Spring Cleaning Checklist: Preparing Your Home for the Season

Why Spring Cleaning Matters

After a long Wisconsin winter, your home needs attention. Months of closed windows, tracked-in salt and snow, and dry heated air leave their mark. Spring cleaning is not just about cleanliness—it is about resetting your home for the warmer months, identifying maintenance issues, and creating a fresh living environment.

Kitchen Deep Clean

The kitchen accumulates grease, food residue, and clutter. Tackle these areas:

Appliances

• Refrigerator: Empty completely, clean shelves and drawers, vacuum condenser coils, check door seals
• Oven: Run self-clean cycle or deep clean manually, replace drip pans if needed
• Microwave: Steam clean with lemon water, clean turntable
• Dishwasher: Clean filter, run empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner, wipe door edges
• Small appliances: Clean coffee maker, toaster, blender—check for wear

Cabinets and Pantry

• Empty and wipe down all shelves
• Check expiration dates on food items
• Organize with like items together
• Clean cabinet fronts and hardware
• Assess for pest evidence

Surfaces and Fixtures

• Degrease range hood and filter
• Clean and sanitize countertops
• Scrub sink and polish faucet
• Clean light fixtures
• Wash or replace sink mats

Bathroom Refresh

Bathrooms need thorough sanitization:

Deep Cleaning Tasks

• Scrub tile grout (re-caulk if moldy or cracked)
• Clean exhaust fan cover and check operation
• Descale showerheads and faucets
• Clean toilet thoroughly, including base and behind
• Wash shower curtain and liner or replace
• Clean medicine cabinet and discard expired items

Organization

• Sort and organize under-sink storage
• Replace worn towels and bathmats
• Check grooming tool condition
• Restock supplies

Living Areas

Common spaces benefit from attention after winter:

Floors

• Deep clean carpets (professional cleaning recommended)
• Clean and condition hardwood floors
• Move furniture and clean underneath
• Clean baseboards
• Wash or replace entry mats

Furniture and Soft Surfaces

• Vacuum upholstered furniture, including under cushions
• Clean or launder throw pillows and blankets
• Polish wood furniture
• Flip or rotate mattresses
• Wash curtains or vacuum blinds

Windows and Light

• Clean interior windows
• Wash window tracks and sills
• Clean light fixtures and replace burned bulbs
• Dust ceiling fans (reverse direction for summer)

Bedrooms

Create a fresh sleeping environment:

• Wash all bedding including pillows and mattress pad
• Vacuum mattress and treat stains
• Sort and organize closets
• Donate clothing you no longer wear
• Dust all furniture and decor
• Clean behind and under bed

Whole-House Tasks

These tasks apply throughout your home:

Air Quality

• Replace HVAC filters: After winter, filters are likely dirty
• Clean vents and registers: Vacuum dust and debris
• Check smoke and CO detectors: Replace batteries, test function
• Consider duct cleaning: Every 3-5 years or if dusty/musty

Walls and Ceilings

• Dust crown molding and ceiling corners
• Spot clean walls and touch up paint
• Clean switch plates and door handles
• Dust picture frames and wall decor

Storage Areas

• Organize and declutter basement
• Clean and reorganize garage
• Sort through attic storage
• Dispose of unused or broken items

Outdoor Spring Tasks

Wisconsin homes need exterior attention after winter:

Immediate Priorities

• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Inspect roof for winter damage
• Check foundation for cracks
• Remove debris from window wells
• Clean exterior light fixtures

Deck and Patio

• Power wash deck, patio, walkways
• Inspect deck for loose boards or popped nails
• Clean outdoor furniture
• Check grill and clean thoroughly

Lawn and Garden Prep

• Rake remaining leaves and debris
• Edge beds and borders
• Apply pre-emergent weed control
• Tune up lawn mower
• Test outdoor faucets and irrigation

When to Call Professionals

Some spring cleaning tasks benefit from professional help:

Consider Professional Cleaning For

• Carpet cleaning: Professional equipment removes deep dirt and allergens
• Window cleaning: Especially for two-story or hard-to-reach windows
• Duct cleaning: Requires specialized equipment
• Deep cleaning: One-time professional clean gives you a fresh start

Typical Costs in Wisconsin

• House cleaning (one-time deep clean): $200-400
• Carpet cleaning: $150-300 for whole house
• Window cleaning: $150-300
• Gutter cleaning: $100-250
• Power washing: $200-500

Creating a Spring Cleaning Schedule

Do not try to do everything in one weekend:

Week 1: Kitchen and Bathrooms

Focus on the rooms that need the most sanitization.

Week 2: Living Areas and Bedrooms

Deep clean carpets, furniture, and sleeping spaces.

Week 3: Whole-House Tasks

HVAC, windows, walls, and storage areas.

Week 4: Outdoor and Garage

Once weather cooperates, tackle exterior tasks.

Get Help With Spring Cleaning

Start the season with a professionally cleaned home. HomeHelpersCo connects Wisconsin homeowners with reliable cleaning services for one-time deep cleans or ongoing maintenance.

Ready for a fresh start? Get free quotes from local cleaning professionals today.