Spring Cleaning: Checklist for a Stress-Free Deep Clean
Spring is here, which means that it’s the perfect time to refresh your home after the long winter and prepare for the warmer weather ahead. But let’s be honest—spring cleaning can feel like a daunting task, especially when trying to tackle your entire house at once.
And if you’re ADHD like me, trying to stay focused and get things done is never easy. Here’s how it goes for me without a list…
The secret to a successful, thorough spring cleaning isn’t just hard work—it’s having a cleaning checklist and an action plan to help you stay focused, and clean efficiently without burning out.
I start cleaning a closet, find something that belongs in another room, take it to that room. While in that room, I see laundry. I start collecting all the laundry around the house. While in the laundry room, I notice that I’m almost out of detergent, so I go to the computer to order products. While on Amazon ordering products, I see a nice sweater that I have been eyeing and decide to order it, but now I need something to go with it, so I start shopping for clothes. Next thing you know, I didn’t clean the closet, I forgot to put the laundry in the washer, and all I got done was clothes shopping which I didn’t need! Sound familiar?
And if you’ve ever started spring cleaning only to feel overwhelmed halfway through, you’re not alone!
Today, I’ll share the best ways to stay motivated, focused, avoid the most overlooked areas of the home, and make your spring cleaning session feel effortless. Plus, I’ll show you how my Spring Cleaning Checklist can help you clean smarter—not harder.
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The Biggest Spring Cleaning Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Mistake #1: Cleaning Without a Plan
Jumping into spring cleaning without a strategy is like going to the store without a to-do list.—you’ll waste time, miss important spots, and feel frustrated.
Here’s another analogy: Jumping into spring cleaning without a plan is like trying to bake a cake without gathering your ingredients first—you’ll spend more time running back and forth than actually getting the job done. 😉
This back-and-forth wastes energy and leads to:
🚫 Burnout before you even make real progress.
🚫 More mess because you’re constantly stopping mid-task.
🚫 Frustration from feeling like you’ve been cleaning all day but getting nowhere.
That’s why the best way to clean efficiently is to gather everything you need and have a concrete plan before you start.
Solution: Start with a room-by-room, or task-by-task strategy to break your cleaning into smaller-scale chores. Gather all your cleaning supplies and tools before you start cleaning.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Most Overlooked Areas
It’s easy to focus on the obvious when spring cleaning—vacuuming carpets, wiping countertops, and decluttering shelves. But what about the spots you don’t think about every day?
Some of the most overlooked areas of the home quietly collect dust, grime, and even potential safety hazards. Neglecting these spaces can lead to poor air quality, hidden messes, and even fire risks. If you want a truly deep-cleaned home, it’s time to give these forgotten areas the attention they deserve.
Some of these areas include:
✔ Ceiling fans
✔ Light fixtures
✔ Air vents & smoke detectors
✔ Washing machine & kitchen sink
✔ Fire extinguisher & garage door
Solution: The best way to ensure these easily forgotten spaces, get the attention they deserve, is to build them into your deep-cleaning routine with a room-by-room approach.
✔ Tackle High Areas First – Start with ceiling fans, light fixtures, and air vents before moving to lower surfaces. This prevents dust from resettling on areas you’ve already cleaned. Wipe them with a soft brush attachment or a quick wipe with a damp cloth
✔ Incorporate Appliance Deep Cleans – Your washing machine, and dishwasher work hard year-round, but when was the last time you gave them a deep clean? Use baking soda, warm water, and/or a good cleaning solution to remove mold, kitchen grease, and buildup.
✔ Check Safety Features While You Clean – As you wipe down smoke detectors, replace batteries if needed, and test them to ensure they’re in good condition. Inspect your fire extinguisher and make sure it’s easily accessible in case of emergencies.
✔ Give Extra Attention to Forgotten Spaces – When cleaning your garage door, wipe down hardware to prevent rust and check for any needed maintenance. Wash or replace shower liners, dust window treatments, and refresh neglected corners of your living space to improve air quality and give your home that deep-cleaned feel.
By making these areas part of your spring cleaning action plan, you’ll ensure your entire home is fresh, safe, and truly clean—not just the spaces you see every day!
Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Not all cleaning products are created equal! Some leave residues or use harsh chemicals, while others don’t work well on certain surfaces. For a truly-clean home, stock up on your favorite products and tools before you start, including:
✔ Glass cleaner for windows, mirrors and picture frame glass.
✔ Multi-purpose cleaner for countertops and general surfaces.
✔ Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment for delicate fabrics like window treatments and upholstery.
✔ Crevice tool for tight spaces (especially for couches, baseboards, under appliances, and heating and cooling vents).
✔ Dryer sheets – A great way to repel dust on baseboards!
👉 Solution: The right supplies make all the difference. Match the right cleaner to the right task. Use the best tools and attachments for the job at hand. And make sure you have everything organized and available for easy access.
Mistake #4: Trying to Clean Everything in One Day
The idea of tackling your entire home in a single day might sound productive, but in reality, it’s a bad idea. Deep cleaning is physically demanding, and attempting to do it all at once can lead to burnout, frustration, and unfinished tasks.
You’ll start strong, but by the time you reach the last few rooms, you’ll be exhausted and tempted to cut corners—leaving behind dust, grime, and overlooked areas that defeat the purpose of spring cleaning.
Spring cleaning is meant to be thorough, not rushed, so the best tip is to space it out over time to ensure your home gets the deep clean it deserves.
Solution: Break It Down with a Realistic Cleaning Plan
Instead of exhausting yourself in a single day, use a strategic approach to deep cleaning that allows you to work efficiently while keeping your energy up.
One of the best ways to stay organized is to tackle one room at a time instead of bouncing between tasks across the whole house.
If you prefer to clean in shorter bursts, break tasks into smaller-scale goals using a weekly plan. Or if you don’t have time to clean every inch of your home, focus on the areas that need the most attention:
How to Make Spring Cleaning Easier (Without Losing Motivation!)
✅ Start with Small Wins: Tackle an easy area, like the living room, to build momentum. Basements and storage areas are the hardest. Save them for when you have some energy and motivation, and when you can enlist some help.
✅ Use the Right Tools: A cordless vacuum is a lifesaver for quick touch-ups. Norwex cloths are amazing for cleaning everything from windows to electronic screens and just need water!
✅ Create a Cleaning Routine: Set a goal to clean a little each day—use a planner or checklist to stay on track.
✅ Declutter First: Clearing out clutter before you deep-clean gives you easy access to every space. My favorite saying “You can’t organize clutter!”
Remember: Spring cleaning should feel like a fresh start—not a punishment!
Ready to Simplify Spring Cleaning? Download My Checklist!
If you want a good spring cleaning plan that takes the stress out of the process, my Complete Spring Cleaning Checklist is your new best friend!
📌 Here’s what you get:
✔ Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist – Never forget an important task again!
✔ Chore-Type Checklist – Clean by task (dusting, mopping, decluttering) if that works better for you.
✔ One-Month Cleaning Planner – No more burnout—just a good idea for keeping up with spring cleaning without burnout.
👉 Click here to download and start your stress-free spring cleaning today!
Final Thoughts
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be exhausting. With the right action plan, cleaning supplies, and a checklist, you can turn this time of year into a great way to refresh your home, boost your mood, and embrace the new habit of staying organized.
What’s your favorite way to tackle spring cleaning? Share your best spring cleaning tips in the comments below!
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