10 Spring-Cleaning Tasks That Only Take 15 Minutes

Spring cleaning isn’t something most of us look forward to—who actually has the time to clean their entire house from top to bottom? We get it. But “procrastinating only creates more work for yourself,” says Sarah McAllister of BleachPrayLove, whose cleaning tips have gone viral.

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to do everything at once. With some expert advice and a caddy of cleaning products, you can break your spring cleaning into easily achievable 15-minute daily tasks.

“The best part is the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction you have once everything is done,” says McAllister. Check out our top fifteen tips to help you tackle your spring cleaning checklist without feeling totally overwhelmed.

1. Grout grime
2. Shower curtain
3. Washer and dryer
4. Vacuuming
5. Baseboards
6. Mould
7. Fridge
8. Oven
9. Stainless steel appliances
10. Kitchen cabinets

Task time: Around 15 minutes per shower or bath area.

Grab a stiff brush or toothbrush and either a homemade paste of vinegar and baking soda or of oxygen cleaner powder and water, and gently scrub along the grout lines. Rinse with warm water, and ta-da—grime gone!

Task time: Around 15 minutes active work time (plus 40 minutes or so in the wash).

Remove your shower curtain from its hooks, and place it in your washing machine with a scoop of laundry detergent on a cool, gentle cycle. If your shower curtain is made of plastic or vinyl, toss in a few towels to keep it protected. Then, place it back in the shower and give it a good rinse. Looking to update your shower curtain hooks? Now’s the perfect time!

Task time: Around 15 minutes.

Next, get your washing machine and dryer sparkling. If the control knobs are removable, take them off and wash them in the sink. Wipe down the outside of the machines with a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner or cleaning wipes. Then tackle the inside of the washer. Front-load models can create a gunky, mouldy mess in the rubber seals that line the door. McAllister’s trick: use good old-fashioned bleach and a scrubbing brush to scour them clean. Dry them off well with paper towels. For good measure, run a rinse or sanitize cycle.

Task time: Around 15 minutes for each room and each major furnishing.

Your vacuum isn’t just for cleaning the everyday mess of high-traffic entryways and halls. Use the upholstery attachment to capture dust from living room furniture, cushions and curtains, too. (Tip: remember to replace your vacuum’s filter regularly to improve efficiency and reduce allergens in your home!) Next, use the same vacuum attachment to take on the baseboards, countertops and yes, even the toilets. This method saves a ton of time when it comes to capturing dust and hair, says McAllister. (When you’re done, disinfect the brush by soaking it in water and bleach, then let it dry completely.)

Task time: Around 15 minutes per room.

We often overlook our walls and baseboards, but taking the time to give them a good scrub can instantly brighten up a room. McAllister recommends this recipe to her followers, which she says can also be used on floors: mix one teaspoon of powdered Tide laundry detergent (it contains surfactants and enzymes to remove dirt and stains) with about a gallon of hot water in a bucket. Then use a microfiber cloth and some good old elbow grease to wipe down the baseboards and walls. Ease the strain on your knees while you work by kneeling on a yoga mat or towel.

Task time: Around 15 minutes per large, grimy window.

It’s easy to miss the mess hidden behind curtains and blinds—but they can be hot spots for dirt, grime and mould (if you notice any, it’s a good idea to put on a dust mask and rubber gloves to protect yourself from exposure). Get rid of dirt and mould by spraying the entire surface thoroughly with an all-purpose cleaner and using a toothbrush or scrub brush to thoroughly scour the surface and break up the mould. Wipe the area clean with paper towels (McAllister points out that cloths will just move the gross stuff around and create more work), and repeat the process until it’s all gone.

Task time: Around 15 minutes per section.

Working one section at a time, and with your compost or garbage bin nearby, toss out any expired food, then empty that section of the fridge. Next, use a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle to spritz the entire inside surface of the fridge, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth (don’t use hot water on cold glass shelves, as it could cause them to shatter). Treat your future self by tackling the messiest area first, whether it’s doors, shelves or crisper. If your fridge is prone to odour buildup, consider popping an open box of baking soda on a back shelf to help absorb smells. If you have extra time, you can also remove drawers and shelves, wash in warm, soapy water, and dry thoroughly before replacing.

Task time: Around 15 minutes, more for an extra-grimy oven.

This one can seem like a monumental task, but it doesn’t have to be! Get rid of baked-on stains and spills with a paste of baking soda and water: spread the mix on the oven’s inside surfaces. Leave to soak in for 10 or 15 minutes, then scrub with a toothbrush or scouring pad. For extra power, add a little bit of vinegar. Remove excess dirt and debris with dampened paper towels.

Task time: Around 15 minutes for your oven; 5-10 minutes for smaller appliances.

Most stovetops can easily be wiped down with a kitchen sponge, dish soap and warm water. To banish fingerprints, smudges and streaks from your stainless steel appliances, reach for a microfiber cloth and stainless steel cleaner. Or mix one teaspoon of dish soap with a litre of hot water, then rinse with clean more hot water and dry with a clean cloth. If you’d like, repeat these steps on your unplugged stainless steel kettle and toaster.

Task time: Around 15 minutes for each section.

Start by emptying your cupboards, then take a cue from McAllister and use your vacuum’s hose attachment (or a handheld vacuum) to clean crumbs and other debris from the shelves. Tackle the inside of the doors and shelves with a half vinegar, half water solution (add a few drops of dish soap if your cupboards need a real good clean). Avoid water spots by using a clean towel to dry everything off before replacing the food. If you’d like, wrap infrequently used dishware in old newspaper or bubble wrap and set aside to give to friends, family or charity.

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