It’s that time of year again! Spring has sprung and the cold, dark months of winter are in the rearview mirror. But, first things first—you’ve got to tackle the looming project that will truly free you from the shackles of winter: spring cleaning.
Though spring cleaning can seem like an exhaustive, daunting endeavor, it’s pretty manageable so long as you can break it down into small, easily achievable tasks. Beyond the positive impact of involving kids in chores, it’s just nice to have some help! That’s why we’ve divvied up this spring cleaning to-do list into bite-size chores that even the smallest members of the family can handle.
Spring Cleaning in the Kitchen
The kitchen might be the heart of your home, but it’s also likely the most in need of deep cleaning. If you’re stepping on crumbs, grabbing grimy cabinet pulls, and pulling food out of a fridge that’s not been cleaned in a while, you’re not alone. Tackle this room with a container of all-purpose wipes, Windex and baking soda.
Toddlers
- Wipe down baseboards
- Wipe down tables and chairs
Grade-schoolers
- Empty out cabinets
- Wipe down cabinet interiors/doors/knobs
- Empty out refrigerator
Teenagers
- Wipe down refrigerator interior with hot water/baking soda mixture
- Wipe down sink/appliances with an all-purpose cleaner, tidy under sink area
- Sweep and mop
Parents
- Reorganize cabinet contents after cleaning, donate unused items
- Vacuum under refrigerator and coils in rear
- Restock refrigerator and discard expired food
If your kitchen is in need of more than a spring cleaning, consider upgrading small elements that can give this room a fresh look. Replace the cabinet pulls, upgrade the lighting, or swap out the faucet. You might also consider adding some pull-out shelves or draw organizers to help you stay tidy and keep control over your kitchen.
Spring Cleaning in the Family Room
Popcorn kernels ground into carpet fibers, that juice spill under the area rug and a pile of shoes that “no one” left at the door… family rooms are meant to be lived in, right? Now’s the time to wash away that lived-in grime. Open the windows and grab a microfiber cloth, polish and electronic cleaner – let’s do this!
Toddlers
- Dust/wipe tabletops
- Pick up toys, clothes, books, etc. and put them away
Grade-schoolers
- Remove all items from shelves and dust
- Dust and clean picture frames
- Take couch/chair cushions outside and beat them
Teenagers
- Dust ceilings, corners, walls and lampshades
- Wash windows with newspaper sprayed with glass cleaner
- Vacuum couch/chairs and shampoo carpets/mop hard flooring
Parents
- Dust ceiling fan
- Wipe down electronics with specialty wipes/spray
- Launder curtains, blankets and throw pillows
Does your family room feel a bit outdated? Spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint. Then “borrow” from other rooms in your home. Maybe the guest room’s dresser would serve as a great organizer under the TV. Swap the area rug with the one in your home office or steal some pillows from your bed to add a new vibe to the couch.
Spring Cleaning in the Bedrooms
Since you’ve got the whole family involved, put everyone in charge of her own space. Supply your helpers with furniture polish, Windex and baking soda, then take turns with the vacuum.
Toddlers
- Tidy up toys
- Put dirty clothes in hamper
Grade-schoolers
- Dust/polish wood furniture
- Strip bed, sprinkle baking soda on mattress and vacuum off after an hour
- Replace sheets and pillowcases
Teenagers
- Move bed, vacuum under it
- Wash pillows, covers and blankets
- Vacuum and shampoo carpets/mop hard flooring
Parents
- Remove all clothing from closets, donate items unworn in last year (bonus tip: if you/the kids aren’t sure about an item, turn the hanger around on the rod; if it stays backwards through the whole season, donate it)
- Wash vent covers, vacuum vents
- Launder curtains
Bedrooms looking a bit tired? A little rearranging never hurts, plus it’ll reveal all the stuff hiding under the beds (and keep kiddos occupied longer). If you need to take it a step further, update bedding, swap out lamps (trade with other rooms!), add a fresh coat of paint and an area rug and you’re good to go!
Spring Cleaning in the Bathroom
You’ve started to spot mildew in the shower, you can’t tell what color the grout is anymore, and your toilet bowl has a nasty ring, but have no fear, spring cleaning is here! Grab some disinfectant, a brush and a bottle of all-purpose cleaner and prepare to make everything sparkle.
Toddlers
- Change out hand towel
- Empty wastebasket
Grade-schooler
- Remove all items from the shower
- Pour vinegar down sink/shower drains and rinse with hot water
- Dust light fixtures
Teenagers
- Use hot water and vinegar to rinse the walls/floor of the shower/tub (consider an update if it’s got chipping/cracks or persistent mold)
- Scrub the toilet, including seat and back
- Sweep and mop
Parents
- Go through medicine cabinet and remove expired prescriptions
- Wash mirror, floor mat and shower curtain (think about upgrading to a glass door for a water tight seal and easier cleaning)
- Reseal grout lines if necessary
If deep cleaning isn’t enough, it might be time for a change. Start by visualizing the bathroom that best meets your needs. See what it might look like to swap out your tub for a walk-in shower or upgrade to a double vanity with ample storage space. Even if you’re limited on budget, simple improvements such as replacing the tiles or updating the fixtures are cost-effective and can make a big difference in the form and functionality of your space.
Getting the entire family involved is a great way to break up a long list of tasks and give everyone a sense of accomplishment. Once you and your helpers finish the list, don’t forget to offer a small reward (it’s warm enough for ice cream, now, right?). If any of your home’s bathrooms don’t pass the functional test, it might be time for a minor remodel. Schedule a free, in-home design consultation and find out how easy it is to turn your bathroom into a luxurious space that’s as beautiful as it is functional.