Complete Spring Cleaning Checklist for Busy Moms (Room by Room)

Spring cleaning does not have to feel overwhelming, even with a house full of kiddos. This spring cleaning checklist 2026 breaks every room down into manageable tasks with realistic time estimates, non-toxic product recommendations, and age-appropriate chores so the whole family can help. Whether you tackle it in a weekend or spread it out over a month, this room by room cleaning guide will get your home fresh and ready for the season ahead.

I have four kids (ages 2, 4, 7, and 9), we homeschool the older two part-time, and our house is lived in all day long. These spring cleaning tips for moms come from years of figuring out what actually works when the littles are home and the mess never stops.

Before You Start: The Golden Rule

Declutter first. Deep clean second. Walk through each room with three bins: donate, trash, and relocate. Cleaning around piles of stuff is wasted effort. Spend one to two days purging before you pick up a single cleaning product.

Quick supply checklist (gather these before you begin):

• Microfiber cloths multi-pack (~$8-12 at Walmart or Target)
• Baking soda (~$2) and white vinegar (~$3)
• Your all-purpose cleaner of choice (see product section below)
• Scrub Daddy sponges (~$4-8 at Target)
• Magic Eraser (~$4-6 for a four-pack at Walmart)
• Empty spray bottles (~$1-3 at the dollar store)
• Rubber gloves (~$3-5)
• Trash bags and donation bags
• A cleaning caddy (~$5-10) to carry supplies room to room

[IMAGE: Bright, organized mudroom or entryway with hooks, bins, and spring jackets, showing a family-friendly seasonal transition space]

Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist

Kitchen | 3-4 Hours

Declutter (do this first):

• [ ] Clean out pantry: toss expired items, wipe shelves, reorganize by category
• [ ] Go through fridge and freezer: toss expired food, wipe shelves and drawers
• [ ] Purge under the sink: toss old sponges and expired cleaners
• [ ] Declutter countertops and remove items you do not use daily
• [ ] Clean out junk drawer
• [ ] Donate small appliances you no longer use

Deep clean:

• [ ] Steam clean microwave (microwave a bowl of lemon water for 3 minutes, then wipe)
• [ ] Clean oven with baking soda paste (or run self-clean cycle)
• [ ] Run empty dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda
• [ ] Pull out fridge and clean behind and underneath
• [ ] Clean range hood and soak filter in hot soapy water
• [ ] Wipe down all cabinet fronts, especially around handles
• [ ] Scrub sink with baking soda; clean garbage disposal with ice and citrus peels
• [ ] Clean backsplash tile and grout
• [ ] Wash window above sink inside and out
• [ ] Wipe all light switches and cabinet handles
• [ ] Clean light fixtures and replace burnt bulbs
• [ ] Sweep and mop floors including under island and table
• [ ] Wipe baseboards

Kid tasks for the kitchen:

• Ages 8-9: Load and unload dishwasher, wipe lower cabinet fronts
• Ages 6-7: Wipe light switches and door handles, sweep floor
• Ages 4-5: Wipe table and low surfaces with a damp cloth
• Ages 2-3: Hand items to a parent, put toys back in bins

Recommended products:

• Branch Basics All-Purpose (diluted from concentrate, ~$55 for a refill at branchbasics.com)
• Baking soda paste for oven and sink
• White vinegar for the dishwasher and garbage disposal
• Scrub Daddy sponges (~$4-8) for stovetop and sink scrubbing

—

Bathrooms | 1.5-2 Hours Each

Declutter:

• [ ] Toss expired toiletries and old makeup (shelf life is 1-2 years)
• [ ] Purge under-sink cabinets
• [ ] Replace old toothbrushes
• [ ] Toss stained or worn towels and washcloths
• [ ] Organize medicine cabinet and check medication expiration dates

Deep clean:

• [ ] Scrub shower and tub tile and grout (use baking soda paste or hydrogen peroxide)
• [ ] Soak shower head overnight in a bag of vinegar
• [ ] Wash shower curtain and liner in the washing machine
• [ ] Clean toilet thoroughly including base, behind, and around bolts
• [ ] Scrub sink and faucet; remove mineral buildup with vinegar
• [ ] Clean mirrors
• [ ] Wipe all surfaces, towel bars, and toilet paper holder
• [ ] Remove and soak exhaust fan cover in soapy water
• [ ] Wash bath mats
• [ ] Sweep and mop floor including behind toilet
• [ ] Wipe baseboards and clean light fixtures
• [ ] Recaulk tub or shower if you see gaps (prevents mold)

Pro tip: Keep a small squeegee in each shower. A quick squeegee after every shower prevents mineral buildup and makes the next deep clean much faster.

Kid tasks for the bathroom:

• Ages 8-9: Wipe bathroom surfaces and clean mirrors
• Ages 6-7: Wipe mirrors and counters, take out small trash bags
• Ages 4-5: Hand items to a parent, wipe low surfaces
• Ages 2-3: Put dirty clothes in the hamper

Recommended products:

• Seventh Generation All-Purpose Cleaner (~$4-5 at Target or Walmart) for surfaces
• Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste for grout
• Tea tree essential oil for natural antibacterial toilet cleaning
• White vinegar for shower heads and mineral deposits

[IMAGE: Clean, bright bathroom with organized vanity, neatly folded white towels, a small plant, and eco-friendly cleaning products arranged on the counter]

—

Master Bedroom | 2-3 Hours

Declutter:

• [ ] Seasonal clothing swap: pack winter, bring out spring and summer
• [ ] Donate clothes you have not worn in a year
• [ ] Purge nightstand drawers
• [ ] Declutter dresser tops
• [ ] Organize closet by category or color

Deep clean:

• [ ] Strip bed and wash all bedding including mattress pad, pillow protectors, and duvet cover
• [ ] Vacuum and rotate mattress
• [ ] Dust ceiling fan (use the pillowcase trick: slide a pillowcase over the blade and pull toward you)
• [ ] Wash windows inside and out; clean window tracks
• [ ] Wipe all furniture surfaces
• [ ] Vacuum under bed and behind furniture
• [ ] Clean mirrors
• [ ] Dust and wipe baseboards and door frames
• [ ] Vacuum or mop floors including closet floor
• [ ] Clean under-bed storage
• [ ] Dust blinds or wash curtains per care label

—

Kids’ Bedrooms | 2-3 Hours Per Room

Declutter:

• [ ] Sort toys into keep, donate, and trash bins
• [ ] Purge outgrown clothing (check sizes)
• [ ] Organize books and donate outgrown ones
• [ ] Go through art supplies and craft materials
• [ ] Organize school and homeschool supplies
• [ ] Check under bed and closet corners for forgotten items
• [ ] Use labeled bins for toy categories (picture labels for ages 2-4)

Deep clean:

• [ ] Strip beds and wash all bedding
• [ ] Vacuum and wipe mattress
• [ ] Wipe down all surfaces, shelves, and dressers
• [ ] Clean windows and tracks
• [ ] Dust ceiling fan and light fixtures
• [ ] Wipe light switches and door handles
• [ ] Vacuum under beds and behind furniture
• [ ] Spot-clean walls (crayon, marker, fingerprints – Magic Eraser works well)
• [ ] Wash stuffed animals in a pillowcase in the washing machine
• [ ] Wipe down toy bins and shelving
• [ ] Wipe baseboards

Kid tasks for bedrooms:

• Ages 8-9: Declutter their room with minimal supervision, organize closet and drawers, dust shelves
• Ages 6-7: Make their own bed, put away folded laundry, organize bookshelves
• Ages 4-5: Sort toys into labeled bins, help make the bed (pull up covers), pick up items from the floor
• Ages 2-3: Put toys back in bins one at a time, stack books on a shelf, put clothes in the hamper

—

Living Room / Family Room | 2-3 Hours

Declutter:

• [ ] Clear out magazine and book piles
• [ ] Organize toy baskets and bins
• [ ] Sort through media (DVDs, games)
• [ ] Tidy bookshelves
• [ ] Declutter entertainment center

Deep clean:

• [ ] Vacuum upholstery using attachment (sofas and chairs)
• [ ] Remove and wash throw pillow covers and throw blankets
• [ ] Beat cushions outdoors to dislodge dust
• [ ] Spot-treat upholstery stains
• [ ] Take down and wash curtains (check care labels)
• [ ] Clean blinds with microfiber cloth or remove and soak
• [ ] Wash all windows inside and out; clean tracks and sills
• [ ] Dust ceiling fan blades (pillowcase trick)
• [ ] Dust all surfaces, shelves, and picture frames
• [ ] Clean TV screen with dry microfiber cloth (never spray directly on it)
• [ ] Wipe and disinfect all remotes and electronics
• [ ] Clean light fixtures and lamps
• [ ] Vacuum and mop floors including under furniture
• [ ] Clean baseboards and door frames
• [ ] Clean fireplace if applicable (sweep ashes, wipe surround)

Recommended products:

• Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day All-Purpose Cleaner (~$4-5 at Target or Walmart) for surfaces and a fresh scent
• Grove Co. Multi-Purpose Concentrate (~$5-8 at Target or Walmart) for plant-based refillable cleaning
• Extendable wand duster (~$5-10 at Walmart) for ceiling fans and high shelves

—

Laundry Room | 1-1.5 Hours

Declutter:

• [ ] Toss cleaning supplies you do not use
• [ ] Check for expired laundry products
• [ ] Sort stray items and return to proper rooms
• [ ] Organize shelves and supply area
• [ ] Wipe down supply bottles (they get grimy)

Deep clean:

• [ ] Run empty hot cycle in the washing machine with vinegar or machine cleaner
• [ ] Clean rubber gasket on front-loader (check for mold)
• [ ] Clean dryer lint trap thoroughly
• [ ] Pull dryer out and clean entire exhaust vent and hose (fire safety)
• [ ] Wipe washer and dryer exteriors
• [ ] Clean behind and under both appliances
• [ ] Wipe shelves and counters
• [ ] Clean utility sink if you have one
• [ ] Sweep and mop floor
• [ ] Clean light fixture

—

Mudroom / Entryway | 1-1.5 Hours

Declutter:

• [ ] Pack away winter gear (heavy coats, snow boots, hats, gloves)
• [ ] Bring out spring items (rain boots, lighter jackets, umbrellas)
• [ ] Sort shoes and donate outgrown kids’ shoes
• [ ] Create a designated spot for each family member
• [ ] Set up a shoe tray for muddy spring shoes
• [ ] Add a catch-all basket for keys and sunglasses

Deep clean:

• [ ] Wipe hooks, shelves, and cubbies
• [ ] Clean bench or seating area
• [ ] Sweep and mop floor
• [ ] Clean front door inside and out
• [ ] Wipe door handle and lockset
• [ ] Clean doormats (shake out, hose off, or replace)
• [ ] Wipe light switch and fixtures

—

Homeschool Area / Home Office | 1-2 Hours

Declutter:

• [ ] File or shred papers
• [ ] Organize school supplies and curriculum materials
• [ ] Purge dried-out markers, broken crayons, old worksheets
• [ ] Organize desk drawers
• [ ] Sort through completed schoolwork (save the best, recycle the rest)

Deep clean:

• [ ] Wipe down desk, shelves, and surfaces
• [ ] Clean computer screen, keyboard (compressed air), and mouse
• [ ] Dust bookshelves
• [ ] Clean windows
• [ ] Vacuum or mop floor
• [ ] Wipe baseboards and clean light fixture

[IMAGE: Organized homeschool workspace with bookshelves, labeled bins of supplies, a tidy desk, and natural light through clean windows]

—

Outdoor / Garage | 2-4 Hours

Garage:

• [ ] Declutter with donate, trash, and keep zones
• [ ] Organize seasonal items, sports equipment, and tools
• [ ] Sweep garage floor
• [ ] Wipe down shelving
• [ ] Check for pests

Porch and patio:

• [ ] Sweep porch ceiling for cobwebs
• [ ] Wash porch floor
• [ ] Wipe down railings and light fixtures
• [ ] Clean outdoor furniture (hose off, scrub cushion covers)
• [ ] Wash windows and screens

Yard:

• [ ] Rake remaining leaves and debris
• [ ] Clear garden beds
• [ ] Check gutters and downspouts
• [ ] Inspect roof for winter damage
• [ ] Clean exterior of trash cans

—

Whole-House Tasks (Do Not Skip These)

These are the tasks most spring cleaning checklists forget, but they are some of the most impactful:

• ] Replace HVAC filter. Change before cooling season begins. [Filtrete MERV 11 four-pack is about $31-45 at Walmart. Replace every 90 days, every 60 with pets, every 30 with allergies.
• [ ] Test smoke and CO detectors. Replace batteries and replace units older than 10 years.
• [ ] Flush water heater to remove sediment (do this annually to extend lifespan).
• [ ] Clean dryer vent (the full exhaust vent, not just the lint trap). Lint buildup is a fire hazard.
• [ ] Reverse ceiling fans to counterclockwise for spring and summer (pushes cool air down).
• [ ] Disinfect all high-touch surfaces: door handles, light switches, stair railings throughout the house.
• [ ] Wash air vents and registers. Remove, soak in soapy water, dry, and replace.
• [ ] Wash all trash cans inside and out (house and recycling).
• [ ] Vacuum and rotate all mattresses.
• [ ] Wash or replace bed pillows (replace every 1-2 years).
• [ ] Wash walls in high-traffic areas (hallways, stairwells, kitchen). Magic Eraser for scuff marks.

Four Scheduling Strategies: Pick the One That Fits Your Life

Option 1: The One-Room-a-Day Plan (7-10 Days)

Best for: Homeschool families and moms who can carve out 2-4 hours per day.

Day	Room	Est. Time
1	Kitchen	3-4 hours
2	Bathroom 1	1.5-2 hours
3	Master bedroom	2-3 hours
4	Kids’ bedroom 1	2-3 hours
5	Kids’ bedroom 2	2-3 hours
6	Living and family room	2-3 hours
7	Laundry room + mudroom	2-3 hours
8	Bathroom 2 + whole-house tasks	2-3 hours
9-10	Outdoor and garage (optional)	2-4 hours

This is my preferred approach. One room per day, usually during quiet time or between homeschool subjects. The progress is visible and motivating, and nobody burns out.

Option 2: The Slow and Steady Plan (3-4 Weeks)

Best for: Moms with very full schedules or anyone who feels overwhelmed.

• Week 1: Declutter every room (bags and boxes for donate, trash, relocate)
• Week 2: Deep clean kitchen and bathrooms
• Week 3: Deep clean bedrooms and living room
• Week 4: Laundry room, mudroom, outdoor, and whole-house tasks

Time per week: about 4-6 hours total, broken into one-hour chunks.

Option 3: The 15-Minutes-a-Day Method (4-6 Weeks)

Best for: Mamas in a hard season (new baby, illness, or just a lot going on right now).

Set a timer for 15 minutes. Pick one task from this checklist. Do as much as you can, then stop. Check it off and move on tomorrow. This fits perfectly around homeschool schedule blocks and still makes steady progress.

Option 4: The Weekend Blitz (1-2 Days)

Best for: Families who want it done in one push.

• Saturday: Kitchen (3-4 hrs) + bathrooms (3-4 hrs) + laundry room (1 hr)
• Sunday: Bedrooms (4-6 hrs) + living room (2-3 hrs) + mudroom (1 hr)

Build in breaks. Order pizza for dinner. Celebrate when you finish.

Spring Cleaning with Kids: Age-by-Age Task Guide

Getting the kiddos involved makes spring cleaning faster and teaches real life skills. Here is what works at our house with our four kids:

Ages 2-3 (Toddler Tasks)

• Put toys back in bins one at a time
• Stack books on a shelf
• Wipe the table with a damp cloth
• Put dirty clothes in the hamper
• Hand items to a parent
• Match socks from the laundry basket

Tips for toddlers: Give them a spray bottle filled with just water so they feel included. Sing cleanup songs. Keep tasks under five minutes.

Ages 4-5 (Preschooler Tasks)

• Wipe down tables and low surfaces
• Dust baseboards with a sock on their hand
• Sort laundry by color
• Pick up toys and sort into labeled bins
• Water plants
• Help make their bed (pull up covers)

Tips for preschoolers: Use picture labels on bins so they know where things go. Set a timer and make it a race.

Ages 6-7 (Early Elementary Tasks)

• Make their own bed
• Put away their folded laundry
• Sweep with a small broom
• Wipe bathroom mirrors and counters
• Help vacuum with supervision
• Wipe light switches and door handles
• Empty dishwasher (unbreakable items)

Tips for early elementary: Give them their own cleaning caddy with kid-safe supplies. A checklist they can physically check off is very motivating at this age.

Ages 8-9 (Older Kid Tasks)

• Vacuum rooms independently
• Mop floors
• Clean mirrors and reachable windows
• Load and unload the dishwasher completely
• Sort and start a load of laundry
• Organize their own closet and drawers
• Help younger siblings with their tasks

Tips for older kids: Pair them with a younger sibling as a “team lead.” Consider a small reward or privilege for completing their spring cleaning assignments.

[IMAGE: Bright kitchen with organized pantry, clean countertops, and a caddy of eco-friendly cleaning products, natural light from a clean window]

Homeschool Integration: When Cleaning Counts as School

If you homeschool, spring cleaning with kids can double as valuable learning time. Here is how I fold it into our day:

• Math: Measuring cleaning solutions, calculating how many loads of laundry we need, estimating time per room
• Reading: Older kids read product labels, safety instructions, and care labels on clothing
• Science: Sorting and categorizing items, understanding why vinegar and baking soda react, learning about bacteria and hygiene
• Life skills: Every single cleaning task is a practical life skill

I schedule ten-minute cleaning tasks as brain breaks between homeschool subjects. After a long reading block, a physical task like wiping baseboards or sweeping helps my seven-year-old reset. He comes back to the table more focused and ready for math.

Non-Toxic Product Recommendations

Switching to non-toxic cleaners matters when you have littles who touch everything and put their hands in their mouths. These are the brands I use and trust:

Best Non-Toxic Cleaning Brands

Brand	Key Product	Price	Where to Buy
Branch Basics	Concentrate refill	~$55	branchbasics.com
Grove Co.	Multi-Purpose Concentrate	~$5-8	Walmart, Target
Mrs. Meyer’s	All-Purpose Cleaner	~$4-5	Target, Walmart
Seventh Generation	All-Purpose Cleaner	~$4-5	Target, Walmart
Puracy	Multi-Surface Cleaner	~$8-10	Amazon, Target

Branch Basics is my top pick. One concentrate bottle makes all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, foam hand soap, and laundry detergent. It is safe for babies and pets, and the refill lasts our family several months.

Budget DIY Cleaning Solutions

You can clean nearly your whole house with these pantry staples:

All-Purpose Cleaner: 1 cup water + 1 cup white vinegar + 10-15 drops lemon essential oil in a spray bottle. Avoid using on natural stone (marble, granite) because vinegar is acidic.

Scrubbing Paste: 2 tablespoons baking soda + 1 teaspoon water + a few drops lemon essential oil. Great for sinks, tubs, and ovens.

Glass Cleaner: Equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Wipe with a microfiber cloth for streak-free shine.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda in the bowl, add 1/4 cup vinegar and 5-10 drops tea tree essential oil, let sit 15 minutes, scrub, and flush.

Budget Cleaning Tools

Tool	Price	Where to Buy
O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop	~$35-40	Walmart, Target
Scrub Daddy sponges	~$4-8	Target
Magic Eraser (4-pack)	~$4-6	Walmart, Target
Extendable wand duster	~$5-10	Walmart
Microfiber cloths (multi-pack)	~$8-12	Walmart, Target
Empty spray bottles	~$1-3	Dollar store, Walmart
Cleaning caddy	~$5-10	Walmart

Steam Cleaners (Chemical-Free Deep Cleaning)

If you want to skip chemicals entirely for floors, a steam mop uses only water:

Steam Mop	Price	Notes
Shark Steam Mop S1000	~$50-70	Budget-friendly, 2 reusable pads
Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach	~$45-50	Handheld, 10 multi-surface tools
Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop	~$75-99	Built-in scrubber, good for families

Common Spring Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

1. Trying to do it all in one day. Burnout is real. Break it up into a schedule that fits your life.
2. Cleaning before decluttering. Always purge first, then clean.
3. Working bottom to top. Dust falls. Start with ceiling fans and high shelves, end with floors.
4. Forgetting the HVAC filter. One of the most impactful and most overlooked tasks.
5. Skipping the dryer vent. Lint buildup beyond the trap is a fire hazard. Clean the full exhaust vent.
6. Using too many products. A good all-purpose cleaner, baking soda, vinegar, and microfiber cloths handle most jobs.
7. Doing it all yourself. Even toddlers can help. Assign tasks and accept that it will not be magazine-perfect.
8. Cleaning windows on a sunny day. Direct sunlight causes streaks. Wait for an overcast day or clean when the window is in shade.
9. Mixing chemicals. Never combine bleach with ammonia or bleach with vinegar. Non-toxic products eliminate this risk.
10. Forgetting to celebrate. You did hard work. Get ice cream, have a movie night, or take the family to the park.

[IMAGE: Flat lay of eco-friendly cleaning supplies arranged neatly, including microfiber cloths, a spray bottle, baking soda, white vinegar, essential oils, and a scrub brush on a bright white surface]

Give Yourself Grace

Here’s the thing: not every task on this checklist has to happen every year. Start with the rooms that matter most to your family. Involve the kiddos at whatever level they are ready for. Choose a schedule that fits your season of life.

The goal is not a perfect home. The goal is a healthier, fresher space where your family can live, learn, and grow together. You are doing a wonderful job, mama.

Happy spring cleaning!