Spring Cleaning: A Room-by-Room Guide
BEDROOM
Wash bedding.
First thing, pull off bedding and throw in the washing machine, starting with bedding from the bottom up (e.g., mattress pad and sheets before pillowcases) so you can make the bed quickly as things come out of the dryer. Strip the bed entirely to let the mattress air out. Open the windows while you clean the bedroom.
Wash window treatments.
Heavy drapes and curtains can be vacuumed with your vacuum’s upholstery attachment. If they’re machine washable, add them to your pile in the laundry room for window treatments. If they’re dry clean only, add them to your stack for the dry cleaner’s. If they’re blinds, dust and wipe down with cleanser.
Clean shelves and furniture.
Use wood polish for any wood items, such as a dresser, headboard, nightstand, or shelves. Use a dust rag for shelves. Don’t forget to add things to your three labeled boxes. De-cluttering and de-junking is just as important as wiping things down during a spring clean!
Clean glass.
Wash all mirrors and the insides of windows.
Dust room and vacuum walls (in that order).
Dust and wipe down everywhere, including light switch and outlet plates, door frames, and window panes. Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to wash the corners and edges of the walls and ceiling. Wipe them down.
Winterize the closet.
Store away winter sweaters and clothing (make sure they’re clean to avoid moth and bacteria damage). Hang up your spring and summer clothes.
Shampoo (or steam-clean) carpets and rugs.
Keep an eye on the washing machine/dryer cycles so you can efficiently switch each load when it’s done. Add cleaning rags to the pile(s) in the laundry room. You’re doing great!