Monday Mar 3rd, 2025
After hunkering down for 2025’s brutal winter, we’re all looking forward to this spring. Sure, there is a lot to do around the house when the weather breaks, but with the right spring cleaning checklist, you can make sure you do it all. From wiping down walls and cleaning baseboards to resetting the direction of your ceiling fans and replacing smoke alarms, Gem City Cleaning Solutions will help you work your way through the entire house like a professional.
In Part 1 of our Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist, we’ll give some context around each to-do as well as some tips and tricks for getting the job done right. You’ll also notice we recommend starting high and working your way down. COMING SOON: We’re working on a printable spring cleaning checklist—check back soon to download it!
1. Dust Your Ceilings
Between static electricity and excess humidity, there’s a good chance the ceilings in your home have collected their fair share of dust and are in need of a thorough dusting. Depending on your ceiling height and texture, you’ll want to equip yourself with a:
- Microfiber cloth/dusting cloth
- Dust brush vacuum attachment
- Extension pole with dusting tools
Bonus: If you already have your step stool or ladder out, take a moment to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
By starting high, you’ll reduce the amount of recleaning you’ll have to do should any dust fall to the floor. Important note: Popcorn ceilings made before 1980 often contain asbestos; therefore, you’ll want to be gentle while dusting.
2. Dust Ceiling Fans
If you haven’t cleaned your fans in a while, you’ll be amazed at how much dust comes off of the blades. Although you can certainly buy a ceiling fan duster tool, a microfiber cloth also works just fine unless your ceilings are especially high. Be gentle while dusting; you don’t want to unbalance the fan blades.
While you’re up there, you may as well adjust your ceiling fan's direction. During the spring and summer, the blades should spin counterclockwise to push cool air down. The switch to control the direction is often on the fan housing. You may need to remove the light cover/globe to find it.
3. Clean Light Fixtures
Dusting fans and cleaning light fixtures often go hand in hand. To clean your light fixtures:
- Wear gloves to prevent smudging
- Remove globes or light covers to clean
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to dust the rest of the fixture
- Shut off the power to the light if using a damp rag or cloth
Make sure to avoid abrasive cleaners and rough textured cloths, as many light fixtures are fragile.
4. Clean Window Valances (if applicable)
There is a major dust collector that many people overlook during spring cleaning. It doesn’t matter whether your window valances are fabric, wood, or plastic, they’ll collect a significant amount of dust, pet hair, and airborne particles.
To clean fabric valances, vacuum them with a brush attachment to remove loose dust. Check the care label for deeper cleaning—some valances can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle, while others may require hand washing. If machine washing isn’t an option, a steam cleaner or a solution of mild detergent and water applied with a microfiber cloth can freshen up the fabric without causing damage.
For wood or plastic valances, dust with a microfiber cloth. If grime has settled in, particularly in high-humidity areas like the kitchen, a damp cloth with mild dish soap and warm water can cut through grease. Use minimal moisture on wood valances to prevent warping—simply wipe them down and follow up with a dry cloth. For an extra shine, consider a wood polish or a conditioning treatment to maintain the finish.
5. Clean Window Frames, Sills, & Tracks
Cleaning window frames, sills, and tracks is just as important as washing the glass itself, as these areas collect dust, dirt, pollen, and even mold. We recommend using a microfiber cloth for dusting and a vacuum attachment for any loose dirt and debris. For stubborn dirt and grime, a little dish soap and water will often do the trick.
To prevent warping, avoid excess moisture for wooden frames. Consider using a wood-safe cleaner or polish for added protection. Spring window maintenance will keep your windows looking fresh, extend their lifespan, and ensure functionality.
6. Clean Window Hardware & Screens
Don’t forget to clean the window hardware. Knobs and cranks tend to accumulate oily grime. Simply use soapy water and a damp cloth to clean all of your hardware.
You’ll also want to give your screens a once-over. Start by removing them from the window. Often, you’ll be able to sweep screens clean with a hand broom or vacuum attachment. We recommend doing this outside to prevent dust from spreading around your house.
If there is heavy dirt on the screen, rinse them with warm, soapy water, using a soft brush. Finish by drying them thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
7. Clean Window Blinds
Cleaning window blinds isn’t the most exciting task, but it’s worth the effort. But it’s worth the time and effort. Not only will you eliminate a lot of allergens from your home, but it’ll also freshen up the look and feel of your rooms.
To remove dust and loose dirt, use a microfiber cloth, a duster, or a vacuum with a brush attachment. For vinyl, plastic, and metal blinds, wipe each slat down with a damp cloth and, if needed, a mild soapy solution.
If you have wooden blinds, do not oversaturate them with water, as this can cause warping. Simply wipe them down with a wood-safe cleaner and a slightly damp cloth, followed by a dry microfiber cloth. Some people find it easier to use an old sock over their hand to get in between each slat.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for fabric blinds or Roman shades. Some can be vacuumed, spot-cleaned, or even taken down for gentle washing.
8. Clean Windows
Cleaning your windows is like hanging a new piece of art on your wall. With a clear view of the outdoors and more natural light coming into each room, it’s one of the most impactful ways to refresh your home.
You can use a store-bought window cleaner or simply a mix of white vinegar, water, and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Use a microfiber cloth for the inside, wiping in a consistent pattern—either side to side or top to bottom—to avoid streaks. For the outside, use a squeegee and bucket. Just be sure to change out your cleaning solution as it gets dirty to prevent transferring dirt back onto the glass!
9. Wipe Down Walls
There are a lot of seemingly thankless tasks when it comes to a thorough spring cleaning. But honestly, you’ll be amazed at what a difference wiping down your walls will make, even if, at first glance, they appear clean. Because no matter how tight a ship you run, walls collect dust, fingerprints, and grime.
High-traffic areas, such as hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, will likely require some extra time and care. Be sure to pay special attention to spots around light switches, door frames, and baseboards.
Start by dusting your walls with a microfiber cloth, duster, or vacuum with a brush attachment. For oily/grimy areas, use a warm water and mild dish soap solution. Be sure to wring out excess water to avoid over-saturating the wall.
For stubborn marks, a gentle scrub with a baking soda paste or a melamine sponge (e.g., Mr. Clean Magic Erasers) can help lift stains without damaging the finish. If your walls have wallpaper, use a barely damp cloth or a specialized wallpaper cleaner to prevent moisture damage. For glossy or semi-gloss finishes often found in kitchens and bathrooms, you can use a dish soap and water solution to remove buildup. After wiping down the walls, open windows or turn on fans to help them dry quickly.
The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist: Part 2
With the warm weather comes a wave of home chores. To ensure we’re providing you with a comprehensive list of cleaning duties, we’ve broken our list into multiple parts. Remember to check back for Part 2 of our Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist.
Also, it’s not lost on us that this level of detail takes a lot of time! If you need an extra set of hands around the house, reach out to Gem City Cleaning Solutions. We offer flexible cleaning packages that can be tailored to your specific needs.