46 Ways to Your Deepest Clean Yet: The Ultimate Winter Cleaning Checklist

Fall and winter are my favorite times of the year. Many people love fall right along with me, but I’m pretty much an outlier when it comes to loving winter. I can’t help it, though. Cold, dreary days are the perfect excuse to stay in and cuddle, read, turn on the fireplace, make slow-cooked soups that simmer all day, and enjoy the hygge that only an inclement season can offer. 

Whether you cherish your time indoors or dread it, you’re going to be spending more time at home than during other seasons. That’s why a winter cleaning checklist is so important, and one of my favorite ways to prepare my home for all my time inside. 

All this time inside means certain areas will need more attention. For instance, your floors may get dirtier, your oven is about to see some extra-heavy use, and dust on surfaces will become airborne as forced-air heating dries out ambient air.

Getting your home clean ahead of time makes these winter maintenance chores easier. Here are 46 ways to get your home prepared for its most inhabited season.

• Clean out the refrigerator.
• Clean out the freezer. 
• Wipe down your backsplash. 
• Clean under your oven. 
• Clean under your refrigerator. 
• Clean your oven door. 
• Clean your oven interior. 
• Clean your vent hood screens. 
• Clean your bathtub. 
• Declutter and organize under the kitchen sink. 
• Declutter and organize under the bathroom sink. 
• Wash your garbage can and recycling bins. 

• Wash your comforter insert. 
• Wash your duvet cover. 
• Wash your throw pillows and covers. 
• Clean your mattress. 
• Dust the ceiling fan. 
• Clean and vacuum under your bed. 
• Add a box to your closet for decluttering winter clothes as you try them on. 
• Clean nightstand drawers. 
• Dust lamp shades and light bulbs. 
• Review and purge items stored in the closet. 

• Wash pillow covers and pillows. 
• Clean couch. 
• Clean under couch cushions. 
• Clean under the couch. 
• Spot-clean stains. 
• Use an upholstery cleaner on applicable furniture. 
• Dust bookshelves and books. 
• Dust lamp shades and light bulbs. 
• Clean glass on artwork. 

• Dust surfaces.
• Clean under rugs. 
• Spot clean rugs. 
• Dust baseboards.
• Remove scuffs from baseboards. 
• Dust blinds. 
• Touch-up paint. 
• Clean doors. 

• Check HVAC filters. 
• Check fire alarm batteries. 
• Winterize outdoor spigots, etc., where applicable. 
• Shake out or clean doormats. 
• Wash throw rugs. 
• Check doors and windows for leaks. 
• Have your fireplace inspected.