Ontario Spring Cleaning Checklist Room by Room

Set Up Your Spring Clean Caddy

Make a small kit so you are not running back and forth.

• Microfiber cloths and a microfiber mop
• All purpose cleaner and glass cleaner
• Baking soda and white vinegar for calcium deposits
• Bucket, spray bottles, and a squeegee
• Rubber gloves and garbage bags
• Vacuum with crevice tool and a soft brush
• Step stool for safe reach

Safety tip. Keep products away from children and pets. Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia. Test any product on a small area first.

Whole Home First Steps

1. Open windows for fresh air when the temperature allows.
2. Work top to bottom. Dust high spots first, then furniture, then floors.
3. Clear clutter into three bins. Keep, donate, recycle.
4. Replace the furnace filter. Check size and MERV rating that fits your system.
5. Book a curbside donation pickup or drop off at donation centers.

Entry and Mudroom

• Shake out mats outside. Wash rubber mats with warm soapy water.
• Treat salt stains on tile or laminate. Use a mix of one cup white vinegar to three cups warm water. Mop with a microfiber mop and rinse with clean water.
• Wipe doors, knobs, and light switches.
• Sort winter boots and coats. Clean and store or donate.

Living Room and Family Room

• Dust ceiling corners, vents, and lighting.
• Vacuum sofas and chairs. Wash removable covers if the fabric allows.
• Clean media units, remotes, and game controllers with a slightly damp cloth.
• Wash windows and window frames. See the windows and screens section below.
• Roll up rugs and vacuum beneath. Mop hard floors last.

Kitchen Deep Clean

• Empty the fridge. Wipe shelves and bins with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry.
• Degrease cabinet doors and handles.
• Clean the oven with a product that fits your model or use a baking soda paste. Rinse well.
• Pull out the stove if safe. Vacuum dust and crumbs at the back and sides.
• Descale the kettle and faucet aerators to remove calcium deposits.
• Run the dishwasher on a hot cycle with a cleaner made for dishwashers.

Bathrooms and Grout

• Spray shower walls and glass. Let the cleaner sit for a full contact time, then scrub and rinse.
• Remove calcium deposits with a vinegar soak on fixtures if the maker allows it.
• Scrub grout with a baking soda paste and a small brush.
• Wash the shower curtain and liner if machine safe.
• Disinfect the toilet handle, seat, and base.

Bedrooms

• Wash duvets, pillows, and mattress covers as the label allows.
• Rotate the mattress. Vacuum the mattress surface.
• Dust nightstands, lamps, and headboards.
• Sort winter clothes. Keep a donate bag in the closet for quick decisions.

Laundry Room

• Clean the washer gasket and detergent drawer.
• Run a tub clean cycle or a hot cycle with a washer cleaner.
• Empty the dryer lint trap and vacuum the lint area.
• Check the dryer vent outside for blockages.

Windows and Screens

• Vacuum screens with a soft brush. If very dirty, wash screens outside with warm soapy water, rinse, and air dry.
• Clean window tracks with a small brush and a damp cloth.
• Wash glass with a squeegee. Use a top to bottom motion. Wipe the blade after each pass.
• Finish frames and sills with a damp microfiber cloth.

Floors and Salt Stains

• Vacuum carpets slowly to lift winter grit.
• Treat road salt marks on hard floors with the vinegar mix from the entry section.
• For hardwood, use a cleaner that is safe for wood. Avoid soaking the floor. Dry with a clean cloth.
• Steam clean carpets if needed, then open windows for faster drying.

HVAC and Filters

• Replace the furnace filter at the start of spring. Many homes do well with a change every three months. Check your manual.
• Vacuum cold air returns and supply vents.
• If you used a humidifier in winter, clean and store it for the warm season.

Declutter and Donate

• Walk room by room with three boxes. Keep, donate, recycle.
• Set a simple rule. If you did not use it this winter and it has no clear future use, let it go.
• Wipe shelves and drawers before placing items back.
• Drop items at donation centers that accept clothing, small furniture, and housewares.

Outdoor Jump Start

• Sweep porches and steps.
• Wash exterior doors and handles.
• Clean outdoor light covers and check bulbs.
• Note any winter damage to report or repair when weather improves.

One Week Plan You Can Follow

• Day one. Entry, mudroom, and living room
• Day two. Kitchen deep clean
• Day three. Bathrooms and grout
• Day four. Bedrooms and closets
• Day five. Windows and screens
• Day six. Floors and salt stains
• Day seven. Declutter and donate and final touch ups

Adjust the order to fit your home and schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you start spring cleaning in Ontario
Begin when temperatures stay above freezing for part of the day and you can open windows for fresh air. Many homes start in March or April and finish by May.

How do I remove winter salt stains from floors
Use one cup white vinegar mixed with three cups warm water. Mop with a microfiber mop, rinse with clean water, and dry. Test on wood in a small spot first.

How often should I change furnace filters
Every three months is common for many homes. Check the size and rating your system supports. Change sooner if you have pets or allergies.

What is the best way to wash screens
Vacuum with a soft brush. If very dirty, wash outside with warm soapy water and a sponge. Rinse gently with a hose and let them air dry fully before reinstalling.

How do I deep clean a shower with hard water
Spray the walls and glass with a cleaner made for calcium deposits or use white vinegar if the maker allows it. Let it sit, scrub with a non scratch pad, and rinse. Squeegee daily to prevent new spots.

What should go in a spring clean caddy
Microfiber cloths, microfiber mop, glass cleaner, all purpose cleaner, baking soda, white vinegar, squeegee, rubber gloves, garbage bags, and a small brush.

How long does a full spring clean take
A studio or one bedroom can take four to six hours. A larger home can take one to two days. Break work into sessions to avoid fatigue.

Should I hire pros for spring cleaning
Hire help if you have limited time, mobility concerns, or deep cleaning needs like carpet steam cleaning or high window washing. Ask for an item list and timing before you book.

Final Checklist

• Open windows and air out rooms
• Replace the furnace filter
• Tackle salt stains and winter grit
• Wash windows and screens
• Deep clean kitchen and bathrooms
• Declutter and donate
• Finish with floors and enjoy a brighter home