Post By Admin
August 14, 2026Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to give your home a proper reset after winter. That’s why you need a spring clean house checklist.
Beyond dusting, decluttering and deep cleaning, it’s also a good time to spot small maintenance issues that may have gone unnoticed.
From cleaning the kitchen and bathroom to checking your drains, taps and visible pipework, this spring clean house checklist can help you work through your home room by room and identify anything that may need attention.
What Do You Need for a Spring Clean?
Before you start, gather the cleaning supplies and equipment you’ll need. Having everything ready can make the process much easier and help you avoid stopping halfway through a task.
Your spring cleaning supplies may include:
- Microfibre cloths
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop and bucket
- Sponges and cleaning brushes
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Disinfectant
- Rubber gloves
- Bin bags
- Paper towels
- Basic storage containers
If you’re planning to tackle maintenance tasks as well, keep a torch handy so you can check underneath sinks, around appliances and in other hard-to-see areas.
Spring Cleaning Checklist for Every Room
Start with the areas that are used most often before moving on to less frequently used spaces.
General Cleaning Checklist
- Dust shelves, furniture and other surfaces
- Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Wipe skirting boards
- Vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstery
- Mop hard floors
- Clean windows, frames and tracks
- Wipe down doors and handles
- Clean walls where there are visible marks
- Wash curtains or clean blinds where appropriate
- Declutter items you no longer need
Kitchen Spring Cleaning Checklist
The kitchen can accumulate grease, food residue and clutter throughout the year, making spring a good time for a more thorough clean.
Cleaning Tasks
- Deep clean the oven and stovetop
- Clean the rangehood and filters
- Wipe down kitchen cabinets
- Clean inside the pantry
- Check food expiry dates
- Deep clean the refrigerator
- Clean the freezer
- Wipe down small appliances
- Clean splashbacks and benchtops
- Clean the kitchen floor
- Declutter unused cookware and containers
Don’t Forget Your Plumbing
While cleaning under the kitchen sink, take a moment to look for signs of plumbing problems.
- Check underneath the sink for moisture or water stains
- Check taps for dripping
- Inspect visible flexible hoses and connections
- Make sure the kitchen sink drains normally
- Look for unusual smells coming from the drain
Bathroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
Another important area in our spring clean house checklist is the Bathrooms. They require regular cleaning, but spring is a good opportunity to tackle areas that may not receive as much attention during your normal cleaning routine.
Cleaning Tasks
- Deep clean the shower
- Scrub shower screens and doors
- Clean tiles and grout
- Clean the bathtub
- Clean the basin and vanity
- Deep clean the toilet
- Wash bathmats
- Wash towels
- Clean bathroom cupboards
- Remove expired toiletries and products
Check Your Bathroom Plumbing
Your bathroom cleaning routine can also help you identify plumbing issues.
- Check taps for dripping or leaking
- Check around the base of the toilet for moisture
- Look underneath the vanity for signs of leaks
- Test whether the basin drains quickly
- Check whether the shower drains normally
- Look for persistent dampness or water stains
Laundry Spring Cleaning Checklist
The laundry is another area where cleaning and plumbing maintenance can go hand in hand.
Cleaning Tasks
- Clean the washing machine
- Remove detergent and fabric softener build-up
- Clean lint and debris
- Wipe down laundry cupboards
- Check cleaning products and dispose of expired items appropriately
- Clean shelving and storage areas
- Vacuum and mop the floor
Check Your Washing Machine Connections
While cleaning around the washing machine, check:
- Washing machine hoses for cracks or deterioration
- Water supply connections for leaks
- Taps for dripping
- The area around the washing machine for pooling water
- The laundry drain for slow drainage
If you notice water around your washing machine without an obvious source, don’t ignore it. A leaking hose or connection can cause significant water damage if left unattended.
Bedroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
Spring is a good time to refresh your bedroom and prepare for warmer weather.
- Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets
- Clean or air out pillows according to their care instructions
- Rotate your mattress if recommended by the manufacturer
- Vacuum underneath the bed
- Dust bedside tables and furniture
- Clean wardrobes and drawers
- Sort through clothes
- Donate or discard unwanted items
- Clean windows and window coverings
Don’t forget areas that are easily overlooked, such as behind furniture, underneath the bed and inside wardrobes.
Living Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
Living areas can collect dust, pet hair and general household debris over time.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs
- Vacuum sofas and upholstered furniture
- Clean underneath cushions
- Wash removable cushion covers
- Dust shelves and decorations
- Clean entertainment units
- Wipe doors and handles
- Clean windows and window tracks
- Dust ceiling fans and light fittings
- Declutter unused items
Outdoor and Utility Area Checklist
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to stop at the front door. Outdoor and utility areas can also benefit from a thorough clean and inspection.
- Sweep patios and outdoor entertaining areas
- Clean outdoor furniture
- Clear leaves and debris
- Organise the garage
- Sort through storage boxes
- Dispose of unwanted items responsibly
- Clear debris around outdoor drains
- Check outdoor taps for leaks
- Inspect visible pipework for damage
- Look for unexplained pooling water
Plumbing Checks During Your Spring Clean
The spring clean house checklist cannot miss the plumbing checks. Here is what to pay attention to:
1. Dripping Taps
A tap that continues to drip after being turned off may have a worn component or another plumbing issue.
2. Slow Drains
If your kitchen, bathroom or laundry drains more slowly than usual, there could be a build-up inside the pipe.
Don’t wait until the drain becomes completely blocked. Addressing slow drainage early may help prevent a more serious blockage.
3. Leaking Toilets
Check around the base of your toilet and listen for water running when the toilet hasn’t been flushed.
A toilet that constantly runs or leaks can waste water and may indicate a faulty component or plumbing issue.
4. Water Stains and Damp Areas
Look underneath sinks, around toilets and near plumbing fixtures for unexplained moisture, stains or dampness.
These signs shouldn’t be dismissed simply because the area appears dry later.
5. Changes in Water Pressure
If your water pressure seems noticeably weaker than usual, check whether the problem affects one fixture or the whole house.
A sudden change in pressure can sometimes indicate a plumbing problem that needs further investigation.
6. Unusual Drain or Sewer Smells
Persistent unpleasant smells coming from sinks, showers or floor drains may indicate a drainage or sewer issue.
Cleaning the drain may help with minor odours, but recurring smells should be investigated rather than repeatedly covered with cleaning products.
Spring Cleaning Tips to Make the Job Easier
Trying to clean your entire home in one day can quickly become overwhelming. A simple plan can make the process more manageable.
Work Room by Room
Choose one area at a time rather than moving randomly between rooms. This makes it easier to see your progress and avoid leaving unfinished tasks throughout the house.
Declutter Before Deep Cleaning
There’s little point in spending time cleaning items you no longer want. Sort belongings into things to keep, donate, recycle or dispose of before deep cleaning each area.
Clean from Top to Bottom
Dust higher surfaces first, then work your way down towards the floor. This prevents you from having to clean the same areas twice.
Look for Maintenance Problems
As you clean, pay attention to anything unusual. Water stains, dripping taps, slow drains and damp cupboards can all be easier to notice when you’re already inspecting the area.
Don’t Try to Fix Everything Yourself
Cleaning and basic visual checks are one thing, but plumbing repairs can require specialised knowledge and equipment. If you identify a plumbing problem, it’s generally better to have it assessed rather than attempting an unfamiliar repair.
FAQs About Spring Cleaning
How often should you spring clean your house?
A thorough spring clean is generally done once a year, although the timing and frequency can vary between households. Homes with children, pets or higher levels of household activity may benefit from more frequent deep cleaning.
What should I clean first during spring cleaning?
Start by decluttering, then work through your home room by room. Cleaning from top to bottom can also make the process more efficient because dust and debris fall towards the floor.
What areas are commonly missed during a spring clean?
Commonly overlooked areas include ceiling fans, light fittings, window tracks, skirting boards, underneath furniture, inside cupboards and behind appliances.
Should I check my plumbing during spring cleaning?
Yes. Spring cleaning is a convenient time to look for visible signs of plumbing problems, such as dripping taps, leaks underneath sinks, slow drains, water stains and unusual smells.
What plumbing problems should I look for during a spring clean?
Look for leaking taps, slow drains, running toilets, water pooling, damp areas, unusual water pressure and persistent drain or sewer smells. Identifying these signs early may help prevent more serious plumbing problems.
When should I call a plumber?
You should consider calling a licensed plumber when a plumbing issue persists, keeps returning or causes noticeable leaks, drainage problems, water damage or unusual smells. A professional can identify the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate repair.
Conclusion
A spring clean is about more than making your home look fresh and organised. It’s also a useful opportunity to check areas that are easy to overlook and identify small maintenance issues before they become bigger problems.
As you work through your spring clean house checklist, don’t forget to look underneath sinks, test your drains, check taps and toilets, and keep an eye out for leaks, dampness or unusual smells.
If your spring cleaning uncovers a leaking tap, blocked drain, faulty toilet or another plumbing issue, Neighbourhood Plumbing can help. Our experienced team provides plumbing services for homes across Melbourne and can assess the problem and recommend the right solution.
If you’ve noticed a plumbing issue during your spring clean, get in touch with Neighbourhood Plumbing to speak with our team.
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
