Spring cleaning checklist: 17 tips for a tidy home
A new season’s fresh outlook can energize you to get your kitchen and laundry cleaning out of the way before the activities of summer take over. Check out these tips for ways to tackle those tasks you’ve been putting off.
Print an easy-to-reference spring cleaning checklist based on this article:
How do you spring clean?
Spring cleaning is an annual deep cleaning tradition that allows you to get a fresh start for the upcoming season. Typically, this type of cleaning focuses on areas that are often overlooked, such as windows that need washing or appliances that need cleaning.
You can use a checklist to prioritize the type of cleaning that needs to be done or simply clean one room at a time.
What does spring cleaning include?
Spring cleaning typically involves various types of deep cleaning and organizing. Washing bedding, cleaning appliances and rearranging the inside of your refrigerator are a few popular tasks. Start checking items off your spring cleaning to-do list by addressing areas that need the most attention first.
Kitchen spring cleaning list
The kitchen is one of the busiest spaces in your home and may need special attention during a deep clean. As spring approaches, it’s the perfect time to reset and refresh this essential area. Keep reading to discover practical tips to help you get started with your kitchen spring cleaning.
1. Clean spills and splatters in your oven
Cleaning your oven is key to helping it look sharp and keeping up with family mealtimes. Deodorizing the inside of your oven, scrubbing the oven racks to help remove grease and wiping down the exterior are a few ways you can care for your appliance.
If you’re cleaning normal spills and splatters, these tips can help:
Dilute a few squirts of mild dish soap in water.
Use a clean cloth dipped in the soapy water to scrub your oven.
Looking for a more simple way to clean your oven? Self-cleaning ovens can turn grease into a powder that you can wipe away. Learn more about how to run a self-cleaning oven cycle.
2. Clean stove grates and burners
Cleaning your stove grates and burners for just a small amount of time each day can help prevent stubborn food mess from building up.
Follow this basic process for cleaning lightly soiled gas burners and grates:
Soak cooled cooking grates and burner caps in hot, soapy water for 20 minutes. If your grates are cast iron, don’t soak them unless they’re coated or seasoned. If you’re not sure how to clean stove grates that are uncoated cast iron, check your owner’s manual.
Wipe the burners with a soft cloth, using a soft bristled brush to remove any stuck-on food.
Dry and replace the burner caps and grates.
For specific recommendations on how to clean different types of stovetops or how to handle heavier soils please refer to your Use and Care Guide or read this guide on how to clean your burners and grates.
Shop Whirlpool® Ranges, Wall Ovens and Cooktops
Make family mealtime more enjoyable with helpful features from Whirlpool® Ranges, Wall Ovens and Cooktops. Select Whirlpool® Gas Cooktops feature Dishwasher-Safe Cast Iron Grates, which can be cleaned right in the dishwasher when they get messy, thanks to a dishwasher-safe finish.
Select Whirlpool® Wall Ovens feature an Adjustable Self-Clean Cycle, which lets you clean without harsh chemicals using a high temperature cleaning setting. Adjust the cycle for various soil levels to help keep your oven looking clean. Select Whirlpool® Ranges also allow you to clean your oven without harsh chemicals in only 40 minutes with AquaLift® Self-Cleaning Technology. Add water, run the cycle and then wipe away any remaining soils once the cycle is done.
3. Clean the inside of your refrigerator
Cleaning your refrigerator about every three months can help you keep items fresh and organized. Follow these tips for help with cleaning your refrigerator:
Remove food from your refrigerator and freezer and place it in coolers. Throw out spoiled or expired food, then take out the shelves and drawers to bring them to room temperature.
Using a degreasing nonabrasive cleaner, wipe down the walls, ceiling and bottom of your refrigerator and rinse with a soft, damp cloth.
Following the same process, wipe down and rinse the drawers and shelves. Let them dry completely before replacing.
Finish cleaning your fridge with this in-depth tutorial on how to clean a refrigerator and an article on how to reorganize your food. Now may also be a great time to replace your water filter.
4. Clean and defrost your freezer
Newer models often come with auto-defrost features; however, it can be helpful to know how to defrost your freezer manually, especially if you have an older model. Regularly organizing your freezer can also help you stay on track with weekly meals and maintain easy access to items you use most.
If you’re seeing at least 1/4 inch of ice buildup, it may be time to defrost your freezer. Here are the basics:
Unplug or turn off your freezer. Remove all food and place it in coolers.
Lay towels or plastic liners on the floor in front of your freezer. If your freezer has a drainage hose, place the end in a low basin or bucket.
Open the door and let the ice melt. You can point a fan at your freezer to help it melt slightly faster. Mop up the melted ice with rags or old towels.
Once all of the ice is melted and wiped away, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with four cups of hot water. Dip a rag in this solution and use it to wipe down the racks, inner walls and door of your freezer. Dry with a damp cloth.
Shop Whirlpool® Refrigerators and Freezers
Features on select Whirlpool® Refrigerators and Freezers can help make organizing your food simple. Select Whirlpool® Refrigerators offer Flexible Freezer Space, so you can store frozen items at custom temperatures and right in sight, plus keep items within reach with Pull-Out Freezer Shelves. Multiple temperature settings let you choose whether to freeze meat and broth at lower temperatures, keep ice cream scoopable or store smoothie-ready frozen fruit.
Select Whirlpool® Freezers offer 3-Level Flexible Organization. This feature lets you quickly find what you’re looking for with a flexible 3-level storage system that keeps food visible and organized the way you want.
5. Clean your dishwasher’s filter
Your dishwasher filter plays a key role in trapping food debris and particles that are washed away during a cycle. Regularly cleaning the filter helps prevent clogs and buildup, ensuring your dishwasher continues to run smoothly.
If you rinse your plates before loading them, you may only need to do this once a year. Find helpful tips below on how to clean a dishwasher filter:
Remove your filter from the dishwasher. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact location.
Run water over the lower filter to remove debris. If needed, use a soft brush and dish soap as well.
Return the filter to your dishwasher, making sure each piece is locked into place.
For a deeper appliance clean, learn more about how to clean your dishwasher.
Shop Whirlpool® Dishwashers
Whirlpool® Dishwashers can make it simple to clean up after family dinner with features like a 3rd Rack with Extra Wash Action. Select dishwasher models with this feature provide targeted cleaning for bowls, mugs and utensils that you’d normally load in the lower racks, making extra space for the rest of the day’s dishes.
6. Clean or replace microwave filters
An over-the-range microwave can feature one of two filters: a reusable grease filter that should be washed monthly and a charcoal filter that’s changed annually. For ways to take care of both, read about how to clean and replace your microwave filters. Read the tips below for how to replace the charcoal filter:
Make sure your microwave is turned off or disconnected from power, then remove the screws holding the top vent panel in place.
Carefully remove the vent panel by tilting the top part down and lifting it away.
Locate and remove the charcoal filter.
Replace the filter with a new charcoal microwave filter and make sure it is properly positioned and secure.
Replace the vent panel, and tighten in place with the original screws.
For more microwave cleaning tips, read more about how to clean your microwave.
Shop Whirlpool® Microwaves
Whirlpool® Microwaves are designed with features that can help streamline cleanup, so there’s less mess at the end of the day. Select Whirlpool® Microwave models offer Splatter Control, which uses advanced sensing technology to detect the temperature of food and automatically turn down the power level if food is heating too quickly, so you can stay a step ahead and help skip the mess.
7. Wipe down the outside of all your appliances
Keeping your appliance’s exterior clean is a simple way to refresh your kitchen and help prevent odor-causing residues and grime. Cleaning your appliance’s exterior finish can help remove fingerprints, smudges or food residue, and can also help it look its best.
Stainless steel needs special care, so make sure to use a cleaner such as affresh® cleaners1 and wipes that are made specifically for stainless steel. Find tips on how to clean stainless steel finishes below:
Identify the direction of the grain to help avoid any streaks.
Remove food and water deposits from the surface using a clean microfiber cloth that’s been dampened with warm water, making sure to wipe in the direction of the grain.
Use a stainless steel cleaner to help remove fingerprints and residues. Refer to your model-specific owner’s manual for specific cleaners to use on your appliances.
If using a stainless steel spray, apply the cleaner in an ‘S’ motion, or apply a small amount of cream-based cleaner to the appliance’s surface with a microfiber cloth. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the grain.
Using a new clean cloth, wipe in the direction of the grain to polish your appliance. This can help remove streaks and add a shine to your appliance’s exterior.
8. Clean the outside of your cabinets
Keeping your cabinets clean can help remove unwanted kitchen grease and keep your space feeling fresh, ready for whatever the day brings. Similarly, organizing the inside of your cabinets can help give them a full reset.
When cleaning cabinetry, always use cleaners recommended by your cabinet and hardware manufacturers. Follow these steps below as a general guide:
Wipe down the outside of your cabinets from top to bottom with a soft cloth dipped in warm water mixed with a squirt of dish soap or a recommended cleaner.
Scrub crevices of the hardware using a toothbrush with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water or a recommended cleaner.
Use a clean towel to thoroughly dry all surfaces.
Grease, smoke and food particles from cooking can turn into grime in your kitchen. Learn how using a range hood can help filter out these particles and help keep your kitchen clean.
9. Clean your kitchen sink
Regular cleaning can help prevent odors and residue from forming in your sink. It’s best to clean your kitchen sink once a week; however, it may be beneficial to clean it more often if you’ve been handling raw meat or ingredients with strong odors.
Follow these steps if you need to perform a deep clean on a stainless steel kitchen sink:
Rinse any food or debris out of your kitchen sink.
Lightly coat the sink with baking soda to help cut through stains and grease.
Scrub the sink following the stainless steel grain using a nonabrasive cloth or sponge.
Spray the sink with vinegar and let it sit on the baking soda for a few minutes.
Rinse thoroughly and wipe the sink dry.
Always check the cleaning instructions provided by your sink’s manufacturer to help ensure proper care.
10. Deep clean your floors
Cleaning your kitchen floors, especially the spaces under your range and refrigerator, can help you clean trapped crumbs and debris that have accumulated over time. Here are a few steps to help you get started on cleaning your kitchen floors:
Unplug and move out your appliances. See your appliance manuals for instructions on how to do this safely.
Pick up any larger pieces of debris, then vacuum using a hard floor attachment.
Mop the area and let it dry completely before moving your appliances back into place.
Finish by vacuuming and mopping the rest of your floor.
Laundry spring cleaning list
Spring is an ideal time to complete lingering laundry tasks and organize your laundry room. The change of season is also a great opportunity to reset your family’s wardrobe. As you transition from sweaters to T-shirts, it can be helpful to wash out-of-season items before storing them.
Find ways to clean your washer, dryer and more with these helpful spring cleaning tips.
11. Clean the interior and exterior of your washing machine
Cleaning your washing machine can help prevent smells and remove detergent buildup so it’s ready to take on your family’s dirty loads in time for laundry day. It’s recommended that you clean your washer once a month, but if you haven’t done this in some time, now is a great time to start.
Remove any items left in the tub and add a cleaner such as affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner tablets to the bottom. If you don’t have tablets, you may be able to use liquid chlorine bleach, but check your Use and Care Guide first.
Close the door and select your washer's cleaning cycle or a normal cycle with a hot water setting.
For top load washers, run a rinse and spin cycle to help clear away any excess cleansers after your cleaning cycle ends.
Leave your washer door open to let the tub dry.
Next, read this guide on how to deep clean your washer—including the detergent dispenser, door and exterior.
Shop Whirlpool® Washers
Whirlpool® Washers come with features that help you put more care into every load. Select models offer the FreshFlow™ Vent System, the first fan-powered system with antimicrobial protection designed to help keep your clothes and washer fresh. It's a trio of freshness features including the Dry Drum Cycle, FanFresh® Option and antimicrobial rubber seal.
12. Deep clean your dryer lint screen
While you likely clean out your dryer’s lint screen after every load, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean your lint screen once every six months, especially if you notice hard-to-remove lint. Otherwise, your lint trap could become blocked and may lead to an increase in drying times or other problems. Follow these simple steps for deep cleaning your dryer’s lint screen:
Roll any remaining lint off of the screen, then wet both sides with hot water.
Gently scrub the mesh with a nylon brush dipped in hot water and liquid detergent to help remove any buildup.
Rinse with hot water and dry thoroughly before returning to your dryer.
13. Clean your dryer drum, vents and duct system
Cleaning your dryer and venting system can not only benefit your clothes, but it can also help minimize drying times. Daily use of your dryer allows dust and lint to build up inside the appliance, which—if it’s never cleaned—could possibly impact your dryer’s performance and cause more problems down the line.
While you may only need to clean your dryer’s vent and ductwork at least once a year, cleaning the inside of the drum can help reduce residue that builds up over time. Learn how to clean your dryer drum, step by step:
Clear or vacuum any debris before cleaning.
For an electric dryer, rub the drum with a soft cloth that has been dipped in a mild hand-wash dish soap diluted in very warm water. For a gas dryer, do the same with a liquid, nonflammable household cleaner.
For both an electric and gas dryer, rinse well with a wet sponge or towel.
Tumble a load of clean clothes or towels to dry the drum.
Read an in-depth guide to cleaning your dryer drum and ducting to continue this important maintenance process.
Shop Whirlpool® Dryers
Spend less time worrying about laundry day thanks to convenient features available on Whirlpool® Dryers. Select models offer AI Intelligent Dry technology that uses three sensors to detect moisture and temperature, then automatically adjusts dry time to help prevent overdrying.
14. Wash your comforters, mattress covers, pillows and curtains
Spring is a great time to wash these infrequently washed items. For more information on washing your bedding, read this article on how to wash comforters or get started with these helpful tips:
Bring all of your bedding and curtains to the laundry room.
Check tags for care instructions and figure out how many loads you’ll need to wash.
Wash items as instructed by their care tags.
Open up your bedroom windows to let the breeze air out your mattress as you wash your bedding.
15. Wash and put away your winter gear
Clean your winter gear and store it away to make room in your closet for warm weather clothing. Follow these steps as a guide to get started:
Collect all the coats, hats, gloves, snow pants and sweaters that you need to wash.
Group your items by similar settings and cycles. Learn how to choose the right laundry cycles for winter items. Be sure to check all your care tags first.
Wash and dry your gear, then store it away in plastic or fabric storage containers.
16. Vacuum and mop your laundry room floors
Clean up the spots that you normally miss or can't reach with this process:
Get caught up on your laundry, put all the clean clothes away and remove all baskets from the floor.
Carefully unhook and move out your washer and dryer, then vacuum and mop that area before moving them back into place. Check your owner’s manuals for safe ways to disconnect and move your appliances.
Wipe off any countertops, then vacuum and mop the rest of the laundry room, working your way from the furthest corner to the door.
17. Reorganize and maximize your laundry storage
Set yourself up for success by making it easier to find your supplies and giving yourself room to fold. Read the tips below on how to reorganize your laundry area:
Take a quick inventory of your laundry supplies and stock up on anything you’re missing.
Consider installing shelving near your washer and dryer to store detergent, dryer sheets, stain fighters and other essentials.
Create or convert as much flat space as possible into areas for mending or folding clothes. You can use a wall-mounted desk, repurpose a small table or even install a counter above your washer and dryer.
Make it easier to reach and transfer items to the dryer by adding a washer and dryer pedestal—available for some models—for more height or extra storage. Learn more about laundry pedestals.
Read our full list of tips for reorganizing your laundry room and pick the ideas that work for your space.
Shop Whirlpool® Appliances
Whirlpool® Laundry and Kitchen Appliances are equipped with the convenient features you need most, so completing your spring cleaning to-do list can be simple. If you’re looking to upgrade your appliances this season, look no further than Whirlpool brand.
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1.affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
