Make a plan
Spring cleaning is a list of jobs you don't do every week. Trying to do it all in one go is exhausting, so break it up: one room per weekend, or an hour each evening for a fortnight. Start by decluttering, because cleaning around piles of stuff takes twice as long.
Throughout the house
These jobs apply to almost every room:
- Wash windows inside and out, plus frames and sills
- Wash or clean curtains and dust blinds
- Dust light fittings, lampshades and the tops of doors and frames
- Wipe skirting boards and door frames
- Clean radiators and behind them
- Vacuum under and behind furniture
- Clean carpets or arrange a professional carpet clean
- Wipe light switches, sockets and door handles
- Remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings
Kitchen
See our kitchen deep cleaning checklist for the full version:
- Empty and clean inside cupboards; check dates
- Deep clean the oven and hob
- Clean extractor filters
- Clean and defrost the fridge and freezer
- Clean the dishwasher and washing machine
- Degrease tiles, splashbacks and cupboard doors
- Pull out appliances and clean behind them, if safe to do so
Bathrooms
Target the build-up from winter:
- Descale taps, shower head and screen
- Scrub grout and treat any mould
- Wash the shower curtain or replace it
- Clean the extractor fan
- Clear out cabinets and throw away old products
Bedrooms
Bedrooms gather more dust than you'd think, mostly from bedding and clothes:
- Vacuum and freshen mattresses; rotate or flip them
- Wash pillows, duvets and throws if the labels allow
- Swap winter clothes and bedding for lighter ones
- Sort wardrobes and drawers
- Vacuum under beds
Get quotes from local cleaners
Living areas
Living rooms take most of the everyday wear:
- Vacuum and clean upholstery
- Dust bookshelves and ornaments
- Clean behind the TV and cables
- Wash cushion covers and throws
Outside
If you have the energy, sweep the front step and path, clean the front door and its fittings, wash the bins and tidy the porch. Conservatory roofs and uPVC frames often need a clean after winter too – see how to clean uPVC windows and conservatories.
A four-weekend plan
If you're doing it yourself, a plan stops it dragging on until summer:
| Weekend | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Declutter the whole house; book any carpet or window cleaning |
| 2 | Kitchen: cupboards, oven, fridge, appliances, tiles |
| 3 | Bathrooms and bedrooms: descaling, grout, mattresses, wardrobes |
| 4 | Living areas, hallways, windows, curtains and outside |
Spreading a spring clean over four weekends
Swapping winter for summer
Spring is a natural time to switch heavy winter bedding and throws for lighter ones. Wash winter duvets and blankets according to their labels and make sure they're completely dry before storing, ideally in breathable bags rather than plastic, which can trap moisture.
The same goes for winter coats and boots: clean them before putting them away, so they're ready next autumn and don't attract moths or mould.
Getting help
A professional deep clean covers most of this list in a day, and many households book one each spring. Carpet cleaning and window cleaning are usually separate services. Our deep cleaning prices give an idea of costs.
