot of time and energy in the long run. These are things that need to be done more often at my house, and it may differ at yours. If you do, next year’s cleaning will be so much easier! For example–I regularly do some of these tasks, like washing mattress pads/bedskirts, cleaning the oven, washing down cupboards, dusting ceiling fans, vacuuming out couches, etc. Once everything has been checked off on your spring cleaning list, plan to maintain it through the year. If you need to purchase new batteries, air filters, or cleaning supplies, get it done first! If you know you’ll need to rent a carpet cleaner to do it yourself, or if you’re hiring someone to do it, schedule it in advance. I suggest creating something similar for yourself–it really helps, and I use it for all my regular cleaning as well. It’s so handy to store, and then to carry from room to room. I like using a cleaning caddy, and I keep all necessary cleaners and supplies in it. Make sure you have everything you need ahead of time, and then once you start, you won’t have to stop or put it off. Part of your plan can be to enlist help–kids can be great helpers, and you may even want to offer some of the jobs as possible ways to earn extra money! Spreading it out makes it so much more doable and approachable, and you won’t feel like it’s going to consume your whole life. Others I know need to be saved for a Saturday, when I have more time, and when my husband is home to help tackle some of the bigger and heavier jobs.

Some I plan to do during the day, when my kids are home, and they love to help me dust, use the lint roller, and clean glass. Like I said earlier, I schedule tasks out through March and April. Once you have your list in place, decide which tasks are going to be done when–make a schedule. (Sharpie comes right off with a paper towel and water, but not easily with a hand.) Print it out, and keep it in a binder, or even place in a frame and use a Sharpie to check items off.

I’ve created a printable of my own spring cleaning list, along with boxes to check as you finish each task. It’s wonderful to see yourself making progress, and staying organized in the process. If you know what you need to do, and have a place to check it off, you will be much more successful. This probably comes as no surprise, since I love lists so much, but it’s the number one thing you can do to get your spring cleaning done. I’ve learned a lot about what works for me, and I’m going to share my tips with you. I like to take a couple of months (March & April) to get it all done, rather than all it once–otherwise it just seems to overwhelming, or I kill myself (and my family, lol) in a week to finish. As soon as March hits, I start thinking about spring cleaning. The words “spring cleaning” might strike fear deep into your heart, but I’m here to tell you that it is totally doable, and that you will love the difference it makes in your home.

Free printable spring cleaning checklist