Spring Cleaning Checklist for Ottawa Homes

After months of Ottawa winter — salt-tracked floors, sealed windows, dry furnace air — your home needs a reset. Spring cleaning isn't just tradition; it's a practical response to what winter does to indoor spaces.

Here's a complete checklist you can print out, room by room.

Before You Start

Open the windows — Let fresh air circulate while you clean. Ottawa spring days above 10°C are perfect for this.
Gather supplies — All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, microfibre cloths, vacuum with attachments, mop, bucket, garbage bags
Work top to bottom — Dust falls. Clean ceilings and high shelves first, floors last.
Set a schedule — Don't try to do everything in one day. Tackle one or two rooms per day over a week.

Kitchen

[ ] Clean inside the oven and under the burners
[ ] Pull out the fridge and clean behind and underneath
[ ] Wipe inside all cabinets and drawers
[ ] Degrease the range hood and filter (soak in hot soapy water)
[ ] Descale the kettle and coffee maker (run with vinegar)
[ ] Clean the dishwasher (empty cycle with vinegar, wipe the gasket)
[ ] Scrub the sink, faucet, and drain
[ ] Wipe down all countertops, backsplash, and small appliances
[ ] Clean the garbage and recycling bins
[ ] Mop the floor, including corners and under the table

Bathrooms

[ ] Scrub the shower/tub, including grout lines
[ ] Clean the toilet inside, outside, base, and behind
[ ] Wipe the vanity, mirror, and medicine cabinet (inside too)
[ ] Descale faucets and showerheads (soak in vinegar)
[ ] Wash the shower curtain or liner
[ ] Clean the exhaust fan cover
[ ] Replace old towels and bath mats if needed
[ ] Mop the floor

Bedrooms

[ ] Wash all bedding — sheets, duvet cover, pillow protectors
[ ] Flip or rotate the mattress
[ ] Vacuum the mattress surface
[ ] Dust nightstands, dressers, and under the bed
[ ] Clean closet shelves and organize (donate what you haven't worn since last spring)
[ ] Wipe light fixtures and lamp shades
[ ] Wash or dust curtains/blinds
[ ] Vacuum carpets or mop floors, including under furniture

Living Room

[ ] Vacuum upholstery and under couch cushions
[ ] Dust all shelves, mantels, and decor
[ ] Clean TV screen and electronics (dry microfibre only)
[ ] Wash throw pillows and blankets
[ ] Wipe baseboards along every wall
[ ] Clean windows — glass, sills, and tracks
[ ] Vacuum or mop floors, move furniture to get underneath

Entryway & Mudroom

This is where Ottawa winters hit hardest:

[ ] Clean salt stains off the floor (mix equal parts water and vinegar)
[ ] Wash the boot tray
[ ] Wipe down the front door inside and out
[ ] Clean the coat closet �� wipe shelves, vacuum the floor
[ ] Wash winter coats before storing them
[ ] Clean the welcome mat or replace it

Whole House

[ ] Replace HVAC filter (after a winter of continuous use, it's clogged)
[ ] Dust all ceiling fans and light fixtures
[ ] Clean all interior doors and door handles
[ ] Wipe switch plates and outlet covers
[ ] Clean air vents and return grilles
[ ] Wash all windows (interior at minimum)
[ ] Check and clean smoke detectors
[ ] Vacuum all stairs and hallways

Garage

[ ] Sweep out salt, sand, and winter debris
[ ] Wipe down shelving
[ ] Organize seasonal tools and equipment
[ ] Clean the garage door interior

Want Help?

Spring cleaning a whole house takes most people an entire weekend. If you'd rather spend that time enjoying Ottawa's first warm days, our team can handle the whole list in one visit. Get a free spring cleaning quote — we serve Ottawa, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, Orléans, and surrounding areas.