Spring Cleaning Guide
three levels of deep cleaning + all the essentials
There is something about the sun starting to shine, the flowers beginning to bloom, the leaves starting to grow that just makes me feel reborn.
I love a fresh start. A new beginning. An opportunity for positive change and awakening — and that is exactly what the Spring inspires.
When I listed out my Spring Intentions — one of the main ones was A clean space for a clean mind: Cleaning to me can be therapeutic. Getting in a zone, quieting my mind, and cleaning my space provides a sense of calm, and afterwards I always feel so much better. It is getting into that zone that can sometimes feel hard.
On the Menu:
How to get in the reset-zone
3 guides & check-lists for three levels of cleaning (the basics, the glow-up & the deep reset) depending on how much time and energy you have
Tangible tips & items that make cleaning more exciting, fun & efficient
So let’s get intooo ittt…..
GETTING INTO THE ZONE
In order to have an effective cleaning sesh, we must get into the zone.
The Vibe: I like to get into a comfy set of clothes, tie my hair back, either put in headphones OR connect to the speaker — and then I pick either a really good playlist or an entertaining podcast
Beverage: I will ALWAYS make myself a good pick-me-up bev. Sometimes caffeinated, sometimes hydrating depending on time of day. But a good large bev is KEY, I have a bunch of bev recipes here if you need inspo —
Setting intention + Sectioning
I am not sure about you, but sometimes I wait until things are so out of control, that I just keep pushing the mess off to clean because it just feels too overwhelming. So this is where I like to pause, set an intention, and then take action one step at a time.
Sectioning — sectioning has been an incredibly effective tool for me to organize and clean effectively. I start room by room, then I basically section off one part of a room and start there. Once I complete all the sections of one room, I can move to the next.
For example, if my room is messy my bathroom is messy my living room is messy and my kitchen is messy sometimes I am like oh my god this is just too much and end up not taking action. Instead of spiraling like that, I pick one room — like the kitchen — and then break that room into sections. For example — the dishes. One task. One step. Just begin. Usually once I finish a section, I’m like oh wait, that wasn’t that bad. That little momentum boost pushes me into the next section, now I am in the mood for cleaning, and before I know it, the whole room’s done.
Getting into the zone is an essential step for every one of these following guides.
Whether you have 30 minutes, or you’ve set aside an entire day for Spring Cleaning — I have created a guide for each and every person, including some of my favorite tangible tips & cleaning supplies (primarily non-tox & sustainable!)
Level 1: The Basic Clean
aka "I have 30 minutes and a sliver of motivation" — This is the clean that is just enough to make you feel calm and satisfied again.
Clear off surfaces and remove any misplaced items (& return to their homes) (counters, sink, nightstand, the infamous chair)
Take inventory + toss or freeze any expired food from fridge & pantry
Wipe down surfaces, fridge, pantry & bathroom sink
Take out all the trash (yes, even the one in your room)
End with a deep breath & nice lit candle.
Favorite Cleaning Essentials for the Basic:
Branch Basics Starter Set — this is my favorite non-tox cleaning concentrate. The starter kit comes with all-purpose cleaner, bathroom, window & even laundry + hand soap. Once you get the set all you need to order when you run out is the concentrate to refill. You can use discount “glowwithella” on either starter kit.
Microfiber Cloths — I love using these to clean off surfaces for extra shine. Once they are used and dirty I wash off any residue in the sink, wring them out & place into a bin kept in my kitchen so I know they are ready to be laundered. Saves so many paper towels.
Tuscan Rosemary Candle — This makes my home smell so beautiful. I always get compliments!
Level 2: The Glow-Up Clean
aka “It’s Sunday, I have coffee, and I’m feeling productive” — This is the clean that will have your space feeling refreshed.
Clear off surfaces and remove any items to their homes (counters, sink, nightstand, the infamous chair)
Remove all items from fridge, take inventory + toss/freeze/eat any expiring food from fridge, clean out fridge & clean inside fridge, and restock
Repeat with the pantry
Do the dishes + scrub and clean sink + start dishwasher
Clean the stovetop
Sweep and vacuum the floors, don’t forget to get under the bed and other furniture (option to steam and/or mop)
Dust high touch spots
Clean mirrors
Wash sheets and blankets, re-make bed & fluff the couch
Take out all trash & recycling
End with a lit candle in each room, open the windows and let in a nice breeze.
Favorite Cleaning Essentials for the Glow-Up:
Dish Gloves — wearing gloves while doing the dishes is life-changing. I feel like I am able to do the dishes way more productively and efficiently, and really get in there and clean.
Dish Soap — I love this lavender blossom and thyme dish soap it smells so fresh & delicious plus they have refills as well. For something unscented — I just use the branch basics concentrate diluted!
Dishwasher Pods — I love this starter set it comes with a cute container and when you need to refill you just order the eco-friendly refill. They dissolve super well and clean the dishes well without toxic ingredients.
Baking Soda Freshener — love sticking these in my fridge after cleaning to help deodorize & keep fresh.
Bamboo Scrub Brush — My favorite way to scrub dishes/counters/the sink. I also like these walnut sponges.
Laundry Detergent — This powder is my FAVORITE! It lasts a really long time and it works super well to thoroughly clean clothes — completely unscented.
Wool Dryer Balls — These make my clothes/bedding/towels so soft, and less wrinkly/staticky. Plus they are so much better for the environment then single use dryer sheets.
Stainless Steel Spray — love using this to wipe down my stainless steel appliances (fridge, dishwasher, trash) cleans it well without leaving any smudges.
Vacuum — I love all the shark vacuums, this is the current one I have & love.
Level 3: The Total Reset Clean
aka “I am trying to start fresh and feel like a whole new person” — This is not only a deep clean — but a total reset & re-organization.
Complete or include the steps from The Glow-Up Clean PLUS:
KITCHEN
Pull everything out of cabinets — clean/wipe, declutter, organize and restock
Clean underneath appliances
Clean dishwasher filter & run a deep clean cycle with vinegar
Re-season cast iron
Sanitize wood cutting boards and utensils & re-seal with wood oil
Clean kitchen appliances (air fryer, espresso machines, etc…)
Clean out spice drawer and refill spices
Wash reusable grocery bags, microfiber cloths and any rags
Deep clean inside of the trash can
Restock fridge with groceries + prep food
BATHROOM
Scrub inside and outside of toilet + sanitize
Deep clean bathtub
Scrub sink and faucet
Clean shower walls + liner
Clean out shower drain + hair
Clean towels and bathroom mat
Clean out toothpaste holder & sanitize/replace toothpaste
Remove trash and any other clutter or unused products
BEDROOM/LIVING
Deep clean rugs (vacuum + deodorize with baking soda or use a carpet cleaner)
Vacuum couch cushions + wash covers if removable
Clean remotes, light switches, and door handles
Dust light fixtures & ceiling fans (start before vacuuming!)
Clean your windowsills & window tracks
Rearrange or restyle shelves to your liking
Clean out & organize closet, kitchen, and miscellaneous and create a donation and a trash pile
ALL THE ABOVE
Change filters! Shower filter, sink, filter, water filter, air purifier filter etc…
Sweep/vacuum and mop all floors
Scrub, clean and dust all surfaces
Wipe baseboards, vents, and door frames
Complete laundry
Do a full steam sanitize (floors, bathroom, high-touch surfaces, places with grime build up, etc.)
OTHER
Declutter digital space — desktop, phone photos, email inbox
Brain declutter — take space to do a journaling brain dump
Ummmm end by going to treat yourself to a nice dinner or some takeout. You deserve it, and also who wants to cook and do dishes after a clean like this lol.
Favorite Cleaning Essentials for the Total-Reset:
Steamer: If you are to get one thing. Get this steamer — it has changed my LIFE! It makes cleaning so much more fun and easy. It lifts grime/dirt and sanitizes, all with water. I am obsessed I use mine all the time, I also like this mini handheld one too for smaller/harder to get surfaces. remember to use distilled water
Biodegradable Cleaner: I love using this concentrate diluted with water as an all-purpose cleaner for floors & surfaces. These literally last a lifetime.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner: These are great, and you can refill with eco-friendly packaging once you run out.
White Cleaning Vinegar + Baking Soda: These are both essentials that should ALWAYS be in your toolbox for cleaning, don’t use them directly together unless trying to loosen grime, but they come in handy for so much.
Powder Cleanser: This is super all-purpose, but I like specifically using it to get off grime and clean my sink.
Cast-iron Care: Love this tool kit to reset my cast irons.
Spray Floor Mop: I like using this to clean my floors before steaming — I usually fill it with a concentration of the biodegradable cleaner above + distilled water.
Mini Vacuum: I like using this to vacuum harder to get places and surfaces like the couch.
Non-Toxic Candles: Love the warm citrus spice one, and the eucalyptus one for the bathroom they are my favvvv. You can use discount “15ELLA”.
Ok now who is in the mood to clean????? ME. We can be each other’s accountability partners. The most satisfying thing is taking before & after photos. You’ve all seen the ones of my fridge and spice drawer lol. So send ‘em in the chat and let’s motivate each other!! Excited to see.
Also what am I missing? What is the best ingredient to your spring cleaning?
As always LMK if you have anyyy questions. Love ya & enjoy your week I will talk to you Sunday!! PS: Set your calendars for April 13th at 5PM EST I will be going live on substack and sending out a recipe prior to make together!
XO - Ella
