Spring Cleaning Checklist: 55 Steps to a Fresh Start

Spring is a season of new beginnings and what better way to welcome it than with sparkling windows & the tinkle of ice cubes. Today I have for you an updated 55-step Spring cleaning checklist with new information for dog & cat owners. Cleaning is awful, I hate it, but let's get the season underway with a fresh start & a stiff drink.

There are those of you that just stood up and CHEERED at the thought of a spring cleaning checklist - and then there's the rest of us. We're smart. We are not going to be fooled into cleaning by some snappy headline that makes it seem fun.

Cleaning is what people who don't like to get dirty do.

However. I will admit that for someone who puts it off as long as possible, I have created a very good cleaning list.

This list will make you 100% certain that YOU can do this.

Out of an abundance of caution, keep a stiff drink on ice in case things start to go south on you.

That's what differentiate's my spring cleaning list from anyone else's.

Mine is catered to people who are probably drunk.

As such, each task is safe & easily accomplished even while tipsy. Except maybe item #22 under the heading Bedroom.

All links in the list lead to an instructional post on how to do that thing.

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Kitchen

1. Clear out your pantry and ditch expired or stale items.
2. Clean out and organize your fridge & freezer.
3. Scrub down the inside and outside of your appliances.
4. Wipe down cabinets and drawers inside and out.
5. Clean stove burners and oven grates.
6. Clean the oven and microwave. (extra points for cleaning in between the glass of your oven door)
7. Clean the sink and polish faucet fixtures.
8. Wipe down counters and backsplash.
9. Clean the dishwasher and washing machine.
10. Sweep and mop the floors.

Living Areas

11. Remove everything from shelves, tables, bookcases & cry. Then dust.
12. Wipe down mirrors and windows.
13. Dust baseboards and door frames.
14. Vacuum upholstered pieces and clean leather furniture.
15. Wash or dry-clean curtains and blinds.
16. Dust and clean lamps, shades and bulbs.
17. Clean pillows and throws.
18. Clean area rugs.
19. Vacuum/wash underneath area rugs.
20. Dust and wipe down electronics like tv, stereo etc.

Bedrooms

21. Wash or dry-clean bedding.
22. Flip your mattress.
23. Vacuum or sweep under the bed. To my cat people, underneath the bed is prime barfing territory.
24. Declutter and organize your closet.
25. Dust and clean dressers and nightstands.
26. Wipe down mirrors and windows.
27. Dust baseboards and door frames.
28. Vacuum floors and carpets.
29. Clean any rugs.
30. Dust and wipe down electronics.

My Robot Vacuum Review

Bathrooms

31. Scrub the tub and shower.
32. Clean the toilet. With an actual cleaning product.
33. Clean the sink and polish faucet fixtures.
34. Wipe down cabinets and drawers inside and out.
35. Wipe down mirrors and windows.
36. Wash or dry-clean shower curtains and mats.
37. Sweep and mop floors.
38. Dust baseboards and door frames.
39. Organize your medicine cabinet.
40. Clean and organize under the sink.

Both of my sisters Pink Tool Belt and Fish Pedicure do all of those things on a daily basis so they're exempt.

General Cleaning

41. Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
42. Clean air vents and filters.
43. Clean and organize your entryway.
44. Wipe down doors and doorknobs.
45. Dust and clean picture frames and art.
46. Organize or tidy your home office.
47. Check/test fire extinguishers.
48. Declutter the basement - sell or donate stuff.
49. Change smoke alarm & carbon monoxide batteries.
50. Clean your car, inside and out.

Cats & Dogs

51. Clean and Organize Pet Toys: Ditch the damaged or dangerous ones. Wash rubber toys in the dishwasher and fabric ones in the washing machine.
52. Wash Dog Bed and/or Cat Litter Box
    
    or buy this new automatic cat litter box that ALSO weighs your cat every time it goes and looks like a 1950s television .

53. Groom your cat or dog. Bath, fluff and brush until they gleam.
54. Clean up the poops in the backyard. Wait for a dry day.
55. It's tick season. Do what you need to do.
56. Replace or refresh your cat's scratching post.
57. Wash leashes, collars, harnesses etc.
58. Inspect and fix any window screens that might be ripped from cat claws or pushed out from your cat sitting in the window.
59. Check your fence for areas the dog can get out.
60. Trim your cat's claws, trim your dog's claws.

Happy cleaning!

Drink.