Spring Cleaning Made Simple: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a deep clean and fresh start. But where do you begin?

Don’t worry—this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to tackle spring cleaning like a pro. From decluttering to eco-friendly cleaning tips, we’ve got you covered!

Why Spring Cleaning Matters

Spring cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing floors and dusting shelves—it’s about creating a fresh, organized space that sets the tone for the rest of the year. A clean home can boost your mood, reduce stress, and even improve productivity. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to donate unused items and embrace a more minimalist lifestyle.

Step 1: Make a Plan

Before you start your Spring cleaning, it’s important to have a game plan. Trust me, a little preparation goes a long way in making the process smoother and less overwhelming. Here’s how to get organized:

Set a Schedule

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to happen all in one day. In fact, breaking it into manageable chunks can make it feel much more doable. Here’s how to create a schedule that works for you:

• Weekend Warrior: If you prefer to tackle everything at once, set aside a weekend for your cleaning marathon. Break the tasks into morning and afternoon sessions, and don’t forget to reward yourself with breaks (and maybe a treat or two!).
• Daily Dose: If weekends are busy, spread the work over a week. Dedicate 30-60 minutes each day to a specific room or task. For example, Monday could be for decluttering, Tuesday for dusting, and so on.
• Family Fun: Get the whole family involved! Assign age-appropriate tasks to kids and make it a team effort. Turn on some upbeat music and turn cleaning into a fun activity.

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Gather Supplies

Having the right tools on hand will make your cleaning tasks much easier. Here’s a list of essentials to stock up on:

• Basic Set: Have an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, & something to wash floors. Here’s my DIY all-purpose cleaner recipe.
• Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Look for non-toxic, plant-based cleaners like Grove Co., Method, or Seventh Generation. Or, make your own DIY cleaners with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
• Microfiber Cloths: These are perfect for dusting, wiping surfaces, and cleaning windows without leaving streaks.
• Scrub Brushes: A good set of brushes will help you tackle tough grime in bathrooms and kitchens.(here’s a power scrubber)
• Storage Bins: Use bins and baskets to organize items as you declutter. Label them for easy sorting.
• Vacuum and Mop: Make sure your vacuum has clean filters and your mop is ready to go.
• Gloves and Apron: Protect your hands and clothes while you clean.

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STEP 2: DECLUTTER FIRST

Cleaning is easier when you’re not tripping over clutter. Follow these tips:

Room by Room: Start Small

Trying to declutter your entire home at once can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on one room or area at a time. Here’s how to get started:

• Choose a Starting Point: Pick a room that’s been bothering you the most (like the kitchen or living room) or one that’s relatively easy to tackle (like a bathroom).
• Sort Items into Three Piles: As you go through each space, sort items into “keep,” “donate,” and “discard” piles. Be ruthless—if you haven’t used something in a year, it’s probably time to let it go!
• Set a Timer: If you’re short on time, try the 20-minute method. Set a timer for 20 minutes and see how much you can declutter in that time. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish!

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• Use Bins and Baskets: Store like items together in bins or baskets. For example, use a basket for magazines/books/remotes in the living room or a bin for cleaning supplies under the sink.
• Drawer Dividers: Keep drawers tidy with dividers for utensils, office supplies, or makeup.
• Label Everything: Label bins, baskets, and shelves to make it easy to find what you need and put things back where they belong.

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Donate and Discard Responsibly

Once you’ve sorted your items, it’s time to part with the ones you no longer need. Here’s how to do it responsibly:

• Donate: Take gently used items to a local charity, thrift store, or shelter. Many organizations even offer pickup services for larger donations.
• Recycle: For items that can’t be donated, like broken electronics or old paperwork, check local recycling options.
• Discard: Throw away items that are beyond repair or no longer usable.

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Decluttering for a Calmer, Cozier Home

Decluttering isn’t just about creating more space—it’s about creating a home that feels calm, cozy, and full of joy. By letting go of what you don’t need, you’ll make room for the things that truly matter.

For even more decluttering inspiration, check out my post, 20 Things to Declutter Now for a Calmer, Cozier Home. It’s packed with practical tips and room-by-room ideas to help you get started.

STEP 3: CLEAN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

Now that you’ve decluttered and organized, it’s time to deep clean! Cleaning from top to bottom ensures that dust and dirt don’t settle on surfaces you’ve already cleaned. Here’s how to tackle each step like a pro:

Dust High and Low

Dust has a sneaky way of settling on every surface, so it’s important to start at the top and work your way down. Here’s how to do it:

• Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Use a microfiber duster or a damp cloth to wipe down fan blades and light fixtures. For hard-to-reach spots, try an extendable duster.
• Shelves and Decor: Remove items from shelves and dust them individually. Wipe down the shelves themselves before replacing the items.
• Baseboards and Furniture: Finish by dusting baseboards, furniture, and other lower surfaces. A damp cloth works well for baseboards, while a dry microfiber cloth is perfect for furniture.

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Wipe Down Surfaces

Once the dust is gone, it’s time to wipe down all surfaces. This step will leave your home looking shiny and smelling fresh.

• Countertops and Tables: Use an all-purpose cleaner, eco-friendly cleaner, or a DIY solution (like this one) to wipe down countertops, tables, and other surfaces. Pay special attention to high-touch areas like kitchen counters and dining tables.
• Cabinets and Appliances: Wipe down the exteriors of cabinets, appliances, and fixtures. Don’t forget the handles and knobs—they can harbor germs!
• Electronics: Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean screens, keyboards, and remotes. For stubborn smudges, lightly dampen the cloth with water or a screen-safe cleaner. (my favorite microfiber cleaning cloths)

Vacuum and Mop

The final step is to clean your floors. By starting at the farthest corner of the room and working your way out, you’ll avoid stepping on freshly cleaned areas.

• Vacuum First: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove dust, dirt, and allergens from carpets and rugs. Don’t forget to vacuum under furniture and in corners!
• Mop Hard Floors: After vacuuming, mop hard floors with the appropriate cleaner for floor material.
• Spot Clean Stains: If you notice any stubborn stains, treat them with a gentle cleaner or a baking soda paste.

Bonus: Don’t Forget the Little Things

While you’re cleaning, take care of those often-overlooked spots:

• Light Switches and Doorknobs: Wipe them down with a disinfectant to keep germs at bay.
• Vents and Grates: Use a vacuum attachment to remove dust from vents and grates.
• Trash Cans: Empty and clean trash cans to eliminate odors and bacteria.

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Final Thoughts on Deep Cleaning

Cleaning from top to bottom might take a little extra effort, but the results are worth it. By following this method, you’ll avoid re-cleaning areas and ensure that every inch of your home is sparkling clean.

So grab your supplies, put on a great playlist, and let’s make your home shine!

Step 4: Tackle Key Areas

Here’s a room-by-room breakdown of what to focus on:

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Step 5: Go Green with Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to make your home sparkle—and to do it in a way that’s kind to the planet. By switching to eco-friendly cleaning methods, you can reduce your environmental footprint while keeping your home fresh and clean. Here’s how to make your spring cleaning routine more sustainable:

DIY Cleaners: Simple, Natural, and Effective

Why spend money on expensive cleaning products when you can make your own at home? DIY cleaners are easy to make, non-toxic, and use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here are a few of my simple cleaner recipes:

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Eco-Friendly Products: Clean Without the Chemicals

If DIY isn’t your thing, there are plenty of eco-friendly cleaning products on the market that are just as effective as traditional cleaners—without the harsh chemicals. Here are a few brands to try:

• Grove Collaborative: A website filled with eco-friendly cleaners for your entire home! I love the concentrate all-purpose cleaner & glass spray bottle
• Branch Basics: Their concentrated cleaner can be diluted for multiple uses, from all-purpose cleaning to laundry. Here is their premium starter kit.
• Method: Known for their colorful packaging and plant-based formulas, Method offers everything from all-purpose sprays to floor cleaners. Here’s the granite cleaner
• Seventh Generation: This brand is a pioneer in eco-friendly cleaning, with products that are biodegradable and non-toxic. Here’s the all-purpose cleaner
• Blueland: Is a zero-waste brand that offers cleaning products in tablet form. You add water to reusable bottles, eliminating the need for single-use plastic packaging. Cleaning starter set

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Reusable Tools: Ditch the Disposables

One of the easiest ways to make your cleaning routine more sustainable is to swap disposable tools for reusable ones. Here’s how:

• Microfiber Cloths: These are perfect for dusting, wiping surfaces, and cleaning windows without leaving streaks. Just toss them in the wash when you’re done!
• Refillable Spray Bottles: Instead of buying new bottles of cleaner, invest in a few high-quality spray bottles and refill them with your DIY solutions or eco-friendly products.
• Natural Scrub Brushes: Look for brushes made from sustainable materials like bamboo and plant-based bristles. They’re great for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and tile.
• Use What You Have: Before buying new cleaning tools, see if you can repurpose items you already own. For example, an old toothbrush makes a great grout cleaner!

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Step 6: Don’t Forget Outdoor Spaces

Spring cleaning isn’t just for indoors! Here’s how to refresh your outdoor areas:

• Clean Patio Furniture: Wash tables, chairs, and cushions.
• Prep Garden Beds: Remove weeds, add fresh mulch, and plant seasonal flowers.
• Wash Windows and Screens: Let in more natural light with sparkling clean windows.

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Step 7: Maintain Your Clean Home

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Free Printable Spring Cleaning Checklist

To make your Spring cleaning even easier, I’ve created a free printable checklist! Download it below and check off tasks as you go.

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Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With this step-by-step guide, you can tackle your home refresh one task at a time. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating a clean, organized space that makes you happy.

Happy cleaning!

xo, Jennifer

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