The spring cleaning list you’ve been afraid to acknowledge

Ah, spring cleaning season! The most wonderful time of the year… for some. For others, it is a dreaded undertaking. Whether you are just cleaning for the season or getting ready for an upcoming PCS move, it is important to prepare a list and get organized. Take a look at the following things that should absolutely be cleaned this spring and the items you will need in order to accomplish your goals. 

1. Kitchen - wipe down countertops, sink, clean microwave, coffeemaker. Clean behind the fridge and stove, plus inside and on top. Remove oven grates and clean. Remove all food from the fridge and wipe down shelves and drawers. 
2. Cupboards - remove dishes, wipe out. 
3. Dishes - clean all dishes. 
4. Floors - sweep, vacuum and mop. Clean grout. 
5. Bathrooms - scrub toilets, sinks, showers/tubs. 
6. Dust - ceiling fans, tops of door frames, any additional ledges, floorboards, moldings, blinds, lamp shades, picture frames, knick-knacks, shelves, end tables, etc. 
7. Vacuum - carpet, rugs, couches, mattresses and any sneaky cobwebs you can find.
8. Closets - get rid of any clothes or shoes that don’t fit or that you don’t wear. 
9. Toy room - put toys away. Get rid of anything that is broken or isn’t used. 
10. Old media - Sort old movies and games. Donate or sell anything that isn’t used. 
11. Storage space - clean it up and clear it out! Sort decorations, seasonal clothes and other items. Get rid of anything that isn’t used. 
12. Jewelry box - Shine, clean and organize items to keep. Clear out old items. 
13. Garage - if you can’t park your car in the garage, you need to organize and get rid of some stuff! 
14. Laundry - wash clothes, put out clean sheets and comforters, wash duvets and comforters for storaage, wash towels and curtains. 
15. Trash - remove everything, including recycling and those old boxes you think you need but don’t. 
16. Doorknobs & Light Switches - disinfect. 
17. Rugs - shake out or vacuum. 
18. Windows - vacuum out sills and clean glass. 
19. Lights - dust fixtures and change out broken ones. 
20. Walls - wipe down to remove stains. 

Supplies

1. Cleaning rags
2. Mop
3. Bucket
4. Dish soap (Dawn, Palmolive)
5. Laundry detergent (Tide, OxyClean)
6. Scrub brush
7. Old toothbrush
8. Toilet bowl cleaner (Lysol, Scrubbing Bubbles)
9. Floor cleaner (Pinesol, Mr. Clean)
10. Grout cleaner (Soft Scrub, Speed Cleaner)
11. Dusting spray (Endust, Pledge)
12. Shower cleaner (Tilex, Kaboom)
13. De-scaler (Limeaway, vinegar)
14. Trash bags
15. General disinfectant (Bleach, Lysol)

Do you feel better already? You are one step closer to cleaning up your space. Making a list counts as progress! Whether you go room to room or hit all the bathrooms at once, just make sure at the end of your cleaning adventure you stop to smell the roses (or Pinesol) and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. You just destroyed spring cleaning!