The Complete Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring is here! The wattles are blooming, the weather is warming, and the sun is emerging.

With the new spring season comes a major household event: spring cleaning.

That’s right, it’s time to deep clean your entire home from top to bottom. If that feels overwhelming, or you don’t know where to start, don’t worry!

We’ve put together the ultimate spring cleaning list, going room by room. That way, you can tackle one space at a time, according to your schedule and priorities.

So gather your dusters and cloths. Grab that vacuum and mop. And of course, get ready to get down and dirty. This is your definitive guide to cleaning everything in your home this spring.

What You Need | Spring Cleaning Checklist | Other Essential Tasks | After Spring Cleaning

 

What to Know Before Spring Cleaning

With dust and dirt accumulating over the winter months, spring cleaning is vital. Indoor air quality also dips a bit since your home is more closed up.

Moreover, the weather means many of us slack off a bit more on chores, and clutter can build up. (It’s cold and grey, so we don’t blame you!) Refreshing your home can feel like a clean slate, which boosts your physical and mental well-being.

Before you grab a mop or duster, though, let’s run through what a spring clean actually involves and some practical tips to stay on track.

 

What is included in a spring cleaning?

You’ll be deep cleaning your house during spring, going room by room! And not just the frequently-used spaces, but also areas that don’t see much traffic or clean-up.

Tasks include dusting, mopping, decluttering, washing surfaces, and tackling neglected areas (like skirting boards).

 

When to do a spring cleanup?

There’s no specific day to start, but in Australia, September is the traditional start to spring cleaning!

A good gauge is your local climate. Aim for a time when the weather lets you keep the windows open, but before pollen season or extreme humidity sets in.

 

Spring cleaning tips

First off, you don’t have to clean your entire home in one go. That’s a surefire way to exhaust yourself, and you won’t be efficient or thorough!

Instead, start by planning your cleaning schedule. Assess your home and the state of each room so you can decide what spaces and tasks to prioritise.

You can cross-check each room against our room-by-room spring cleaning checklist below for a good idea of how much work is needed.

When you do get to work, do one room at a time. Go from top to bottom and from one side to another, and remove dust and dirt before applying any liquids so you don’t create a muddy residue.

And of course, make sure you’ve got all your supplies handy! You don’t want to interrupt chores just to get a new mop head.

 

What You Need for Your Spring Cleaning Routine

No need to buy a dozen separate products! You’ve likely got the most effective cleaning solutions already in your home:

CLEANER	HOW TO USE	BEST FOR…	DO NOT USE ON…
Dish soap	A few drops of dish soap in warm water	General cleaning on most surfaces; must be rinsed off	N/A
All-purpose cleaner	According to product instructions	General cleaning on most surfaces	Check the product label
White vinegar	Equal parts vinegar and water	Ceramic or porcelain, stainless steel, glass, and laminated surfaces	Natural stone, wood, and grout
Baking soda	Paste of 2 parts baking soda, 1 part water (optional: 1 tsp dish soap)	Food stains and stubborn grime; must wipe away residue after	Soap scum, limescale, wood, glass, aluminium, and carpets (as powder)
Hydrogen peroxide	Equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water	Organic stains and disinfecting some surfaces; must be rinsed off	Dark stone, wood, metals, and coloured or delicate fabrics
Rubbing alcohol	Concentration of 70% isopropyl alcohol	Spot-cleaning and disinfecting non-porous surfaces	Porous materials like unsealed stone or wood

These are all versatile cleaners, so they can tackle a variety of materials so long as they’re compatible. If you’re short on time or just need to spot-clean, though, disinfectant wipes work pretty well.

The rest of your spring cleaning supplies checklist includes:

• Buckets
• Dust mop or broom
• Microfibre cleaning cloths
• Step stools or stepladders
• Rubbish bags (for decluttering)
• Vacuum cleaner and attachments
• Mop and replacement mop heads
• Non-abrasive sponges or scrubbing pads

Lastly, don’t forget your protective gear! Wear gloves while working, and consider a face mask for the dust.

 

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

This spring cleaning house checklist tackles the spaces inside your home, from your bedroom to the entryway. And yes, it applies to apartments, too.

We’ve started with a list of tasks you’ll do in every room, then broken down each space with specific chores. Remember: you don’t need to do all of the rooms in one go — work at the pace that’s best for you. 

You can download a printable version of our checklist here.

Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of chores? Check out Maid2Match’s deep cleaning service and we’ll do the spring cleaning for you!

 

All rooms

KEY SUPPLIES

– Vacuum and mop – Microfibre cloths and soft sponges – Soapy water or all-purpose cleaner

These are universal tasks you must include in every space, alongside the room-specific chores:

1. Dust and clean light fixtures
2. Dust the ceiling (including ceiling fans)
3. Clean the walls, light switches, and doors
4. Wash the windows
5. Clean window blinds or curtains
6. Declutter shelves and cabinets
7. Clean the skirting boards and underneath furniture
8. Vacuum and mop the floors

 

Bedrooms

KEY SUPPLIES

– Vacuum and attachments – Damp microfibre cloths

The starting point will be one of the spaces you use most frequently: the bedroom!

That gives you a clean, comfortable space to rest or regroup as you tackle the rest of your home.

BEDROOM SPRING CLEANING:

1. Strip all bed linens (doonas, sheets, pillows, and cases)
2. Deep clean the mattress and check for mould or mildew
3. Do a closet inventory and sort any items for donating or tossing
4. Declutter the vanity and remove expired or unused products
5. Wipe down the vanity and other exposed surfaces
6. Vacuum the carpets or rugs (including under furniture)
7. Remake the bed with fresh linens

For mattresses, you can tackle odours by sprinkling baking soda, but do not use a bagless vacuum to clean up the residue! The fine powder could clog the filter or get into the motor. Instead, brush the baking soda off with a duster or broom.

Bagged vacuums are better at handling baking soda, but still use caution.

Afterwards, run the linens and other laundry through the washing machine on the appropriate setting.

You can soak very dirty laundry in a strip wash solution beforehand (1 part borax, 1 part washing soda, 2 parts enzyme-based detergent).

 

Bathrooms

KEY SUPPLIES

– Shower cleaner – Toilet cleaner and brush – Tile and grout cleaner – Vinegar (for glass surfaces)

Next up is another set of high-traffic spaces. Cleaning your bathrooms is a tough but vital task, since they’re hotspots for bacteria, mould, and mildew.

Work on one bathroom at a time, and open windows or switch on the exhaust so the area is well-ventilated.

BATHROOM SPRING CLEANING:

1. Declutter the cabinets and toss out old or expired products
2. Wipe the exhaust fan
3. Deep clean the shower area (tiles, curtains, glass, and shower head)
4. Clean the bathtub (if you have one)
5. Scrub the toilet bowl and tank
6. Wipe mirrors, windows, benchtops, and other surfaces
7. Wash the bathroom sink and wipe the vanity
8. Unclog the sink or shower drain if needed
9. Wash the tiles and scrub tile grout
10. Empty and clean the rubbish bins

Also, don’t forget to change out any toothbrushes and other personal care items if necessary!

 

Living spaces

KEY SUPPLIES

– Duster or soft cloths – Vacuum upholstery attachment

The living room (and other communal spaces) is a good, medium-effort area to keep your momentum going.

Use this familiar room as a “bridge” to the tougher tasks of the dining and kitchen area.

LIVING ROOM SPRING CLEANING:

1. Put away visible clutter or toss it in a rubbish bag
2. Wipe and tidy up shelves (including photos and trinkets)
3. Dust off TVs, speakers, and accessories
4. Wipe tables and other exposed surfaces
5. Remove any throw blankets or cushion covers for laundry
6. Vacuum upholstered furniture (such as couches)
7. Clean fly screens and shutters
8. Wipe doors, door tracks, and security screens
9. Move furniture out of the way and vacuum rugs or carpets
10. Restore furniture and replace couch coverings

For homes with pets, you’ll also have to wash pet beds, clean food bowls and litter trays, and inspect toys for anything broken or ragged.

 

Dining room

KEY SUPPLIES

– Duster or soft cloths – Baking soda paste (for food stains)

For homes with open plans, the living, dining, and kitchen spaces all flow into each other.

Work in one designated area at a time so you’re efficient!

DINING ROOM SPRING CLEANING:

1. Wipe decor on walls and shelves
2. Declutter and wipe down the dining table and chairs
3. Treat any food stains on tables/chairs with baking soda paste
4. Change or wash cushion covers if needed

 

Kitchen

KEY SUPPLIES

– Dish soap and water – Baking soda paste– Kitchen degreaser– White vinegar

The kitchen is one of the toughest rooms, with all the appliances and surfaces inside.

Break it up into manageable chunks so you’re systematic about deep cleaning the kitchen — and so you don’t get overwhelmed!

KITCHEN SPRING CLEANING:

1. Take inventory of food items in the pantry
2. Toss out old, expired, or mouldy food and ingredients
3. Clean the rangehood and filters (or replace if needed)
4. Wipe the exhaust fan
5. Clean small appliances (like the microwave, air fryer, kettle, toaster, etc)
6. Clean the stove top and splashback
7. Declutter and clean kitchen cabinets 
8. Deep clean the dishwasher
9. Deep clean the oven (including racks and trays)
10. Declutter then deep clean the fridge and freezer
11. Deep clean the kitchen sink and drain
12. Wipe down the benchtop and other surfaces
13. Empty and disinfect the rubbish bins

Don’t forget to go through your kitchen supplies (like sponges, dish soaps, and dish towels) to see what needs replacing!

For food-based stains, use a baking soda paste (2 parts bicarb, 1 part water, 1 tsp dish soap). Leave it for 5–10 minutes to work before wiping away with a damp cloth.

When tackling overhead cabinets, don’t forget the space between the cabinet and ceiling! This is a magnet for dust and even pests.

 

Office

KEY SUPPLIES

– Screen cleaner – Microfibre cloths or E-Cloths – Vacuum crevice or nozzle attachment

Besides the universal room tasks, use this opportunity to reorganise your workspace.

Things like paperwork and old office supplies may have piled up and need decluttering!

OFFICE SPRING CLEANING:

1. Sort through paperwork on desks and in cabinets
2. Shred or recycle unneeded documents
3. Dust and wipe down monitors, keyboards, and other gadgets
4. Declutter and wipe bookshelves
5. Wipe down desk surfaces and cabinets
6. Sort through cables and replace if needed

For shelves, desk organisers, and other narrow spaces, the crevice attachment will help remove dust.

 

Laundry room

KEY SUPPLIES

– Dryer vent brush – Vacuum crevice or hose attachment – Cleaning rags and old toothbrush (for the washing machine)

Washing machines aren’t self-cleaning, much as we’d like. Moreover, humidity and poor ventilation in colder months mean bacteria, mould, or mildew could develop.

LAUNDRY SPRING CLEANING:

1. Clear out old or expired laundry and cleaning products
2. Clean your washing machine (top load or front load)
3. Clean the washing machine filter and lint trap
4. Inspect and clean the dryer and vent
5. Wipe laundry accessories like the iron and ironing board
6. Wipe down exposed surfaces

 

Hallways and stairways

KEY SUPPLIES

– Duster and soft cloths – Vacuum and attachments – Dust mop or baseboard mop – Commercial polish (if applicable)

These areas see lots of foot traffic and (usually) poor ventilation, so dirt and musty odours build up easily.

Carpeted stairs in particular may need a deep clean, with all that dust and grime that could’ve lodged into the fibres over winter.

HALLWAY AND STAIRWAY SPRING CLEANING

1. Dust around and behind hanging decor (e.g. picture frames)
2. Remove marks or stains from walls and doors
3. Declutter closets or shelves
4. Wipe down exposed surfaces
5. Dust and wipe stairway banisters and railings
6. Vacuum or steam clean carpets
7. Vacuum or sweep stairway steps
8. Buff steps and banister with commercial polish if needed

 

Entryway

KEY SUPPLIES

– Vacuum and attachments – Dust mop and soft cloths

Last but not least: the entrance to your home! You’ve worked your way through your home from top to bottom, so this is the final space to tackle.

1. Declutter and organise storage areas
2. Wash then put away coats and other winter gear
3. Clean shoes and place into rack or closet
4. Wipe the front door, including glass panes, knobs, and locks
5. Dust and wipe remaining surfaces
6. Treat stains (grass, mud, etc) on walls and floor
7. Clean the entrance mat

 

Other Essential Spring Cleaning Tasks

Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to flip or rotate your mattress! That helps spread the wear and tear evenly over the surface.

People often overlook this, but check your fire extinguisher to see if it needs refilling or replacing. As an essential home safety feature, you must ensure it’s functional.

Alongside that, test your smoke alarm batteries! Make sure all the smoke alarms work and put in new batteries if needed, or for renters, contact your landlord or property manager.

Inspect the filters of relevant appliances or machines, like your rangehood or air purifier, and replace them if necessary. The same goes for light bulbs, especially in less-used rooms where you may not have noticed a dead bulb.

Lastly, check dryer lint traps and exhaust vents. Dirt buildup inside these can lead to fire hazards. Contact a professional technician if necessary.

 

After Spring Cleaning

Do a final walkthrough of each space after cleaning, so you can check if you’ve missed anything. Check commonly overlooked spots (like behind or underneath furniture) and spots you may have rushed through.

If the weather permits, leave the windows open to let in fresh air, then run any dehumidifiers or air purifiers.

You can also temporarily mask musty odours by using a room spray or boiling water on the stove with some cinnamon or coffee.

Clean all your tools when you’re done! That prevents you from spreading dirt later on and keeps your equipment in good condition.

Toss the cloths, sponges, and towels into the laundry with a good enzyme-based detergent. For brushes, rinse them with water, then disinfect with rubbing alcohol and let them air dry. Wash your mop heads in hot water and soap.

Finally, collect any items you plan to donate, recycle, or put into storage. Sort them into containers or boxes and label them appropriately.

 

Keeping Your Home Clean Beyond Spring

This spring cleaning room checklist isn’t just useful for one big clean! It’s also a nifty guide for regular deep cleaning tasks throughout the year.

That doesn’t mean doing a big clean every new season, but these are tasks you should keep up with regularly — like wiping all the windows, cleaning the fridge, or wiping down the shower. That way, you keep your entire home neat and hygienic.

Yes, spring cleaning is a lot of effort, but the satisfaction afterwards feels oh, so good. Then you can settle onto the couch, put up your feet, and treat yourself for a job very well done!