Whole Home – Foundation Steps

• Make a plan: room-by-room checklist; set a realistic time window.
• Declutter first: keep / donate / toss; reduce surfaces before you clean.
• Top-to-bottom method: ceilings → walls → surfaces → floors to prevent re-dusting.
• Microfibre + HEPA: trap dust and pollen (great for hay fever season).
• Smart products: minimal set (multi-surface, glass, bathroom, degreaser, floor cleaner).
• Avoid risky mixes: never mix bleach + ammonia; follow label directions.
• Bins ready: recycling + rubbish + donation boxes at the door.

Kitchen

• Appliance deep clean: oven (bicarb paste), microwave (steam bowl), fridge (shelves + seals).
• Pantry reset: expiry check, wipe shelves, decant into clear containers, label basics.
• Grease zones: cabinet tops, rangehood filters, splashback, behind appliances.
• Sinks & drains: bicarb + vinegar flush; finish with hot water.
• Food safety: sanitise boards; dedicate meat vs veg boards.

Living Areas & Bedrooms

• High dust first: fans, light fittings, cornices, tops of frames and shelves.
• Soft furnishings: vacuum upholstery, cushions, under lounges; consider steam for carpets.
• Bedding refresh: rotate/flip mattress; wash protectors, doonas, pillows (check care labels).
• Window dressings: vacuum blinds/curtains; spot clean; open windows for airflow.
• Cable taming: label power boards; retire unused tech; wipe skirting boards.

Bathroom & Laundry

• Mould control: ventilate; treat grout/tiles; replace mouldy silicone if needed.
• Glass & chrome: squeegee after showers; microfibre polish for taps and screens.
• Hidden grime: clean vent covers, exhaust fans, behind washer/dryer.
• Laundry tune-up: washing machine drum clean; lint trap clear; check hoses.
• Product edit: keep essentials; cull half-used/expired items.

Small & Specific Spaces

• Zone cleaning: one shelf/drawer at a time for momentum.
• Vertical wins: hooks, over-door racks, wall shelves to free floor space.
• Clear containers: quick visibility; label categories (batteries, bulbs, tools).
• Entryway reset: shoe tray, umbrella stand, dedicated parcel zone.

Outdoor & Vehicle

• Doors & windows: screens, tracks, sills; check flyscreens for repairs.
• Alfresco spruce: wipe outdoor settings, spot-clean cushions, sweep cobwebs.
• BBQ check: degrease plates, check gas bottle & hose; restock utensils.
• Car refresh: vacuum mats, clean wipers, door jambs, inside glass.

Pro Efficiency Tips

• Batch tasks: do all glass in one sweep; then all floors; then all bathrooms.
• Clockwise flow: start at the door, circle the room, finish at the door.
• Timer power: 20-30 minute sprints + 5 minute breaks to avoid burnout.
• Two caddies: upstairs & downstairs kits (saves trips).
• Music + bin bag rule: each session removes at least 5 items (rubbish or donate).

Printable Checklist

Download Spring Cleaning Checklist PDF