Spring cleaning in Toronto matters more than in many cities — the combination of winter road salt tracked indoors, months of dry heated air coating every surface with dust, and windows sealed shut for months creates a specific kind of grime that needs a systematic approach. Here's a complete room-by-room guide.
Whole-Home Tasks (Do These First)
- Replace furnace filter — a full season of heating has clogged it
- Clean all HVAC vents and registers (wash the covers in soapy water)
- Wipe all baseboards throughout the house
- Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans (use a pillowcase over fan blades)
- Wash all windows — inside and outside
- Clean window screens (see dedicated guide)
- Wash all curtains according to care labels
Kitchen
- Deep clean the oven — inside walls, door glass, and racks
- Clean range hood filter — soak in degreaser or dishwasher
- Wipe down all cabinet doors — grease build-up from cooking
- Clean refrigerator — wipe interior, clean condenser coils at the back or bottom, replace water filter
- Descale the kettle and coffee maker
- Clean the dishwasher filter
- Wipe down backsplash thoroughly
- Empty and clean the pantry — discard expired items
Bathrooms
- Clean exhaust fan — remove and wash the cover
- Remove hard water stains from shower glass and taps
- Clean grout thoroughly
- Replace shower curtain liner or wash fabric curtain
- Clean bathroom drain (remove hair from drain stopper)
Bedrooms
- Mattress: spot clean, sprinkle with baking soda, vacuum, and rotate
- Wash duvets and pillows according to care labels
- Wash all bedding in hot water
- Vacuum under beds and move furniture to clean behind it
- Declutter and organize closets — donate unused items
Living Areas
- Clean upholstered furniture — vacuum, spot clean stains
- Remove and wash throw cushion covers
- Dust and polish all wooden furniture
- Clean TV screen and electronics
- Vacuum under and behind sofa and chairs
Entryway and Floors
- Wash the front door inside and out
- Clean door mats — shake, hose down, or machine wash
- Mop all hard floors — road salt residue from winter is corrosive to floors
- Have area rugs professionally cleaned or rent a carpet cleaner
Garage and Outdoor
- Clean garage floor — remove salt residue before it damages the concrete
- Set up patio furniture — clean cushions
- First BBQ clean of the season
Time Estimates
- 1-bedroom apartment: 4–6 hours alone, 2–3 hours with two people
- 3-bedroom house: 8–12 hours alone, one full weekend day with two people
- Hiring a professional deep clean and doing decluttering yourself is often the most efficient approach