A room-by-room spring cleaning checklist to refresh your home

Spring in South Africa is all about longer days, blossoming gardens and a fresh start. It’s the perfect time to throw open the windows, let the sunshine in and give your home a proper refresh after winter.

A thorough spring clean doesn’t just make your space sparkle – it also sets the tone for an organised and stress-free season ahead.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a room-by-room guide that you can tackle over a weekend or spread out over a few weeks. Pop on some music, get the family involved and turn it into a fun reset for your home.

Entryway

Your entrance sets the mood for the whole house. Keep it welcoming and clutter-free:

Sweep and mop floors
Wipe down walls and skirtings
Wash the front door and clean the doormat
Organise shoes and jackets

Kitchen

The heart of the home deserves extra attention:

Clean stovetop, oven, microwave and fridge
Empty the fridge, freezer and pantry—toss expired food and defrost if needed
Wipe inside cupboards, drawers and fridge shelves
Degrease cabinet doors and splashbacks
Dust high surfaces (tops of cupboards and extractor fans)
Wash dishcloths and sponges
Sweep and mop floors

Dining room

Get this space ready for family gatherings and Sunday lunches:

Dust furniture, shelves and cabinets
Polish wood or silver if you have
Wash or dry-clean table linens and curtains
Wipe walls, skirtings and light fittings
Vacuum or mop floors, and shampoo rugs if needed

Bathroom

Fresh and hygienic is the goal here:

Clear out expired products and old medicine (drop off at your local pharmacy)
Clean makeup brushes
Scrub the shower, bath, toilet and basin
Wipe mirrors and fittings
Wash or replace shower curtain liner
Deep clean grout and tiles
Sweep and mop floors

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Laundry room

Make sure the space that cleans your clothes is spotless too:

Clean the washing machine and lint traps
Wipe shelves and cupboards
Organise detergents and pegs
Sweep and mop floors

Bedrooms

Create a restful retreat by tackling the little details:

Dust and polish furniture
Wash all bedding, including duvets and pillows
Flip or rotate the mattress
Declutter wardrobes and donate clothing
Clean windows, sills and curtain rails
Vacuum carpets and mop floors

Living room

The space where you unwind deserves a proper spruce-up:

Dust furniture, shelves and décor
Wash throws, pillows and slipcovers
Vacuum sofas and chairs
Clean light fittings, lampshades and ceiling fans
Sanitise remote controls and electronic devices
Wash windows and curtains
Mop or vacuum floors

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Kids’ playroom

Keep it fun but organised:

Wash soft toys and wipe down plastic ones
Donate toys no longer used
Sort games, puzzles and craft supplies
Vacuum or mop floors

Home office

A neat workspace makes all the difference:

Recycle old paperwork
Dust bookshelves, desks and electronics
Sanitise your keyboard and mouse

Garage

This space often gets forgotten, but it’s worth the effort:

Declutter tools, sports gear and storage boxes
Sweep the floor and wipe down walls
Let in fresh air by opening up the doors
Clean windows and door frames

Whole-house touches

Finally, give your home a once-over with these finishing touches:

Test and replace smoke alarm batteries
Dust light fittings and replace bulbs
Clean air vents and filters
Wipe light switches and door handles

A little effort now will set you up for an organised, lighter season ahead. So grab your cleaning kit and welcome spring with a sparkling home that feels as fresh as the season itself.

ALSO SEE: HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SPRING CLEANING KIT