Down and Dirty: Spring Cleaning Checklist

While most normal people are looking forward to a relaxing Memorial Day weekend, I'm excited for something else: Spring Cleaning. I try to keep a pretty tidy house, but there are always those things I skip during my regular cleaning routine, and that's what I focus on during my seasonal sweeps. You can approach it task by task—windows, then floors, then dusting, etc.—or room by room (I prefer the latter). You could also try to knock it all out in one ambitious day, or, like me, do a couple of rooms each day to avoid burnout.

Now, my checklist for getting your house spic 'n' span.

In every room:

• Vacuum/sweep and mop the floors. Don't forget the stairs!
• Dust off bookshelves, tables, nightstands, etc. Ceiling fans, too.
• Wipe down the baseboards.
• Wash the blinds and curtains.
• Wash the windows, mirrors, and TVs.

Kitchen:

• Wipe down the fronts of your cabinets and appliances.
• Clean out the refrigerator, microwave, and stove.
• Hose out your trash can.
• Reorganize the under-the-sink mess.
• Remove everything from the counters and give them a good scrub. 
• Scrub the sink and stovetop while you're at it.
• Clean and organize the top of your refrigerator.

Living room:

• Pull out and vacuum under the heavy furniture. 
• Vacuum under the couch cushions and rugs.
• Wash your throw blankets and pillows.
• Go through and discard any old magazines that are cluttering the room.
• Wipe down your remote controls.

Bedrooms:

• Switch out your bedding for warmer weather.
• Wash your mattress pad.
• Vacuum (and de-clutter) underneath the bed.
• Organize your dresser and closet, storing your winter clothes.
• Go through the junk on your dresser and nightstand. 

Bathroom:

• Scrub everything!
• Clean and organize under the sink.
• Hose out the trash can.
• Organize your toiletry/makeup storage and linen closet.
• Replace your shower liner and wash your shower curtain.

Other:

• Sweep your porch, stoop, sidewalk, patio, deck, etc.
• Clean out your junk drawers and closets.
• Wash and vacuum out your car.

What did I forget? What's on your spring cleaning checklist? 

P.S. Have you ever paid someone to clean your house? I'll admit I'm tempted by Homejoy.
P.P.S. Sexist vintage advertisements.
P.P.P.S. How to make non-toxic cleaning products with stuff you already have in your pantry.