Now that spring is in the air, you probably want to open your windows to welcome it in. And if you are thinking about putting your house on the market, a pristine home will sell quicker and at a higher price than one that looks a little 'tired' and worn.
Yes, getting your home ready for spring or to sell can be a daunting task. But if you break it down into manageable steps and give yourself plenty time to complete them all (say, the next four weeks), you’ll be done before you know it.
Here’s our guide for how to tackle cleaning your home for spring.
First things first
There are some tasks that apply to most rooms of the house. These include:
- Vacuum and wipe down ceilings and walls.
- Vacuum and/or wipe down curtains and window treatments.
- Dust light fixtures, ceiling fans and shelves.
- Replace light bulbs.
- Wipe down light switches and door handles.
- Vacuum or mop floors.
- Wash windows. (nothing makes a home look better than clean windows! A must for any home that's on the market)
- Change batteries in smoke detectors.
Kitchen
- Clean appliances including oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, microwave oven, garbage disposal and toaster.
- Defrost the freezer.
- Clean out cabinets and wipe down shelves. (yes- buyers do want to look in the closets and pantry!)
- Clean and organize pantry.
- Disinfect cutting boards and countertops.
- Clean garbage and recycle bins.
Living Room / Dining Room
- Vacuum and spot clean upholstered furniture.
- Unplug and dust all electronics.
- Clean fireplace.
- Replace heavy curtains and throws with lighter ones.
- Clean and wax wood furniture.
- Launder table linens.
- Launder throw pillows and blankets.
- Vacuum lamp shades
Bedrooms
- Rotate mattress and switch to warm season bedding.
- Wash pillows and mattress pads.
- Sprinkle baking soda on mattress and vacuum after a few minutes.
- Organize drawers and closets.
- Clean lampshades and under bed.
- Disinfect children’s toys and donate any that children have outgrown.
Bathrooms
- Remove items from medicine cabinet and clean shelves.
- Discard unused and expired medication.
- Clean cosmetics and discard any that are unused and expired.
- Clean hair care tools and accessories.
- Wipe down toiletries.
- Clean faucets and remove build-up.
- Clean drains.
- Scrub and clean sink and tub.
- Update first aid supplies.
- Clean inside and outside of toilet.
- Clean mirrors.
- Wash shower curtain or scour shower door.
- Disinfect countertops and backsplashes.
Laundry Room
- Wipe down cabinets and countertops.
- Wipe down the outside of both the washer and dryer.
- Vacuum and wash lint trap.
- Clean behind the washer and dryer.
- Run an empty load of hot water and vinegar through washer.
Office
- Wipe down all surfaces, including the top of desk.
- Wipe down computer monitor.
- Clean keyboard.
- Disinfect phone and mouse.
- Organize clutter.
- Vacuum or wipe down office chair.
- Shred old papers and organize files.
- Clean garbage and recycle bins.
Outdoor Areas
- Organize garage.
- Scrub decks, patios and walkways.
- Clean porch railings, walls and ceilings.
- Replace light bulbs.
- Wash outdoor furniture, including cushions.
- Clean garbage and recycle bins.
Phew! While this list may make you wish winter (well, whatever you call January and February in San Diego!) lasted a little longer, getting a jump start on your spring cleaning will give you more time to enjoy your home once the warm weather arrives. And if selling your home is an idea you've been playing with, getting a head start at this kind of cleaning can make the whole process easier to deal with (and get you a better price!). So grab the list, gather your supplies and get to it!
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