Everyone has their own version of the yearly “Spring Cleaning”. Some homes may need more attention than others, but spring cleaning may bring out old things that have not been used and can be useful and put back into its rightful place/purpose. Spring cleaning is more than just cleaning, it is a safety check for household items such as smoke detectors, windows, and pool care. Below is a list of 20 steps that should be taken yearly when Spring is near in preparation for good weather, Summer, and post Winter hibernations.

Feel free to print out and keep on your refrigerator as a reminder. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the list, maybe do one thing at a time and eventually the list will complete itself with a weekend here and there and maybe a few cups of coffee.

Spring Cleaning Check List

From: Country Living

1. Set your clock ahead one hour

2. Check your detectors (smoke, carbon monoxide)

3. Get rid of dust using Swiffer dusters, air purifiers, and vacuums with sealed HEPA filters

4. Check your matress, flip if needed

5. Wash pillows and curtains to help reduce allergens and dust mites.

6. Clean Kitchen, organize and thoroughly clean out kitchen cupboards and the fridge, discarding canned goods and other items that are past their expiration date.

7. Put away Linens, swap out heavy quilts and blankets for lighter-weight bedding.

8. Start kitchen herbs inside and transplant later in May.

9. Open windows and give your cellar/basement a good airing, then sweep the area thoroughly or vacuum.

10. Start Up Your Dehumidifier. Clean it, make sure that it’s in working order, then run it in a humid basement or partially underground room.

11. Clean carpets as soon as the spring mud season is over.

12. Wash Your Windows, clean the residue left behind by winter storms by tackling the job while the weather is still cool to prevent streaking.

13. Air out throw rugs on a clothesline to freshen.

14. Prep Your A/C, install window-unit air conditioners.

15. Clean the deck to remove grime, pollen, fungus, and mildew.

16. Check shrubs and trees for winter damage and prune accordingly. Remove deadwood or broken branches.

17. Put Up Window Boxes, dump out old soil and clean the boxes thoroughly.

18. Prep Your Pool, if you have a swimming pool, ensure that cleaning equipment is in good shape and your water-testing kit is complete.

19. Unpack Your Hoses, bring your garden hoses out of storage check for cracks and leaks.

20. Fertilize Your Lawn, a high-nitrogen fertilizer should be applied twice a year, once in spring and again later in fall.