There’s nothing like the feeling you get after a good spring cleaning, but getting started can be a bit overwhelming. I want to be all rah rah, let’s do this thing, but really, I’m just like…
But, every home needs and deserves some post-winter perking up, even if you’re short on time. So if you can’t do a thorough top to bottom, side to side, corner to corner cleaning, don’t worry! You can do a speedy version by focusing on the most noticeable dirt, grime and clutter. Tackle that with everything you’ve got.
Spring Cleaning the Grimiest Spots in Your Home
To be most efficient, put all your supplies in a cleaning caddy and carry that from room to room. I used to store a complete set of supplies in every room, but all that really did was create more clutter — the opposite of what spring cleaning should be doing.
Now let’s start cleaning that grime! And because there’s something very satisfying about before and after pictures, I’m sharing an embarrassing few.
Baseboards
The kind of gunk that collects on and in the crevices and cracks of baseboards is otherworldly. Fill a bucket with warm water and vinegar and start wiping. Get into those nooks and crannies with cotton swabs, and buff it dry with a cloth or a soft and smooth paper towel. I’m surprised at how many people notice dirty baseboards in homes. (I’m not one of them sadly, which is why mine need serious spring cleaning.)
Ceiling Fans
If yours are anything like mine, there’s a pretty significant layer of dust coating each and every fan blade. Take a pillowcase, pull it over an individual fan blade and dust. All the dust is removed and contained at the same time. (Learned that little tip from Pinterest.) My added suggestion is to use a soft cotton jersey-type pillowcase. The dust really clings to it.
Light fixtures
Remove light fixtures and dump out the dead bugs. (You got ’em and you know it.) Wash the glass fixtures in warm, soapy water, rinse well, and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel before replacing.
Faucets and shower heads
For the love, take that aerator off at least once a year and clean it. It’s disgusting! Soak it in vinegar for 15-20 minutes, and use a toothbrush to scrub loose any leftover bits of crud.
For shower heads, pour vinegar into a zip top plastic bag and tie around the shower head. I usually let it soak for at least an hour depending on the level of nastiness. Rinse and then buff dry with a soft paper towel.
Doors, doors, doors
Have you ever actually looked at your door? How in the world does all that smudgy stuff get on there? Spritz some multi-purpose cleanser onto the door and handle, and wipe it clean with a scrubby-textured paper towel, like Viva® Vantage®.
Wait, you’re not done. Look down at the door threshold and start spritzing and scrubbing that mess, so you don’t bring more of it in on your shoes every time you come home.
Light switches
Based on the dirt we transmit to the average light switch, we are filthy, filthy people. So first off, let’s all wash our hands more, and secondly, freshen up those light switches! Spray some multi-purpose cleaner on a folded sheet of paper towel, and give those a good rubdown cleaning.
Refrigerator grille
Look at my before. I rest my case.
Windows (not the glass)
Ugh. To make the grime a snap to remove, fold a scrubby paper towel lengthwise into long strips, soak in a warm water and vinegar solution and lay it across the length of the window frame and/or sill for a couple minutes, then remove the paper towel strips, give a quick wipe and voila, the grime is gone. Use the same paper towels to wipe anything else around the window that has collected dust.
Ok, you should probably clean the window glass too… sigh.
Dead Zones
These are the forgotten spaces above the cabinets, on top of the fridge and under the bed. You know what to do — CLEAN THEM!
Kitchen sink
This is a test. You pass if your kitchen sink gets a daily cleaning with soap and water, and a twice-weekly hard core cleaning with disinfectant. You fail if you think the kitchen sink only needs a once-a-year spring clean.
Paper Towel Tip: Always fold your paper towel before using it. I don’t know or even care why, but it soaks up more spilly stuff and lasts longer, so you’ll use less paper towels overall.
Viva Vantage has a scrubby, grooved cloth-like texture, so it’s great for tougher jobs like scrubbing toothpaste off bathroom counters or cleaning patio furniture. It also helps give a nice shine to stainless steel appliances and glassware.
Viva Towels have a soft and smooth texture, so they’re great on little faces and hands and for baseboards, windows, countertops and coffee tables. I rinsed them off in my vinegar water solution when I was cleaning and just kept on cleaning. They lasted through all the baseboards of my house!
Are you ready to start spring cleaning the grimiest spots in your home? What are they?
Ashley says
I’ve been cleaning my baseboards all day. There’s so many… 🙁
Liz says
I hate doing it! Even when they’re clean, they look dirty to me because the paint is cracking…which means I really should paint the baseboards. Sigh, it never ends, right?!
adriana says
Wow these are all such great tips! Love it! We’re spring cleaning this weekend, I’ll be using some of these!
Coralie says
These are great paper towels. I love how good they work! Thanks for these great tips on cleaning.
Jamie says
Great tips!! We’re planning on doing the baseboards soon. 😛 Thank you for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty
Kelly Hutchinson says
I actually cleaned my baseboards a few months ago. It was a huge undertaking.
Becca Wilson says
Those before and afters are amazing. I am going to have to pick up some cleaning supplies now and get to work.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
It’s hard to clean windows and you really need a towel that won’t break easily.
Alissa Apel says
I should do the trick with the shower head. It does get pretty bad at times.
Christine - The Choosy Mommy says
I’ve actually noticed the dust on my base boards lately and have been dreading cleaning them since they are throughout my whole house! It is going to take me FOREVER to clean them!!
Roxy says
These are definitely all the places people probably rarely think about, but that can get SUPER gross. Our baseboards usually get cleaned 2-3 times a year b/c I just can’t stand how they look when they get dirty.
Sheryl Georyl.com says
A good roll (or more) of paper towel is quite helpful – Spring cleaning or just everyday cleaning.
It’s good to clean those parts of the house that your mentioned often and not wait for spring though. Makes it easier to maintain the cleanliness.
Christie says
You just reminded me about the baseboards in my bathroom. GROSS! There are so many hidden places I need to clean this spring
Ana Fernandez says
I tis always handy to keep this with you around! I would love to have it the trunk just in case!
Anosa says
I am so not ready for spring cleaning but it has to be done to get my home ready. Thanks for the tips
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
I haven’t done any Spring cleaning yet. I would probably do it last minute but Thanks for your tips here.
Mar says
My baseboards always get so dirty! It doesn’t help that most people have white ones. I think they get super dirty because we kick them, and my cats like to play with the door stops!
Ashley says
Ugh baseboards are the bane of my existence. Great tips! I need to get on my Spring cleaning.
mburbage says
Yea spring cleaning will hit the house soon. Always a must, it’s like washing out winter in the house
Laurajj says
Oh all great ideas! I love the putting vinegar in a baggie for the shower heads! I have to try that! I really need to clean ours!
Lisa Rios says
I have to step in to Spring cleaning as well at the earliest & I love Viva Vantage paper towels so much. The first thing that always I have trouble cleaning is those Ceiling Fans & the idea of using a soft cotton jersey-type pillowcase sounds good.
Babita says
My whole house needs cleaning. I don’t even want to think about it as I am on vacation right now. However, when I get back I know I have to deal with it.
Shane Whittle says
That refrigerator grille is also one of my problems. Thank you so much for the tip. 🙂
Sharon Rooney says
I especially like the tip on cleaning ceiling fans. I love this tip.
Janis says
I hate any sort of cleaning, but your tips make it easier to tackle. I look forward to trying some of your cleaning tips as I kick up my annual spring cleaning routine next week.
Jen says
OMG. These are fantastic tips and reminders of where to clean. I definitely need to get started on my spring cleaning already!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
Good article on cleaning here.
You certainly named some troublesome spots.
Rosey says
Nice trick on the pillow case. I’m looking for a jersey soft right now!
cori says
Don’t forget to dust the air return for your AC system! That thing gets dusty!
Melissa Bernardo says
Doesn’t everything seem so much dirtier when you’re having guests over ? Lol
Stacy says
I have seen other people post about using vinegar to clean showerheads, I am definitely going to have to try that. My grimiest spot is my shower because my husband and I both hate cleaning it. We spray it daily, but don’t actually wipe it down. I guess that is the first spot we should tackle for spring cleaning. Otherwise we keep things pretty clean. He is a painter by trade so our baseboard and chair rail actually get cleaned regularly.
Amy Desrosiers says
I love to clean dirty things like these! It makes me smile to know my home is sparkling!
Elena says
I need to do some spring cleaning of my house. I love Viva Vantage paper towels. They are durable and get the job done
Natasha Mairs says
I always forget to do the skirting boards, so thanks for reminding me. The thing that gets cleaned the least in my house is the extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, must do them this week!
Nayna Kanabar says
I wish someone would come and spring clean my house I dread to think what’s lurking in hidden places.
Nikki says
That paper towel sounds great! Really perfect for cleaning my house. Thanks!
kelly tupick says
I have not started spring cleaning yet but boy,it’s not going to be an easy job as we burn wood all winter long and things just get more yellowed and stained.
Brenda @Schooling a Monkey says
Baseboards are surprisingly hard to clean in our house! We always seem to forget and let it go until it is rather embarrassing.
Jenny says
I did my baseboards last week and they were pretty rough. I didn’t even think of the shower head as part of my spring cleaning.
Chris Hoov says
This sounds a great paper towel. Really useful for cleaning home. Thank you for sharing!
Debra says
My least favorite cleaning chores are dusting the ceiling fans and cleaning baseboards in the bathroom. I always make sure to have a good paper towel to help clean up!
Jeanine says
This is awesome. I just did this deep spring cleaning the past 3 days. I will not lie – my baseboards were seriously the worst. With 3 dogs, 3 cats and SIX kids… oh man. You could imagine.
Bree Hogan says
I think I’m going to have to forward this article to my Hubby!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Yep I am working on this areas myself. I am in nesting mode because baby is due in 6 weeks, want it done before he is born.
April G says
Great idea, I need this tips for my General cleaning in our house.
Tonya C says
Oh yes! I have to get Spring Cleaning soon too. The vents & baseboards…ughh! The worst things to do in my opinion! Thanks for your tips.
Traveling Blogger says
I don’t even want to think about how bad my fan blades are or some of my baseboards especially behind furniture. I need to get a jump on my cleaning!
Felicita Moncada says
I love Viva paper towels. They are so soft! I definitely need to do some spring cleaning in those forgotten areas! The baseboards are a must in my house!
Crystal says
My mom is the queen of clean. Even in her 70’s she has me beat as to how quickly she can get the house cleaned. She was even cleaning behind the fridge this week. I haven’t seen back there in who knows how long.
Stacie says
Anything the kids touch probably makes the list of grimiest! I need to check out my fridge grill because I’m positive it looks like yours did.
Keri Justice says
Great tips here. I need to get on this! I didn’t realize the paper towels had 2 sides. That’s so cool!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I love this brand paper towels. They have a texture that is perfect for clean ups and spills!
Laura H says
Those before and after shots are oddly satisfying!! I really need to do this in my home, a spring clean is definitely in order!
Daniella says
Great post, I would never have thought to use cotton buds to clean the little spaces but it does make perfect sense.
Louise says
These tips are super helpful! I’m going to bookmark this post for future reference 🙂
Ana De- Jesus says
Spring cleaning is a complete pain but we can do it in stages so we don’t get so overwhelmed all the time!
Nicole Escat says
This is such a great tip. Love the tools. Here comes the spring time, and it means it’s cleaning all over the house, too.
Rachael Yerkes says
Those spots definitely get grimmy. I only clean my fans like 1 time a year. Gross. Love Viva paper towels.
Eileen Mendoza Loya says
I try to do an area a thorough cleaning every weekend so I don’t get overwhelmed when spring cleaning time comes. I will keep these tips in mind. Anything to make my work a little easier!
Amanda says
Ugh, my home is in serious need of spring cleaning. I can really use a step by step like this because I don’t naturally notice it either!
Stacie says
It’s spring already, so I guess I need to get started on my spring cleaning. My windows are no longer see-through.
Crystal says
I try to keep my house clean, but the deep cleaning needs to happen. You’re adding things to my to do list, but I still love you.
Lee says
I’ve never come across someone whose house has dirty spots just like mine. This is such a great story because it is helpful! Thanks.
Lee
Pam says
I pretty much do a deep cleaning like this every month. I am a neat freak but I have relaxed quite a bit with age. I am the type of person who cleans the night before the cleaning crew comes.
Tiffany says
Ahhh you brought back painful memories. Cleaning the baseboards used to be my job when I lived at home!
Chantal says
I am not excited for Spring cleaning at all! You are exactly right though, my base boards are a gross mess! I am going to try and get some of it done before Easter.
Eloise says
Spring cleaning thoroughly is never fun, but it sure feels good when you’re done and looking at your hardwork… I love the clean feeling and clean smell afterward!
Ann Bacciaglia says
Viva paper towels are great for cleaning. I will be doing my spring cleaning this weekend. Thanks for the great tips.
Mimi says
These are the reminders I need. I just cleaned the baseboards in my bathroom…and ew! My hubby is who I’m going to task with doing all of the fans. My oldest son can take care of the shower heads. My youngest can hit the fridge! Now all I need to do is get all of my supplies together.
Dawn Lopez says
That’s pretty much the look on my face too when I think about the dreaded spring cleaning. I really love your tip about the pillowcase to clean the fan blades. Great idea!
Up Run For Life says
I really need to do all of these. Don’t forget those mini blinds too. I also just recently unclogged the return air vent. It has been a long time since I’ve been able to give my house a good scrubbing. I need to but I’m. Not quite healed enough to do it.
Kelly Hutchinson says
Great tips for getting down and dirty in your spring cleaning. I just did my baseboards over the holidays.
Kathy says
Wow! The difference in all your photos is amazing. I’m still in the process of cleaning. My daughter has her birthday party this weekend so we have been doing some major cleaning.
Ashley @irishred02 says
Girl my baseboards and fridge grill look the same!! Ugh I need to clean!
Brandy says
I have been on Spring clean mode for a week or so now, every little dirty corner is bugging me. I needed some before and after photos to motivate me to get back to cleaning again tomorrow!
Vera Sweeney says
I didn’t think of some of these spots!! I don’t think we have ever cleaned our shower heads, going to add that one to my list!
Amber NElson says
I actually can’t wait to start spring cleaning my house from top to bottom!
Bri says
My ceiling fan is a major disaster. I have to turn it on when company is over just so they will not notice it. I need to by two packs of those paper towels.
Keikilani says
There are so many parts of my house that are grimy and gross. I am NOT looking forward to cleaning them, but i know I will be so satisfied when they are clean!
Lois Alter Mark says
I knew I liked you, Liz. I am obviously not someone who notices baseboards, either, as I discovered by checking mine out after you inspired me. I definitely have some work to do!
jeni hawkins says
I love that trick for the shower head! I’ll definitely try that this weekend, and pick up some Viva Paper Towels, as well!
Fashion and Style Police says
Thanks for reminding me to clean my house. I needed that inspiration x
Neely (@Neelykins) says
Basebaords are my enemy! Some spots are just a pain to clean
Amanda says
You covered some of the nastiest parts of my house–and I even have a cleaning lady! I am especially interested in these tips since we will be selling our home this Spring.
Adelina Priddis says
OK, how did you clean your fridge grill? What did you use! I feel like everytime I go to wipe down the counters in the kitchen, I end up wiping down the cabinet doors, oven front, microwave…where do those smudges come from all the time? lol.
Maria C. says
Yes I am ready to clean the whole house with the help of my family. We do team work from the backyard, garage, kitchen, bathroom & bedrooms. I always find cleaning the bathroom& the kitchen more challenging esp the glass doors & grouts, counters etc.
Elizabeth O. says
Love Spring cleaning especially when all my cleaning products are complete! It’s important for me to have a clean home so I never miss out on this.
StressedMum says
There are some great tips here, I did the soaking the shower head in vinegar last week and it worked really well, I wish I had read this post before trying to clean my windows yesterday, but will remember it next time x
Beeb Ashcroft says
I do hate spring cleaning but I know it’s necessary to keep a house in tip top shape. It’s just so much dang work!!
Megan Elford says
Oh man, I need to clean every single one of these spots in my house! I do love the convenience of using paper towels to do it – they hold up well, and then I can just toss them when I’m done, easy peasy!
Heather says
Cleaning caddies are a must for me because I have to go up and down the stairs with most of my stuff. Having it all in a caddy helps a lot!
Rebecca Smith says
Great post. Some spots you often forget about here!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
It’s funny you never really think of those spots the rest of the year. Spring cleaning can become a huge job, but the house is so much fresher when it is done.
candy says
I clean for other people. Use a toothbrush to get in all crevices and corners for baseboards and tons of places.
Melissa Lawler says
oh man, I so need to do a deep clean in my kitchen!
[email protected] says
UGH under the fridge and stove are the most unsightly spots in the house. Thanks alot for the reminder!!
Valerie says
I’d say my bathroom is the worst area in my house. With boys, it never seems to stay clean for long.
Amanda Love says
I haven’t started my spring cleaning as yet but as soon as I get to it I know that I’m getting Viva. It’s really what I always pick up when I’m getting paper towels. I just love how strong they are.
Nellie says
These are fantastic tips!! The baseboards are actually really gross. I am contemplating now how on earth I am going to clean all the things for spring but these tips will help!
Jeanette says
Can I hire you to do the exact same thing in my house? I need to do a nice deep cleaning and I just don’t feel like doing it. The only ones I buy when I buy paper towels.
Lisa Brown says
The dust is the absolute worst when spring cleaning comes around. There is so much of it everywhere and I hate dusting.
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
These are fabulous ideas! Especially love the shower head and ceiling fan tips!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
Oh wow! I have some work to do. I know I have some spots around the house (doors, fans, above high level fixtures) that could really use some tlc. Never thought of taking the spritzer thing off the shower. ehhh!!!!
Sarah Bailey says
I totally need to get taking some bits around the house – especially little bits like light switches I just keep forgetting them. x
Dana Rodriguez says
ugh..I just did the fridge grill and ceiling fans.I love the pillow case tip!
Karen Glatt says
The floors around the toilet! Especially gets dirty often and I hate to clean the bathrooms. I need to get up and clean the light fixtures and the refrigerators need to be cleaned! You sure did a great job in cleaning your house. I need to clean out the shower head!
Rhian Westbury says
I really need to do a mass spring clean on my flat, but every time I clean it just seems to look no different within a day or two x
Pam says
I definitely need to clean my ceiling fans. I try to do it around twice a year, but I don’t always succeed in meeting that goal.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
The vinegar solution for the shower heads work wonders! Thanks for these tips. I guess I have to start spring cleaning now.
Sarah Bailey says
I always use vinegar for ours as well – I was amazed how well it worked when I first tried it. x
Catherine S says
These are all great tips. I plan on getting started on Spring Cleaning this weekend. I am going to bleach the front patio and clean the refrigerator, stove and cabinets.
Lynette says
Oh God, I guess it’s that time again. Thank you for giving me a gentle reminder and for sharing the tips. I used to have a ceiling fan and that pillow case idea is genius!
mary says
ARGH I forgot all about cleaning the fans. Ick. Thanks for the reminder. Great tips!
Heather lawrence says
Ugh… Just looking at around at our baseboards and they all need a good scrub.
I don’t mind cleaning but when it’s the more detailed and deep down I avoid at all costs.
I’ve been doing quite a bit the last little bit just to make the job much smaller.
Jaime says
The cabinets and the refrigerator are the worst spots in our home. I need to do the vinegar trick in the showers too. These are all great tips!
Debbie Denny says
Oh my… A pillowcase for ceiling fans is a spectacular idea. I just hate cleaning them. I will be doing this!
Alli says
Baseboards are the worst! I hate cleaning baseboards. I’m going to try it your way with the warm water and vinegar. Spring cleaning is not my favorite activity in the world, but I feel so good once it’s all done.
Tammy S says
Great tip on how to clean the ceiling fan! I hate cleaning the one above our bed because I feel like all that dust is just getting dumped on our comforter. Can’t wait to try your tip. Nice to know I passed the kitchen sink test. 🙂
Maureen @ A Debt Free Mess Free Life says
I love spring cleaning and love that my house looks so amazing after I’m finished. Plus I love to throw open the windows.
Monica says
It’s so nice to have a clean house isn’t it? The dust on the ceiling fans are a pet peeve of mine. I can’t wait to try the pillowcase. Thanks for the tip!
Melanie Edjourian says
You’ve done a great job there, fancy popping over and doing mine too? Great tips.
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
I love a bit of spring cleaning! Always strangely enjoyable once you get going haha. There are some great tips here!
Birdiebee says
I don’t like to clean but I do like having a clean home so it is a constant tug of war with me. I haven’t started spring cleaning yet because we are still having snow so it will be another month or so before I start in on this big job. I love your pillowcase suggestion for cleaning the fan.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I hate to clean. That’s an interesting suggestion to use a pillowcase on the ceiling fan, I’ve never heard of that before. I use a dust brush.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I just don’t clean them, but I probably should, huh? I will try the pillowcase idea 🙂
Kara Kudro says
I LOVE this post, am bookmarking it to start my spring cleaning. I just healed up from sinus surgery and feel restless to get the house back in order:)
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I don’t think I’ve cleaned my baseboard since, well, ever. It’s not something I ever really noticed, but you betcha I am going to clean them now.