The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist for Tenants

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, spring is the perfect time to freshen up your home. Refreshing your space for the season not only boosts your mental well-being but also helps keep your space in excellent condition. We’ve come up with the ultimate spring cleaning checklist to help you get your home sparkling clean from top to bottom.

Start with a Plan

Before diving in, take a moment to walk through your home and note the areas that need the most attention. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—break it down room by room and set realistic goals for each day or weekend.

1. Kitchen Deep Clean

As one of the most frequently used spaces in your home, the kitchen often collects the most mess, making it a top priority for a deep spring clean.

Empty and clean the fridge and freezer: Toss expired items and wipe down all shelves and drawers.

Clean behind and underneath appliances: Move your stove, fridge, and microwave to clean the floors and walls behind them. Don’t forget to clean inside your microwave! Try heating a bowl of water with a few slices of lemon for a couple of minutes. The steam will help loosen grime, making it easy to wipe down the interior with a damp cloth.

Degrease cabinets and backsplash: Use a gentle cleaner to remove grease and grime.

Clean the oven: Run the self-cleaning cycle or use a baking soda and vinegar paste for a natural clean.

Wipe down countertops, light switches, and handles: Disinfect high-touch areas.

2. Living Room Refresh

The living room is often the heart of your home—a place to unwind, entertain, and spend time with loved ones. Giving it a thorough refresh can make the space feel more inviting, comfortable, and ready for the new season.

Vacuum under furniture: Move couches, chairs, and tables to clean underneath.

Wash throw pillow covers and blankets: Freshen up soft furnishings with a quick wash. If you have curtains, either give them a wash or use a fabric refresher spray to eliminate lingering odors and bring a clean scent into the room.

Dust electronics and surfaces: Don’t forget ceiling fans, vents, and baseboards.

Clean windows and screens: Give the windows and screens a good clean to remove built-up dust and streaks, allowing natural light to brighten up your space.

3. Bedroom Reset

A clean bedroom sets the tone for restful sleep and peaceful mornings.

Wash all bedding: Strip the bed completely, including duvet covers, mattress protectors, and pillowcases.

Flip or rotate your mattress: This helps extend its life and improves comfort.

Organize your closet: Donate or pack away winter clothing to make space for spring wear.

Vacuum under the bed: Vacuum under the bed to clear out dust and hidden debris that tend to accumulate over the winter months. If you’re able to move the bed away from the wall, take a moment to wipe down the baseboards for a more thorough clean.

4. Bathroom Scrub-Down

Bathrooms need more frequent cleanings, but a spring deep clean is essential.

Scrub the tub, toilet, and sink: Use a disinfectant cleaner and rinse thoroughly.

Clean grout and tile: A baking soda and water paste with a toothbrush works wonders.

Toss expired products: Go through your medicine cabinet and dispose of old items responsibly.

Polish mirrors and faucets: A vinegar and water solution can make fixtures shine.

5. The Often-Overlooked Essentials

There are a few commonly forgotten tasks that can make a big difference:

Change HVAC filters: If your rental has a furnace or AC, changing the filter can improve air quality.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re functioning properly. It's a small task that plays a big role in keeping your home safe.

Clean light fixtures: This simple task can instantly brighten your space and help your lighting work more efficiently.

Wipe down doors, doorknobs, and trim: These areas collect a surprising amount of dust and grime.

Tidy up entryways: Give boot trays a good scrub, wipe down shoe racks, and take the opportunity to store away heavy boots you won’t need until next season.

Bonus: Outdoor Touch-Ups

If you have a balcony, patio, or backyard space, show it some love too.

Sweep and wash outdoor spaces: Clear away debris and rinse surfaces.

Clean outdoor furniture: Wipe down tables, chairs, and cushions. Spring is the perfect time to get your outdoor areas guest-ready for entertaining.

Check for maintenance needs: Report any damage or concerns to your landlord or property manager.

A thorough spring clean not only helps maintain your home’s condition but also creates a fresher, more uplifting environment for you to enjoy. If you're renting in Alberta, many property management companies appreciate tenants who take pride in their living space—it could even lead to glowing references or easier lease renewals down the road!