8 Must-Do Tasks Experts Always Tackle Before Spring Cleaning

Undertaking a thorough house cleaning can often feel like a significant task, much like beginning a new fitness regimen. While the satisfaction of a clean home is rewarding, the initial prospect can seem overwhelming or daunting.

However, spring cleaning can become a more manageable endeavor with some forethought. Strategic planning before you begin cleaning can simplify the process and help avoid potential frustrations.

Drawing on insights from experienced cleaning professionals, we have compiled several key preparatory actions for spring cleaning. Addressing these preliminary steps can help create an effective foundation for your cleaning efforts.

Maximize Your Spring Cleaning: Declutter First!

Jill Koch of Jill Comes Clean says there’s one thing you must do before you can clean: get rid of the excess.

“Before deep cleaning your home, you must first declutter every room,” says Koch. “There’s no point cleaning around items you no longer need or want. This is a good opportunity to free up space and will make cleaning these rooms easier.”

Kathy Cohoon of Two Maids & a Mop agrees, noting that before a deep clean, she likes to reorganize and prepare for a thorough cleaning. Her plan of action starts by going through old clothes, household items, and toys, and after determining what stays and what goes, she heads to her local donation center to donate items she no longer uses.

But even if you’re not tossing or donating unwanted items, Koch says this is still a crucial step, as decluttering can also simply mean putting things away and clearing surfaces.

“A room can be cleaned from top to bottom, but when it’s cluttered with stuff, it won’t feel as clean as it could be,” she says. “Decluttering before cleaning and tidying makes a huge difference in how clean a room feels.”

Fresh Start: Tackle Laundry Before Spring Cleaning

In addition to decluttering, Alex Wojenski of Grove Collaborative mentions she always does the laundry before a deep clean. She notes that washing towels, curtains, furniture covers, and any other household linens is an excellent preliminary step in maintaining order.

Cohoon agrees. “Unwashed bedding, curtains, rugs, and blankets can make a clean room feel dirty, so make sure to wash your fabrics,” she advises.

Strategize Your Clean: Create a Spring Cleaning Game Plan

As you declutter, it’s advisable to assess your space and begin formulating a written strategy.

“Plan out your deep clean before you begin,” says Koch. “If you prefer to get it all done at once, a checklist might be more suitable. That way, you can go through your house and check off items as you go.”

On the other hand, if a comprehensive single-session approach isn’t your style, Koch suggests that a schedule might be more effective than a to-do list.

“If you prefer to deep clean room by room or do a little each day until you’re done, I suggest making a calendar or schedule of what you’ll do each day,” she says. “Whichever method you choose, a checklist or schedule can help ensure nothing gets missed.”

If you’re uncertain where to begin, Koch suggests prioritizing high-traffic areas.

“Start with the spaces you use and inhabit the most, like the kitchen or bathrooms,” she says. “This is where clutter is most noticeable because you pass through them frequently. Tackle these first, while you’re motivated, and then things will get easier as you go.”

Pro Cleaning Tip: Always Work From Top to Bottom

Regardless of your starting point, Cohoon recommends a consistent method: cleaning from the top down.

“Try to set your path from top to bottom, as this will eliminate unnecessary extra steps,” says Cohoon. “Start by cleaning the tops of ceiling fans and cabinets. Then, tackle the middle areas, which include countertops, sinks, and the tops of dressers and side tables. Lastly, vacuum and mop, which will ensure you pick up all the dust particles that fall from the ceiling fan or even countertops.”

As you proceed, remember to address an often-neglected task: deep cleaning your carpets. “A dirty carpet can make a clean room feel grimy, so be sure to give them a scrub for an overall fresh feeling,” says Cohoon.

Tackle High-Traffic Zones: Start with Kitchens & Bathrooms

Wojenski offers another tip: she prefers to begin with the areas that typically require the most cleaning effort.

“The kitchen and bathroom are the most time-consuming spaces to clean and require more materials and effort,” she states. “Although cleaning these spaces can sometimes be a bit tricky, starting with them can prevent mess from spreading to other areas.”

Power Up: Charge and Assess Your Cleaning Tools

Before commencing your cleaning, verify that all your cleaning tools and equipment are in good working condition.

“If you use appliances like cordless vacuums, electric scrubbers, or anything that needs to be charged to work, make sure to do that ahead of time so you have full batteries,” says Koch.

Beyond ensuring you have the necessary tools, Koch also suggests that this is an opportune time to consider upgrading or replacing any worn-out items.

“Make sure you have a good vacuum cleaner, some type of mop or floor scrubbing device, cloth rags, and microfiber cloths for electronics, glass, mirrors, and dusting,” she says. “I’d also recommend an extendable duster to reach high areas and an electric scrubber that cleans tougher grime more easily than by hand.”

Be Prepared: Stock Up on Essential Cleaning Supplies

As a preparatory step, Koch advises ensuring that all necessary cleaning supplies are fully stocked and readily accessible. Take inventory of your current supplies to confirm you have basic cleaning products and any specialized items for more challenging tasks.

If you are building your cleaning kit from the ground up, Koch notes this is a good time to expand your collection of tools and products to ensure you are well-equipped. Your cleaning caddy should contain fundamental products for bathrooms, kitchen surfaces, sinks, glass, and other common areas.

“A good all-purpose cleaner or even just some baking soda, dish soap, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and microfiber cloths will get you through a ton of tasks,” she says. “Also, keep one or two stronger cleaners on hand for when a job requires a bit more muscle.”

Stay Prepared: Make Restocking Cleaning Supplies a Regular Habit

Whether your spring cleaning is a seasonal refresh or addresses more significant organizational needs, Koch suggests using this opportunity to establish new habits for maintaining an orderly space.

“I always recommend repurchasing cleaning products when they’re running low, not when they’re out,” says Koch. “That way, you won’t get into a cleaning groove and run out of what you need.”

For those who find lists helpful, Wojenski provided her list of essential items for her cleaning arsenal. You can compare it with your own supplies and restock or add items as necessary.

Cleaners

• Multi-surface cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Shower cleaner (Tip: Concentrated cleaners typically require less storage space, making them convenient for keeping backup supplies.)
• Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Floor cleaner
• Bon Ami (or other light abrasive)
• Specialty cleaners as needed, depending on the type of furnishings in your home: carpet cleaner, granite cleaner, stainless steel cleaner, ceramic cooktop cleaner, and a leather cleaner and conditioner.

Equipment and Accessories

• Microfiber cloths (Tip: Keeping a stock of clean microfiber cloths ensures a reusable cleaning option is readily available and can reduce reliance on paper towels.)
• Walnut scrubber
• Scrub brush
• Mop and broom
• Duster
• Dustpan
• Cleaning gloves
• Bucket
• Vacuum