Spring is a time of renewal, the real start of the new year. It represents new beginnings and coming out of the winter cocoon to bask in the sunshine with the fresh filled optimism that comes with longer days. Spring brings hope, excitement and good vibes all around.
You know what else brings sparkling freshness and good vibes? A deep clean! This is why spring and cleaning go hand in hand and why “spring cleaning” is a thing. What better time to give your home a rejuvenating reset?
There are many ways to spring clean and various levels to it. Some people go all out and reorganize everything, declutter every room, add a fresh coat of paint and beyond. Some people just do a slightly deeper clean than normal to help add a little extra sparkle. It all depends on your preferences, what season of life you’re in, etc. I’m going to provide you with a checklist that is more on the thorough side so that you can have all the ideas and pick and choose what works best for you/what you’re up for!
First things first, let’s chat natural nontoxic cleaning supplies. Here is a list of the nontoxic cleaning supplies I use for all the things and can rest easy knowing I’m not breathing in harsh chemicals or exposing my littles to them.
White Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaning tool and works great on windows or as a de-greaser. You can also infuse herbs and flowers into vinegar for a great smelling natural cleaner. Rosemary, lavender and mint are my preferred choices for this.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a great non-toxic disinfectant. It’s also great for removing stains.
Baking Soda
Baking soda works as a great gentle all purpose cleaner. You can use it to make your own dishwashing detergent, cleaning sinks, surfaces and pretty much anything!
Salt
Salt is a great natural way to add in texture for scrubbing.
Lemon
Don’t discard your used lemon halves! They work great to polish faucets and other hardware and you can sprinkle some salt on them to scrub too!
Essential Oils
Essential Oils are a great resource for cleaning. Their antibacterial properties and amazing smell make them a great addition to your cleaning kit. Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Thieves and Purification are my favorite oils to use when cleaning.
Thieves Concentrate
This nontoxic bottle of cleaner goes a long way! A capful can be used to make cleaning sprays, in dishwashers, steam cleaners and more! I’m so passionate about Thieves because it works well enough to clean a surface where raw chicken has been but its so non-toxic that even if my toddler accidentally drank some (not going to let that happen though) she’d be fine. If you don’t already have Thieves, you can find it here! Seriously a game changer.
Multi-Surface Cleaner
I mix 1 capful of Thieves concentrate with water in a 16 oz. spray bottle. I use this to sanitize, dust, and wipe down everything.
Kitchen & Bath Scrub
The Thieves kitchen and bath scrub is an awesome textured scrub that helps with areas that need a deep scrub and extra sanitization. I use it on my kitchen sink, bathtubs, shower, toilets and even countertops from time to time.
Cleaning Accessories
Everyone has their own preferences for cleaning tools. Here’s what works for me:
- HEPA vacuum
- Shark steam mop
- microfiber cloths
- spray bottles
- unscented trash bags (the scented ones may mask the trash smell but they are more toxic).
- Broom/Dustpan
- Scrub Brushes
- Paper Towels
Now that you’ve got your supplies let’s discuss how to use them! I’ll start with the entire house cleaning list (the things that can be done in every room) and then move on to individual rooms.
ENTIRE HOUSE
Open Windows
Open your windows to let in that spring fresh air and lighten the energy in your home while you clean. I’m always amazed at how uplifted it feels in our home from simply opening windows and getting that fresh air circulating.
Dust Decor
Wipe down or dust any art, picture frames or other decor whether on the wall or tabletop. Some items can use a feather duster and some might need some multi-surface spray and a microfiber cloth depending on how long it’s been since they were last dusted and the location of the decor.
Dust Light Fixtures/Ceiling Fans
Also make sure to dust light fixtures and ceiling fans! They tend to get dusty easily since they are so close to the ceiling, especially if you have a popcorn ceiling.
Clean Light Switches, Baseboards and Trim
Wipe down light switches lightly (I use one spray of thieves multisurface cleaner on a microfiber cloth so that it doesn’t saturate the outlet but is enough to get off sticky fingerprints). Wipe down baseboards with microfiber cloth and multisurface cleaner (some areas may need to be scrubbed depending on their location and how long it’s been). Also, if you’re feeling extra ambitious – don’t underestimate what a fresh coat of white high gloss paint on baseboards will do to a room!
Clean/Dust Blinds
You can use a feather duster for this if you do it somewhat frequently. If it’s been a long time you may need to use a microfiber cloth with a multisurface cleaner.
Clean Lamps/Lamp Shades
Wipe down the base of the lamp with a microfiber cloth and multi-surface cleaner and dust or vacuum lamp shade with vacuum extension or dust vacuum.
Sweep/Mop Flooring
Sweep and mop all hard floors. To mop I use a shark steam mop and in the water compartment I add in a capful of Thieves concentrate, 3 drops lemon or orange essential oil and 3 drops purification oil.
Clean Curtains
vacuum + steam curtains with a garment steamer. I like to add in a couple of drops of lemon or lavender to my steamer water compartment too.
Vacuum/Carpet Clean
Vacuum any carpeted areas and furniture. Use the extension to get any corners or edges that the vacuum can’t reach. If you have a carpet cleaner, fill the water canister with warm water, a capful of Thieves concentrate and essential oils of your preferred smell. I use purification and lemon.
Clean Doors
Wipe down doors and doorknobs, they get dirty fast especially with toddlers in the house.
Clean Vents
Wipe down vent covers and HVAC return covers. Change HVAC filters.
Wash Windows
Wipe down windows (and sills). I make my own non-toxic window cleaner using Thieves concentrate and white vinegar. Do both sides where you can.
KITCHEN
Drawers and Cabinets
Wipe down interior and exterior of drawers and cabinets after emptying and then while putting everything back check expiration dates or assess as to whether or not you need it/use it/still in good condition. This is also your chance to put back everything in an organized way.
Pantry
Take everything out and dust/wipe down pantry shelves, and just like with the cabinets check everything before putting back in and use it as an opportunity to organize your pantry. I love to use the home edit organizing bins for my pantry organization!
Oven/Stovetop
Scrub stovetop and wipe down the top and sides of the oven. Take out oven racks to deep clean and scrub with a cleaning toothbrush.
Shelf Items
Dust any items on shelves like cookbooks or decor.
Appliances
Wipe down any appliances and do a deep clean on coffee makers and tea kettles.
Microwave
We don’t use a microwave but since I know many people do it’s worth mentioning to definitely give it some TLC if you have one! I remember when I used to have on how quick they can get messy. Make sure to wipe down really well inside and out and take the plate out to clean if you can.
Refrigerator/Freezer
Start by dusting off the top of the fridge and then wiping down the exterior. Remove everything inside and wipe down. I use my thieves multisurface spray for this. Then throw out any expired foods and place everything back in an organized way. Change the water filter if your refrigerator has one. Finish back vacuuming under refrigerator and behind it.
Dishwasher
Even though dishwashers are self-cleaning in a sense, it’s still good to run them on a clean cycle without dishes in them from time to time. Most have a setting for this. I like to use either a capful of Thieves for this.
Sink/Drain
For tips on natural kitchen sink cleaning hacks, click on my post linked here. For a deep clean I love using the Thieves kitchen and bath cleaning powder. It reminds me of the comet scrub powder – all the texture without any of the toxins.
Countertops
Remove everything from countertops and wipe down and sanitize.
BATHROOMS
Cabinets/Drawers
Empty and wipe down all cabinets and drawers inside and out. Discard any expired bath or makeup products and organize items when you put them back.
Sinks/Counters
Scrub and wipe down bathroom sinks and countertops. I use my Thieves kitchen and bath scrub for a deep clean and the texture helps get off any toothpaste or other sticky spots from bathroom toiletries.
Showers/Tubs
Scrub bathtubs and showers ( the kitchen and bath scrub is great for this too). Don’t forget about the drains and spouts/handles. Replace shower curtain liner
Toilets
Scrub toilets on the inside with scrubber brush and kitchen & bath scrub. Wipe down the outside of toilet (don’t forget to wipe the backside and bottom areas). Wipe off the tank cover and flush handle too.
Hardware
Polish and clean all hardware. I use thieves spray and a microfiber cloth to wipe down towel bars etc.
Bathroom Accessories
Make sure to clean toothbrush holders, bath toys, and any bath mats.
BEDROOMS
Bedding
Wash sheets, duvets and pillowcases. For this deep clean its also a good idea to rotate/flip your mattress and wash your mattress liner.
Dressers/Drawers/Closet
Clean out dresser drawers and wipe down inside and outside. Go through clothes and sort into three piles 1)keep 2)giveaway 3)off season. Store off season clothes in a bin and organize whats going back into the drawers. Do the same process for clothes hanging in the closet. Steam shoes with a garment steamer.
LIVING ROOM
Sofa
Vacuum/carpet clean or wash sofa covers. Fluff sofa cushions. Clean any throw blankets or pillows by washing their cover if they have one or steaming with a garment steamer if they don’t.
Electronics/Remote
Dust TV and other electronics and wipe down remote with microfiber cloth and multi-surface cleaner.
Bookshelves
Remove books or knick knacks from bookshelves and dust with a feather duster. Wipe down shelves while they are empty. Sort through everything while it’s off the shelves and donate any games toys or books that you no longer need or want and then put everything back after dusting or wiping down. This is also your chance to possibly rearrange some knick knacks for a fresh change.
Other Furniture
Clean coffee table and any other accent tables or chairs. Make sure to get underneath and behind too.
DINING ROOM
Dining Table
Wipe down dining room table (including the legs) and chairs. If chairs have cushions use a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner.
Credenza/Cabinet
Remove any dishware or dining supplies and wipe down the cabinet with a microfiber cloth and multisurface spray. Dust/polish dishware and other cabinet items before putting back in an organizaed way. You can even rearrange them for a fresh look.
HOME OFFICE
Desk Area
Remove everything from desk and wipe down all over including inside drawers. Go through desk items to see if there’s anything you no longer need and dust off the rest before putting back.
Computer/electronics
Dust off computer and other electronics. Don’t forget about the keyboard too!
Files/Documents
Go through your files and paperwork and remove any that you no longer need (start a shred pile) and organize the rest if it isn’t already. This is also a good time to update your home inventory (if you have one) with any new additions you have in the last year.
LAUNDRY ROOM
Washer/Dryer
Wipe down the exterior of the washer and dryer. Clean behind the washer and dryer. Deep clean the washer (by either taking apart if you can or running on a deep clean cycle with no clothes in it. Vacuum out the lint trap in the dryer.
Cabinets
Clear out cabinets and wipe down inside and out and then organize items back into place.
Hampers
Sanitize laundry hampers using a microfiber cloth and multi-surface spray.
GARAGE
Storage
Organize your storage bins if you haven’t already. Holiday/seasonal bins/tools/sporting equipment, off season clothes, etc. You can seal in dust bags to keep them from getting too dusty or finding any little spiders later on when you access them.
Floors
Sweep floor and clean any oil spills.
Vehicles
Clean out cars and vacuum/wipe down.
OUTSIDE
Porches/Patios
Sweep porch or patio and wipe down any railings or columns. Add fresh potted plants to uplift your patio too!
Entrances
Wipe down the outside of front and back entrance doors, wipe down doorknob and give a fresh coat of paint if it looks extra weathered. I love to add fresh new plants near front and back entrances in the spring.
Mailbox/Driveway
Wipe down mailbox and maybe give a fresh coat of paint! Power wash driveway.
SPRING CLEANING DIFFUSER BLENDS
Revitalizing Vibes Blend
3 drops bergamot + 3 drops jade lemon + 4 drops purification
Candy Clean Blend
3 drops bergamot + 3 drops jade lemon + 4 drops purification
Citrus Blast Blend
3 drops lemon + 2 drops orange + 2 drops lime + 2 drops grapefruit
Sparkling New Blend
3 drops jade lemon + 3 drops elemi + 2 drops thieves
If you’re feeling overwhelmed after reading all of this remember it doesn’t have to all be done in one day or even a few days! I know I would never have the time to do all of that in one day. Maybe when my kids are grown and out of the house I will have time to do it in a few days but for now this whole system is probably a 2 week long process for me here and there when I find the time. For the deeper cleaning projects on this list I like to start with whatever needs it the most in my house down to whatever needs it least/was done most recently. Regardless of how/when/if you do everything on the list remember to make it as fun as possible by diffusing some oils and playing some of your favorite music! Happy Spring Cleaning!