You’ve done the basic cleaning, but your space still doesn’t feel as vibrant as you’d like. The secret to a truly fresh home, a key part of any good spring cleaning, is letting the laundry machine do the work for you.
When we think of a “refresh,” we often think of decluttering or rearranging furniture. But the secret to a truly fresh, vibrant home isn’t just about clean surfaces—it’s about washing the things you never think to wash. From pillows to pet beds, this guide is your ultimate laundry checklist for a thorough (and simple) spring cleaning.
The Ultimate Laundry Checklist for Spring Cleaning
Spring Cleaning the Bedroom
1. Pillows
You lay your head on them every night, but pillows can be a breeding ground for dust mites and allergens. For a proper spring cleaning, use a gentle cycle with a small amount of detergent and wash two at a time to keep the machine balanced. For down or feather pillows, add a tennis ball to the dryer to fluff them up.
2. Duvets and Comforters
Just like pillows, these can harbor dust and sweat. Use a large-capacity washer, if possible, and wash on a gentle cycle. For a deep spring cleaning, you can pause the dryer every 30 minutes to fluff the comforter and prevent clumps.
Spring Cleaning the Bathroom
3. Shower Curtains and Liners
A grimy shower curtain can make your whole bathroom feel unclean. The good news? You can wash most of them as part of your spring cleaning efforts. For plastic liners, add a towel to the load to provide some scrubbing action. Hang the curtain to air-dry to avoid shrinking or melting.
4. Rugs and Bath Mats
Small area rugs and bath mats can collect a shocking amount of dirt. As part of your spring cleaning routine, just shake them out, then place them in the washer on a gentle cycle with cold water. Dry on low heat or hang to air-dry for a satisfying result.
Spring Cleaning the Living Areas
5. Pet Beds
For a good spring cleaning, your furry friend’s bed needs a wash as much as your own bedding. Check the care label for specific instructions, and be sure to use a pet-safe detergent.
6. Oven Mitts and Koozies
These small, fabric items take a lot of abuse in the kitchen and at parties. As part of your spring cleaning, toss them in the wash on a gentle cycle to remove stains and odors.
7. Backpacks and Reusable Shopping Bags
As a key part of your spring cleaning, give these bags a wash since they go everywhere with you, picking up dirt and germs along the way. Most fabric backpacks can be washed on a gentle cycle. Turn them inside out and remove any loose items. For reusable bags, a quick wash is a great way to keep them hygienic.
8. Tennis Shoes
As a part of your spring cleaning routine, give your favorite sneakers a new lease on life. Remove the laces and insoles, and wash them in a mesh laundry bag. Use a gentle cycle with cold water.
9. Yoga Mats
Some yoga mats are machine washable as part of a quick spring cleaning. Check the instructions and wash on a delicate cycle with a mild detergent.
A Spring Cleaning Guide for the Kitchen
While you can wash many items in your home, some things require a more specialized approach. Take kitchen sponges, for instance. While a quick wash or a cycle in the dishwasher can help them feel fresh, it’s often not enough to truly eliminate the bacteria they harbor.
For a deep, sanitary clean as part of your spring cleaning, you need a solution designed specifically for the job, like a Skura Style Sponge. Its unique technology is designed to resist odor and bacteria build-up for a more hygienic clean every time.
By tackling these often-forgotten items, you’ll be amazed at how fresh your home feels—and how little effort your spring cleaning took. Happy washing!
Beyond Laundry: Your Spring Cleaning Decluttering Plan
Now that your home is feeling fresh, it’s time to tackle the stuff you don’t need anymore. Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but it’s all about having a clear system to make quick, confident decisions.
To help you with that, I’ve created the Decluttering Decisions Toolkit—a free, step-by-step guide with checklists and a proven method for conquering clutter in every room.
Grab your free toolkit now! Just enter your email below to get instant access.
Curated Spring Cleaning Supplies
Once you’ve sorted and decluttered, it’s time to find a home for all your cleaning supplies and organizational needs. Here are some of the items I personally recommend to keep your home tidy and fresh all year long.
- For under the sink: Look for stackable bins or wire pull-out drawers to maximize vertical space. These are great for cleaning sprays, sponges, and dish soap.
- For the laundry room: A rolling laundry cart with dividers makes sorting clothes easy, and clear containers are perfect for detergent pods and dryer sheets.
- For a backstock of cleaning supplies: A tiered shelving unit or a hanging door organizer keeps all your extra items visible and accessible. View all my recommendations here!
By tackling these often-forgotten items and then organizing your space, you’ll be amazed at how fresh your home feels. Happy washing and organizing!
Ready to Create a Calm, Peaceful Space? Let’s Work Together.
Whether you need a little guidance or a total home transformation, I’m here to help you get organized.
1. In-Person Organizing (Local)
If you’re in the Baltimore, MD to Hanover, PA, and D.C. area, I’ll come right to your doorstep. We’ll work side-by-side to declutter the chaos and set up a system that fits your real life, not a picture-perfect ideal.
2. Virtual Organizing (Wherever You Are)
Miles away? No problem! Our virtual sessions are just as effective as in-person ones, thanks to the power of video calls. I’ve had a blast helping clients in Utah, Washington, Ohio, and South Carolina get organized virtually—and we’ll make it fun!
3. Be Your Own Organizer with My Guide
Want to create a calm, peaceful space at your own pace? This DIY guide is for you! It’s packed with easy-to-follow steps and tips to build a system that sticks. Plus, you’ll get:
- Over 60 container recommendations (all shoppable on Amazon)
- Advice on where to store everyday and seasonal items
- Clear instructions for tackling specific areas and items
- If you love a good DIY project, this guide is your jam.
Snag your DIY guide here: https://binyourspace.etsy.com/
My Heartfelt Mission
I want to help you break free from that stuck feeling, break through the overwhelm, and boost your mental health and productivity. And it truly starts with getting your home organized—creating a space that supports you, not stresses you out. (Learn more about me!)
From these simple laundry hacks to a full-blown decluttering project, every small step you take helps to build a home that works for you. Whether you’re ready to dive in with the free DIY guide, prefer a virtual session, or want to work side-by-side in person, the path to a calmer, more peaceful space is within your reach.
Remember, this journey is about more than just organizing things; it’s about creating an environment that supports your mental health and boosts your productivity.
Your home should be your sanctuary, and I’m here to help you make that a reality.
Bonnie Hintenach | Bin Your Space
Professional Organizer for Homes & Classrooms
Maryland Professional Organizer
