Spring Cleaning for a Home’s Interior - Patrick Ahearn Architect

Longer days and melting ice here in New England mark the beginning of spring! With the change of seasons comes a perfect opportunity for spring cleaning, and while the prospect of a whole-house-review can seem daunting, the benefits are a more organized, happier home. To make the process less formidable, below we share a manageable room-by-room checklist for a proper interior spring cleaning. We hope it will prove helpful as homeowners move into the next season.

Refresh Throughout the Home

Wipe down doors and trim work, removing caked-on dust
Wash interior and exterior windows – let the light in
Spot clean walls and touch up scuffed paint
Clean and treat floorboards, especially if they’ve suffered from winter wear
Dust ceiling fans so only fresh air is circulating
Clean overhead light fixtures, removing dead bugs and debris

In the Entryway and Mudroom

Store winter gear including snow boots, heavy jackets, hats, and gloves – if it wasn’t worn this winter, consider donating
Thoroughly vacuum closet floors and re-organize storage bins
Corral small items into baskets

In the Kitchen

Empty the refrigerator and discard expired food. Wash drawers and shelving with warm, soapy water and dry.
Purge the pantry and clean all shelves and drawers. Forgotten crumbs can attract unwelcome visitors like ants pantry moths, or mice
Review the spice drawer, disposing expired items
Remove all appliances from the counter, cleaning behind each one
Try Parker & Bailey Cabinet Cream to remove buildup from cabinetry
Polish stainless steel appliances – always go with the grain
Deep clean microwave and dishwasher dislodging any trapped food
Re-seal stone countertops or re-varnish catalytic finishes

In the Living Room & Dining Area

Deep clean rugs and upholstered seating
Remove all books and displays from shelving and clean thoroughly
Polish silver
Add fresh flowers to dining table
Replace chandelier bulbs as needed

Bedrooms

Purge closets of winter clothes, shoes and accessories – consider donating items not worn by family members
Swap out heavy winter blankets, transitioning to lighter linens
Flip all mattresses

In the Bathrooms

Inspect shower curtains for mildew, replacing as needed
Replace and donate worn towels and bath mats
Organize vanities, disposing of expired medications and cosmetics
Scrub tiled areas and check grout for discoloration
Thoroughly clean mirror thoroughly

A clean and refreshed interior is almost as enticing as a fully reimagined home.

If thoughts of spring cleaning have you rethinking your residence in more significant fashion, contact us to learn how we might approach the project. In the interim, we invite you to find meaningful inspiration in our portfolio.