Before the days of implementing a cleaning schedule, I used to spring clean our home just like everyone else. It was such an overwhelming task that I would procrastinate for weeks. Once I finally started, I’d soon get sidetracked with sorting and organizing and forgetting the big picture. It took me days to finish (if at all!) Learning how to organize your spring cleaning was a total game changer for me. It showed me where to start and how to systematically get it done quickly and efficiently every time.
Where to start when deep cleaning your house
1. Create a spring cleaning plan
Making a plan of attack is key to actually completing your spring cleaning.
Grab a legal pad and a pen and walk around your home taking notes of the places that you need to purge and reorganize.
Common spring cleaning tasks
Go from room to room in your house and write down the spring cleaning tasks that need to be done in each room. These are things you only do once or twice a year. Here are some ideas:
- dusting fan blades
- cleaning behind the washer and dryer
- deep cleaning kitchen cabinets
- washing light fixtures
- wiping down walls and baseboards
- washing curtains & blinds
- cleaning behind large pieces of furniture
- vacuuming mattresses
- deep clean upholstery
Make a list of what you’ll need to finish the job – organizational tools (bins, boxes, racks, shelves, hangers, etc.) as well as the cleaning products and tools you’ll need (listed below.) Then go out and buy them.
If you’re not going to be able to get everything done in one day or even on one weekend, be sure to schedule exactly when you’ll be able to do each task.
You might want to go with a spring cleaning service if you realize that you won’t get it done within a reasonable amount of time.
2. Gather your spring cleaning tools and products
You’ll get your cleaning done a lot faster if you have all your spring cleaning tools on hand and ready to go.
Spring cleaning products
With the millions of different cleaning products out there, it’s hard to know what you really need. I’ve narrowed it down to the following:
- all-purpose cleaner with sponge and/or disinfecting wipes for sanitizing sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, counter tops, back splash, appliances, and even tile floors. If you’re not concerned about thorough disinfection, a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water is the way to go (and does wonders on mirrors and glass when paired with a microfiber towel.)
- glass cleaner – (or a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water) paired with a microfiber towel or this amazing gadget. Glass cleaner is also great for streak-free polishing of stainless steel fixtures and appliances.
- Toilet bowl cleaning gel – gel is awesome because it clings to the surface longer and the added bleach keeps everything white and disinfected.
- Wood cleaner – avoid build-up with aerosol furniture polish and use wood cleaner instead. It’s also excellent for cleaning your hardwood floors.
Spring cleaning tools
This is a pretty extensive list, but that’s what spring cleaning is all about. You will need all of these tools to get the job done right.
- rubber gloves
- microfiber towels (I love the ones from Sam’s Club)
- sponge and/or cleaning wipes
- magic eraser for removing scuffs on floors and walls
- toilet brush
- an old toothbrush for getting to tiny spaces and grout lines (especially great for mildew)
- scrub brush with a non-abrasive cleanser for massive grime and buildup in the tub or shower
- squeegee or window vac
- swiffer with extender or microfiber towel on a broom stick
- broom and dustpan
- cordless vacuum cleaner or whatever you got
- all-in-one wet mop or whatever you normally use
3. Tidy up
To set the scene for a successful organized spring clean, you’re going to want to make sure everything is tidied up. All random things laying around on floors and counter tops need to find their way back to their homes.
Gather and start your laundry.
Get those dirty dishes in the dishwasher and out of the way.
4. Purge your home & reorganize your clutter zones
It’s pretty hard to deep clean your house if it’s full of clutter. Take a weekend to purge and reorganize all the cluttered areas. These are usually bedroom closets, toy bins, pantry, office area, utility closet, and garage shelving. Here’s how to get it done:
- Remove everything from the storage area – whether it’s a shelf, closet, dresser, or other piece of furniture. This will make cleaning and purging a lot easier.
- Dust and clean the storage area thoroughly.
- Replace the items you want to keep while tossing everything else in the trash or in a donation box. Make a list of the organizing accessories you need (bins, racks, boxes, shelves, hangars, etc.) Then go out and buy them. This will help you stay more organized in the future.
- Make sure to put that donation box in your car so that you’ll take it away the next time you leave the house. You don’t want that stuff to find it’s way back into your house. Get rid of it!
5. Top to Bottom Checklist
Now that you’ve cleaned and reorganized the most cluttered zones in your house, it’s time for the easy part – spring cleaning from top to bottom.
It’s a good idea to take a systematic approach and pick a room to start in. then work your way to the other end of the house.
In what order do you clean your house? How to organize your spring cleaning
I always start with the kitchen, while I still have lots of energy. Once I get that done, I feel like cleaning the rest of the house is a breeze.
Start at the top (ceiling) of each room then work your way down to baseboards and floors.
Here’s a top to bottom checklist for you to use as a reference:
Top (above your head):
- dust or vacuum ledges & tops of cabinets
- clean air vents
- dust or wash ceiling fans
- dust or wash light fixtures
Mid-to-top (eye level):
- wash window treatments
- shower curtain
- dust shelves
- dust wall hangings
- clean windows
- kitchen cabinets
- microwave
- replace oven vent filter
- scrub kitchen back splash
- deep clean coffee machine
- light switches
Mid-to-bottom (waist level):
- dust all remaining flat surfaces
- clean wood furniture
- clean leather furniture
- vacuum mattresses
- clean upholstered furniture
- change linens & make beds
- clean bathroom sinks & counter tops
- scrub tubs & showers
- clean toilets
- deep clean the refrigerator
- clean the oven range inside and out
- clean toaster inside and out
- door knobs
Bottom (floor level):
- wash small area rugs
- vacuum large rugs & carpets
- underneath heavy furniture (sofa, nightstands, dressers, etc.)
- sweep floors
- mop floors
- wipe down baseboards
- sweep front & back porches/steps
- lower kitchen cabinets and toe kick
Forgotten areas you need to deep clean
- garbage cans (inside and out)
- dishwasher (clean out filter, then run a cycle on hot with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack to remove hard-water deposits, soap scum and clogged food debris.)
- throw pillows
- doors and door frames
- blinds (wipe down with vinegar & water solution)
- toothbrush holder
- behind the TV
- the garbage disposal (1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar – let it bubble then rinse with warm water.)
- remote controls
- cables and wires
- washing machine (mix white vinegar with baking soda in your washer, then run a cycle on hot.)
- behind washer and dryer
- clean your cleaning tools (ironic, right?!)
How to Get Your Spring Cleaning Done Fast
I hope this guide on how to organize your spring clean gave you some direction in getting it done quickly and efficiently.
You’re going to LOVE living in your newly deep-cleaned home and being able to just kick back and enjoy summer without the dirt and clutter!
Related: A House Cleaning Schedule That Really Works!
