Saturday, April 6, 2019

Spring Cleaning Checklist

This photo is on the cover of a book I own on Spring Cleaning. 

Refresh throughout the home:

  • Wipe down doors and trim work
  • Clean interior and exterior windows – let the light in
  • Spot clean walls and touch up any scuffed paint
  • Clean and treat floorboards - especially if you’ve had wet pets in and out all winter
  • Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures


Entryway and mudroom closet

  • Store your winter gear including snow boots, heavy jackets, hats and gloves – if it wasn’t worn this winter, consider donating
  • Thoroughly vacuum closet floor and re-organize any storage bins
  • Corral small items into baskets

Kitchen

  • Empty the refrigerator and throw out expired food. Wash drawers and shelving with warm, soapy water
  • Purge the pantry and clean all shelves and drawers. Forgotten crumbs can attract unwelcome visitors like ants and pantry moths
  • Remove all appliances from counter and clean behind each one
  • Remove build-up on kitchen cabinets – try Parker & Bailey Cabinet Cream or something similar
  • Polish stainless steel appliances – always with the grain
  • Deep clean microwave and dishwasher; be sure there is no trapped food
  • Check countertops to see if they are in need of sealer (stone) or catalytic finish (wood)

Living room and dining area

  • Deep clean rugs and upholstered seating
  • Remove all books and displays from shelving and clean
  • Polish silver
  • Add fresh flowers to dining table

Bedrooms

  • Purge closets of winter clothes, shoes and accessories – consider donating items not worn by family members
  • Remove heavy winter blankets from bed and change to lighter linens
  • Flip all mattresses

Bathrooms

  • Change shower curtains
  • Purge worn towels or bath mats
  • Organize vanity – dispose of expired medications and cosmetics
  • Clean tiled areas and check grout for discoloration
  • Clean mirror thoroughly

Are you exhausted yet? I found these detailed instructions by a Boston/Martha's Vineyard Architect with photographs here. Enjoy your weekend. xo

8 comments:

Linda Sand said...

A lot of good tips except for the mattress one. I was taught to spin it in the spring and flip it in the fall.

Content in a Cottage said...

Linda Sand -- I can't flip my mattress because of the extra padding on the top but I spin it around every once in a while.
xo, Rosemary

Lisa D. said...

I'm exhausted just reading it, but I have a HUGE house - much bigger than I need, so I have to get a housekeeping crew in to help me. Speaking of which, Rosemary, have you or any of your readers been watching that show on PBS Thursday evenings? Where I live it comes on right after Penelope's, (I forget her last name), show about charming towns and villages in Great Britain. The show is entitled "Escape to the Chateau". It's about an English couple who buy a derelict French chateau built in the nineteenth century. OMG, they are brave souls to have taken this on. When I saw the first episode, I couldn't believe the things they have to deal with. It makes dealing with my old house a piece of cake!

Jenny Mein said...

Exhausting yes but a good reminder!

Content in a Cottage said...

Jenny Mein -- I agree. I have a whole book devoted to Spring Cleaning but I like seeing everything on one page much better. My grandmother devoted one week to every room in her house. Sadly, none of that kind of dedication to cleaning was passed on to me.
xo, Rosemary

Content in a Cottage said...

Lisa -- It's nice that you can get people to help you clean your too-large-for-you home.
I am positive "Escape to the Chateau" is not on any of my PBS stations. I searched the title and it's already in Season 4!!!! It sounds delightful and I'm sure it will come my way eventually. Thanks so much for calling the series to my attention.
xo, Rosemary

The Queen Vee said...

Wow, it looks like I'd better get started....right after I send the grand dog home at the end of the week. I've been watching two granddaughters and two grand dogs while parents and older siblings travel to NYC, France and Germany (younger son and two oldest kids) and to Viet Nam. (Chris with wife and two boys) It's been crazy for two weeks. I managed to fit in a 38 hour trip to Ohio to watch a grandson in his last HS Musical this weekend thanks to daughter and Ken watching dogs and kids. After all that I think spring cleaning will be a breeze.

Stacey Snacks said...

This list might take me all spring to do....then it will be a new season! I love this....I am doing at least half of it!