The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist (Room by Room)

Updated March 28, 2026 • 13 min read • By National Cleaner Connect

Before You Start: Whole-House Tasks

• Replace HVAC filters — these get clogged all winter and restrict airflow
• Test smoke and CO detectors; replace batteries
• Inspect fire extinguishers (check pressure gauge)
• Check the date on medications and first aid supplies — dispose of expired items
• Clean all ceiling fans (blades accumulate thick dust over winter)
• Vacuum all HVAC vents and return air intakes
• Wipe down all light switches and outlet covers
• Wash all curtains and drapes
• Clean window blinds (wipe each slat or take outside and hose down)

Kitchen

• Clean oven interior — remove racks and soak in warm soapy water; use oven cleaner or baking soda paste inside
• Clean under and behind the oven and refrigerator (pull them out)
• Vacuum refrigerator coils (underneath or behind) for energy efficiency
• Defrost and clean freezer if needed
• Wipe down all cabinet fronts and drawer faces
• Remove everything from cabinets and pantry; wipe shelves; check expiration dates
• Degrease range hood and filters (soak in hot soapy water or dishwasher)
• Clean inside microwave thoroughly (steam method: bowl of water + lemon, microwave 3 minutes, wipe)
• Descale coffee maker and kettle with white vinegar
• Scrub sink with baking soda; treat drain with baking soda + vinegar
• Wipe down all small appliances inside and out
• Clean kitchen floor including under furniture
• Wash all reusable bags and bins

Bathrooms

• Clean exhaust fan (remove cover, vacuum, wash)
• Deep clean grout lines in shower/tub
• Descale showerhead with vinegar soak
• Clean shower door tracks and remove soap scum from glass doors
• Inspect and replace caulking if cracked, discolored, or moldy
• Remove and clean toilet seat (full disassembly)
• Clean toilet tank interior
• Scrub behind and base of toilet
• Descale faucets and drain covers with white vinegar
• Clean and organize medicine cabinet (dispose of expired items)
• Clean bathroom exhaust outlet on exterior wall
• Wash bath mats, shower curtains, and liners
• Clean grout on tile floor

Bedrooms

• Rotate and flip mattresses; vacuum mattress surfaces
• Wash all bedding including pillows, mattress protector, duvet/comforter
• Clean under the bed
• Vacuum or wipe all furniture surfaces including under items
• Clean closet — organize, donate unwanted items, vacuum floor
• Switch seasonal wardrobe if applicable
• Wipe window sills and tracks
• Clean baseboards
• Vacuum carpet or clean hard floors

Living Spaces

• Move all furniture and clean underneath thoroughly
• Vacuum upholstered furniture (under cushions too) or have professionally cleaned
• Clean leather furniture with appropriate conditioner
• Clean all electronics — TV screens, remotes, gaming controllers
• Wipe down all shelves and remove/organize books and décor
• Dust all surfaces including tops of picture frames and décor items
• Clean fireplace (if applicable): glass, grate, ash removal, chimney check
• Wash throw pillows and blankets
• Clean rugs — vacuum, spot treat stains, consider professional cleaning for high-value rugs

Laundry Room

• Clean dryer lint trap and the duct behind the dryer (lint buildup is a fire hazard)
• Clean inside washing machine drum (run a hot cycle with machine cleaner or white vinegar + baking soda)
• Clean washer seal/gasket on front-loaders (notorious for mold)
• Wipe down washer and dryer exteriors and clean under them
• Clean detergent drawer
• Organize cleaning supplies — dispose of near-empty or expired products

Garage and Storage

• Sweep or blow out garage floor
• Organize storage shelving; donate or discard items not used in 2+ years
• Safely dispose of hazardous materials (old paint, chemicals, motor oil) at your municipality's disposal site
• Check and test all power tools
• Clean garage door tracks and lubricate moving parts
• Inspect weatherstripping on garage door and exterior doors

Windows (Exterior)

• Wash all exterior windows — spring is ideal because winter grime has built up but before summer pollen peaks
• Clean and reinstall window screens
• Inspect window seals and caulking
• Clean window wells (leaves and debris accumulate all winter)

Find professional spring cleaning services near you through the National Cleaner Connect directory. If you run a cleaning business and want to connect with homeowners doing spring cleaning, list your business here.