As the weather warms, the skies brighten and daffodils bloom, you may be overcome with a strange urge to dust your window sills and vacuum beneath your couch.
You aren’t crazy — or alone. Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition in the West, with ancient origins, believe it or not. Every year around March and April, people get into the spring cleaning spirit, dusting hard-to-reach places, disinfecting the long-overlooked surfaces and donating seldom-worn winter coats. At the same time, retailers run spring cleaning sales on everything from air purifiers to robot vacuums, while social media influencers and bloggers share tips and tricks for getting your home in tip-top shape.
Bitten by the spring cleaning bug, but not sure where to start? We’ve got you. We put together a room-by-room spring cleaning guide, with step-by-step instructions on deep cleaning every room in your home, all with products from Amazon.
For more spring cleaning essentials and editors’ preferred products, check out our new Amazon storefront. Our storefront also includes curated lists of our favorite finds for Easter, spring vacation fashion and deals up to 50% off a variety of goods, including this iRobot robot vacuum that is 43% off for a limited time.
What You’ll Need
First things first: You’ll need to gather some basic cleaning supplies and equipment. Here’s a shopping list of cleaning supplies you’ll need, complete with product recommendations:
How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen
As one of the most high-trafficked rooms in your home, the kitchen is a good place to kick off your spring cleaning journey. Here’s how to deep clean your kitchen, step by step (and appliance by appliance):
Step One: Declutter
Go through your pantry, fridge and cabinets. Toss expired items and donate unneeded non-perishables. Organize your kitchen drawers — we suggest this 5-Piece Bamboo Drawer Organizer Set ($32.97 on Amazon) if you’re in need of a new organizer.
Step Two: Deep Clean Appliances
Next up, it’s time to tackle your appliances. Here’s how to deep clean your fridge, oven, microwave and more:
Refrigerator and Freezer
- Remove Shelves and Drawers: Start by removing the food, then take out all removable parts and soak them in warm, soapy water.
- Wipe Interior: Mix equal parts vinegar and water and use a microfiber cloth to wipe all surfaces.
- Scrub Stains: Scrub stubborn spots with a mix of baking soda and water.
- Deodorize: Place an open box of baking soda or a bowl of coffee grounds in the fridge to absorb odors.
- Clean the Exterior: Wipe down the doors and handles with an all-purpose cleaner.
Oven and stovetop
- Remove Racks and Burners: Remove your oven racks and gas stove burners and soak them in hot, soapy water.
- Clean the Stovetop: Wipe down burners, knobs, and surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner.
- Apply Baking Soda Paste: Coat the inside of the oven with a thick paste of baking soda and water, avoiding heating elements. Let it sit for a few hours.
- Scrub and Wipe: Use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub off the baking soda paste.
- Rinse with Vinegar: Spray white vinegar inside the oven and wipe down — grease and old food should come off easily.
Microwave
- Steam Clean: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a few slices of lemon or ½ cup vinegar. Microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes to loosen grime.
- Wipe Interior: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the walls, ceiling and door.
- Scrub Spots: Use a baking soda paste for stuck-on food.
- Clean the Exterior: Wipe down the buttons and handle with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner.
Step Three: Final touches
For the final touches, wipe down all surfaces, including cabinets and light switches. Take out the trash and replace bags.
How to Deep Clean Your Living Room
The living room is where you relax, entertain and watch The White Lotus episodes— so keeping it dust- and clutter-free can majorly improve your quality of life. Here’s how to deep clean your living room, step by step:
Step 1: Declutter & Organize
Remove clutter from coffee tables and shelves. Store remote controls, books and other essentials in their proper places. Organize miscellaneous items in storage bins.
Need a living room storage rec? Our editors love this Storage Ottoman ($49.99 at Amazon), which doubles as a storage bin and bench.
Step 2: Dust & Wipe Down Surfaces
Wipe down electronics, shelves, tables and decor with a dry microfiber cloth. Remove fingerprints and grime from coffee tables, end tables and bookshelves with an all-purpose cleaner.
Step 3: Clean Windows & Mirrors
Spray glass cleaner on windows and mirrors, then wipe them down with a microfiber cloth or paper towel for a streak-free shine. Don’t forget to clean the window sills and tracks to remove dust and debris. Opening the windows for a few minutes will help circulate fresh air and eliminate any lingering odors.
Step 4: Vacuum Upholstery
Vacuum couches and chairs using an upholstery attachment to remove dust, crumbs and pet hair. Remove curtains and any machine-washable cushion covers and toss them in the laundry.
Step 5: Clean the Floors
Vacuum carpets and rugs, including under furniture. Use a broom or vacuum attachment to clean baseboards and corners. For hardwood or tile floors, sweep first to remove debris, then mop with a floor cleaner. Shake out or spot-clean area rugs.
Step 6: Final Touches
Fluff pillows and neatly arrange blankets on couches. For extra points, add a refreshing scent with an air freshener or scented candles. Our editors are currently obsessed with Pura ($77.97 for a diffuser kit and two scents on Amazon), a smart fragrance diffuser that makes your whole house smell like a fancy spa.
How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom
A spotless bathroom doesn’t just look and smell good — it helps prevent mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. Here’s how to keep your bathroom clean, fresh and smelling amazing, step by step:
Step 1: Declutter
Kick things off by removing all items from countertops, shower shelves and the back of the toilet. Toss any empty bottles. Shake out rugs and place them in the laundry if they are machine washable. Empty the trash can and replace the liner.
Step 2: Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces
Remove dust from shelves, baseboards, light fixtures and vents with a microfiber cloth. Wipe down countertops, cabinets and any exposed surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner. If there are sticky spots or buildup, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping away.
Step 3: Clean the Mirrors and Windows
Spray glass cleaner on mirrors and windows, then wipe them with a microfiber cloth. In lieu of glass cleaner, a mix of vinegar and water works well.
Step 4: Scrub the Sink & Countertops
Apply baking soda paste to the sink and faucets. Scrub away toothpaste splatters and soap scum with a sponge or scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry with a cloth.
Step 5: Clean the Toilet
Apply toilet bowl cleaner inside the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes while you clean other areas. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush, paying extra attention to the rim and under the seat. Use disinfectant wipes or spray to clean the toilet seat, handle and exterior. Don’t forget to wipe the base of the toilet where dust and grime like to accumulate.
Step 6: Clean the Shower and Bathtub
Spray the shower walls and bathtub with a bathroom cleaner or a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to break down soap scum and mildew. Scrub the surfaces with a scrub brush or sponge, paying extra attention to grout lines and corners. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. If your shower head has mineral buildup, soak it in a bag of vinegar overnight and scrub it with an old toothbrush.
Step 7: Mop the Floors
Sweep or vacuum the bathroom floor to remove hair and dust. Then, mop using a disinfecting floor cleaner or a mix of warm water and vinegar.
Step 8: Final Touches
Finish off the bathroom with a set of fresh towels. Reorganize your toiletries on your countertops or shelves. Looking for a bathroom organizer? We love the Vtopmart 4 Pack Clear Stackable Storage Drawers ($26.99 on Amazon) which can be stored under your sink.
How to Deep Clean Your Bedroom
Fun fact: A tidy, clutter-free bedroom can actually improve your sleep, research suggests. Here’s how to deep clean your bedroom, step by step:
Step 1: Organize your closet and drawers
Overflowing closet? (Us too.) Spring cleaning is a perfect opportunity to sort through clothes and donate anything you no longer wear. Take everything out of your closet and drawers, wiping down the surfaces inside before returning items. Fold clothes neatly and organize them by category. Use drawer dividers or storage bins to keep smaller items like socks and accessories tidy. We recommend this eight-pack of expandable drawer organizers ($23.99 on Amazon).
Step 2: Wash Bedding
Strip your bed of sheets, pillowcases, blankets and duvet covers and toss them in the wash. If you have decorative pillows or throws, check if they’re machine-washable and throw them in, too.
Step 3: Dust and Clean
Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from nightstands, dressers and shelves, working from top to bottom. Use a glass cleaner on mirrors and windows to get rid of fingerprints and streaks.
Step 4: Clean the Floors
Vacuum carpets and rugs, and don’t forget to get under the bed and furniture. If you have hardwood or tile floors, sweep first, then mop.
Step 5: Finishing touches
Wipe down door knobs, lamp cords and light switches. Replace bedding and fluff pillows. As a final flourish, consider adding a plant to purify the air and boost your mood. (We’re major fans of The Sill, a plant delivery service that ships lush, live houseplants straight to your doorstep.)
The post A Room-By-Room Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Home appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
