A whole-house clean can feel like too much to start. Breaking it into rooms, and working from top to bottom in each, makes it manageable. A cordless handheld vacuum speeds up many of the fiddly jobs.
Before you start
- Charge your handheld vacuum and empty its dust cup.
- Gather microfiber cloths, an all-purpose cleaner and a trash bag.
- Open windows for fresh air if the weather allows.
Kitchen
Empty one cupboard or drawer at a time, vacuum out crumbs with a crevice tool, wipe it down and put back only what you use. Clean the outside of appliances, then wipe counters and finish with the floor.
Living room
Dust from the top: light fixtures, shelves and picture frames. Lift sofa cushions and use the handheld to clear crumbs and pet hair from seams. Vacuum air vents and baseboards before the main floor.
Bedrooms
Wash bedding and pillow covers. Vacuum the mattress surface and under the bed. Sort through one drawer or shelf of clothes and set aside anything to donate.
Bathroom
Clear out expired products and medicines. Clean from top to bottom: mirror, shelves, sink, tub and toilet, then the floor. A handheld is handy for dust and hair around the base of the toilet, but only when surfaces are dry.
Entryway and windows
Vacuum grit from window and sliding door tracks, then wipe them with a damp cloth. Shake out doormats and clean the area under them.
Don't forget the car
Finish with a quick car clean: remove trash, vacuum seats, footwells and door pockets with the handheld, and wipe the dashboard.
Keep it going
Choose one room each weekend for a quick top-to-bottom refresh and spring cleaning will never pile up again.
