Looking for a complete spring cleaning checklist for your Canadian home? Spring represents the critical moment to address accumulated winter damage—road salt residue, humidity-driven condensation, and early mould growth. According to Health Canada, proper spring cleaning helps maintain indoor air quality and prevents mold-related health issues.

This comprehensive spring cleaning checklist covers every room in your home with actionable tasks, time estimates, and Canadian-specific tips. The American Lung Association recommends thorough seasonal cleaning to reduce allergens and improve respiratory health.

Why Spring Cleaning Matters in Canada

Spring cleaning in Canada serves a distinct purpose beyond typical seasonal refreshing. During winter months, Canadian homes face unique challenges:

• Road salt: Tracked indoors, causing corrosive stains on flooring and carpets
• Heating systems: Create indoor humidity imbalances that lead to condensation
• Sealed homes: Allow dust, allergens, and pet dander to accumulate for months
• Temperature differences: Between interior and exterior trigger condensation that promotes mould

The transition from winter to spring (March-May) is critical because melting snow and increased moisture combine with warmer temperatures to create ideal conditions for mould proliferation if not addressed immediately.

Health Canada classifies mould growth as a significant indoor air quality concern, with exposure linked to eye irritation, respiratory problems, and worsening asthma symptoms—particularly for children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals.

Before You Start: Preparation Checklist

Gather Your Supplies (15 minutes)

• Microfibre cloths (at least 6-8 for different areas)
• All-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Bathroom cleaner or hydrogen peroxide
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Vacuum with attachments
• Mop and bucket
• Scrub brushes (various sizes)
• Rubber gloves
• Step stool or ladder
• Garbage bags for decluttering

Set Your Strategy

Professional tip: Always work top to bottom and dry to wet. Start with ceiling fans and light fixtures, then move to shelves and furniture, and clean floors last. This prevents re-cleaning surfaces as dust falls.

Total time estimate: A thorough spring clean requires 25-35 hours for a 3-bedroom home when done independently. Professional cleaners accomplish the same work in 4-5 hours due to experience and specialized equipment.

Kitchen Deep Clean

Time estimate: 1-2 hours | Professional time: 25-35 minutes

Appliances

• Empty, clean, and reorganize refrigerator (discard expired items)
• Wipe refrigerator exterior and vacuum coils at the back
• Clean microwave interior with damp cloth (place bowl of water with lemon, heat 3 minutes to loosen grime)
• Degrease range hood and remove filter for soaking
• Clean stovetop thoroughly, including drip pans
• Clean inside oven (see our chemical-free oven cleaning guide)
• Run dishwasher empty with vinegar to clean interior

Cabinets and Counters

• Declutter countertops completely
• Wipe cabinet exteriors with appropriate cleaner
• Remove items from cabinets and wipe shelves
• Organize under-sink area; discard old products
• Clean and disinfect countertops

Floors and Walls

• Wipe walls and baseboards
• Sweep under and behind appliances
• Mop floors with appropriate cleaner
• Clean sink, faucet, and spray nozzle

Pro tip: For professional-level results, clean kitchen cabinets by mixing equal parts white vinegar and warm water with a drop of dish soap. Allow 5-10 minutes of dwell time before wiping dry.

Bathroom Deep Clean

Time estimate: 45-75 minutes per full bath | Professional time: 20-30 minutes

Upper Surfaces (Work Top-Down)

• Dust light fixtures and exhaust fan grille
• Wipe mirrors and treat for streaks
• Discard expired medications and toiletries
• Clean makeup brushes and organizers

Fixtures and Walls

• Scrub shower/tub with appropriate cleaner
• Scrub toilet inside and out
• Wipe tile walls and grout lines (see our mould removal guide)
• Check caulk around fixtures; replace if needed
• Wipe down vanity and organize drawer storage

Floors

• Vacuum or sweep under vanity and behind toilet
• Mop with appropriate floor cleaner
• Check for moisture around base of fixtures

Humidity Management

• Ensure exhaust fan is functioning (should run 15-20 minutes after showers)
• Check that ductwork vents outside, not into attic
• Apply mould-resistant caulk around shower and tub edges

Bedrooms

Time estimate: 30-60 minutes per room | Professional time: 15-20 minutes

• Declutter closets and organize seasonal clothing
• Store winter items in sealed bags
• Donate clothing not worn in past 12 months
• Vacuum or sweep under beds and in closets
• Rotate mattress (flip if two-sided)
• Wash all bedding including sheets, duvet covers, and decorative pillows
• Dust all surfaces including nightstands and dressers
• Wipe light switches, doorknobs, and baseboards
• Clean windows and windowsills
• Dust or vacuum curtains and blinds
• Vacuum or mop floors

Canadian winter consideration: Bedrooms with exterior walls are prone to condensation. If you notice moisture on windows or walls, improve ventilation by opening windows on dry days for at least 15 minutes daily.

Living Room

Time estimate: 1-2 hours | Professional time: 15-20 minutes

• Dust ceiling fans (work from top down)
• Dust light fixtures and lampshades
• Dust and polish furniture
• Vacuum or wash sofa cushions and under cushions
• Wash throw blankets and decorative pillows
• Dust decorative items individually
• Sanitize remote controls with disinfectant wipe
• Clean window sills and tracks thoroughly
• Wash windows (inside and outside if accessible)
• Vacuum or clean curtains
• Dust or vacuum blinds
• Wipe walls and baseboards
• Vacuum under furniture and in corners
• Mop or vacuum floor

Laundry Room

Time estimate: 45-60 minutes | Professional time: 15-20 minutes

• Pull washer and dryer away from walls to clean behind
• Vacuum thoroughly behind and beneath appliances
• Wipe exterior surfaces of washer and dryer
• Clean inside washer drum (run cleaning cycle or wipe with damp cloth)
• Clean and soak washer detergent dispenser
• Empty lint trap in dryer
• Clean dryer vent ductwork (first indoor section, then outside vent)
• Vacuum dryer interior with crevice tool
• Organize cleaning supplies and laundry products
• Check hoses for signs of wear or cracks
• Mop floor and wipe baseboards

Fire safety: Dryer vent cleaning is one of the most important preventative maintenance tasks. Lint blockage is a leading cause of home fires. Canadian fire safety agencies recommend cleaning at least annually.

Entryway and Mudroom

Time estimate: 15-30 minutes

• Sweep and mop floors thoroughly, checking for salt stains
• Wipe down door frames and handles
• Clean and disinfect light switches and doorbell
• Wipe baseboards
• Wash or vacuum doormats and entry rugs
• Clean boot trays and storage areas
• Organize coats and shoes; donate unused items

Canadian-specific tip: Use white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) to dissolve road salt stains on hard flooring before mopping with regular cleaner. Salt stains, if left untreated, can damage hardwood and dull tile finish.

Basement and Storage Areas

Time estimate: 1-2 hours | Professional time: 20-30 minutes

• Check for signs of moisture, water damage, or mould
• Remove clutter and donate items not used in 2+ years
• Check foundation for cracks or leaks
• Ensure sump pump is functioning (if present)
• Check exterior drainage directs water away from foundation
• Wipe down pipes and inspect for leaks
• Vacuum or sweep thoroughly
• Wipe surfaces with damp cloth

Mould Cleanup (Small Patches Under 1 Square Metre)

• Wear N95 mask, gloves, and eye protection
• Isolate area with plastic sheeting if possible
• Clean with water and dish detergent (no bleach needed per Health Canada)
• Wipe damp (not wet) to avoid spreading moisture
• Allow to dry completely

Important: If mould covers more than 1 square metre or returns after cleaning, call a professional—this indicates an underlying moisture problem requiring expert diagnosis.

Whole-House Tasks

Time estimate: 3-4 hours total

• Test and replace smoke detector batteries
• Replace HVAC air filters (upgrade to MERV-13 for better allergen filtration)
• Clean all air vents and returns with cloth or vacuum
• Dust light fixtures throughout house
• Clean light switch plates and doorknob handles
• Wipe down all baseboards
• Wash or vacuum curtains throughout
• Clean window sills and tracks
• Wash all windows
• Sweep and mop/vacuum all flooring

Humidity and Mould Prevention

Maintaining proper humidity is the single most important factor in preventing mould growth and protecting your home’s structural integrity.

Target Humidity Levels

• Living areas: 40-45%
• Bedrooms: 35-40%
• Basements: 30-35%
• Bathrooms: 45-50% (after ventilation)

A hygrometer (humidity measuring device) costs $15-40 CAD at Canadian hardware stores and is essential for monitoring.

Ventilation Strategies

• Run bathroom exhaust fans for 15-20 minutes after showers
• Run kitchen exhaust hood during cooking
• Open windows 10-15 minutes daily on dry days
• Use ceiling fans to improve air circulation
• Ensure all vented appliances exhaust completely outside

When to Use a Dehumidifier

If indoor humidity consistently exceeds 50% despite ventilation efforts, a dehumidifier becomes necessary. For Canadian basements, a 35-50 pint capacity unit is typically required.

Recommended dehumidifiers:

• Frigidaire 50-pint – Costco Canada, ~$250-300 CAD
• Honeywell DH50CESWN – Canadian Tire, Home Depot, ~$300-400 CAD
• Midea MAD35S1QWT – Amazon.ca, ~$200-250 CAD

Best Cleaning Products in Canada

Commercial Products

• Moldex Mould Killer (Made in Canada) – Canadian Tire, ~$42 CAD – All-purpose, disinfectant, deodorizer
• CLR Brilliant Bath – Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, ~$6-8 CAD – Excellent for calcium and lime
• Seventh Generation Disinfectant – Walmart, ~$5-7 CAD – Plant-based, chlorine-free
• Attitude Living (Canadian brand) – Most major retailers, ~$5-8 CAD – ECOLOGO certified

DIY Natural Cleaners

• All-purpose cleaner: 1.5 cups water + 1.5 cups white vinegar + 10 drops essential oil
• Glass cleaner: 1 cup water + 1 cup rubbing alcohol + 1 tbsp vinegar
• Bathroom cleaner: 0.5 cup hydrogen peroxide + 1 cup baking soda + 0.25 cup water (paste)
• Carpet freshener: 1.5 cups baking soda + 15-20 drops essential oil

DIY vs. Professional Spring Cleaning

DIY Cost Breakdown (3-Bedroom Home)

• Cleaning supplies: $8-12 CAD
• Tools (if needed): $20-40 CAD one-time
• HVAC filter: $15-40 CAD
• Time investment: 25-35 hours

Professional Cleaning Costs in Canada

• 1,000-1,500 sq ft: $200-350 CAD
• 2,000-2,500 sq ft: $300-450 CAD
• 3,000-3,500 sq ft: $400-600 CAD
• 4,000+ sq ft: $500-800 CAD

Add-On Services

• Carpet shampooing: $0.15-0.30/sq ft
• Upholstery cleaning: $50-150 per piece
• Window washing: $75-200
• Post-renovation cleaning: $300-700

When to Hire a Professional

• Home is over 2,500 sq ft
• You have extensive mould concerns
• You have mobility limitations or health conditions
• You’re selling your home and need move-out cleaning
• You lack time to complete thorough cleaning

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does spring cleaning take?

A thorough spring clean requires 25-35 hours for a 3-bedroom home when done independently over 2-3 weekends. Professional cleaners complete the same work in 4-5 hours.

When is the best time to spring clean in Canada?

Late March to early May is ideal—after the worst of winter weather but before summer humidity sets in. This timing allows you to address winter damage while establishing systems for the warmer months.

How do I remove winter salt stains from floors?

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Apply to salt stains and let sit 5-10 minutes. Wipe with a damp cloth, then mop with regular floor cleaner. For stubborn stains, repeat the process.

How much does professional spring cleaning cost in Ottawa?

Professional spring cleaning in Ottawa typically costs $200-350 CAD for a standard 3-bedroom home, with deep cleaning services ranging from $300-500 CAD.

What are the most commonly missed spring cleaning tasks?

High-touch surfaces (light switches, remote controls, cabinet handles), dryer vents, exhaust fan grilles, behind appliances, and window tracks are frequently overlooked but harbour significant dust and bacteria.

Should I hire a professional or do spring cleaning myself?

DIY makes sense for homes under 2,000 sq ft if you have time flexibility. For larger homes, homes with mould concerns, or when time is limited, professional cleaning provides better results more efficiently.

Conclusion

A thorough spring cleaning addresses the unique challenges Canadian homes face after winter—salt residue, accumulated dust, and moisture issues that can lead to mould. By following this room-by-room checklist and addressing humidity concerns, you’ll create a healthier, more comfortable home for the warmer months ahead.

Whether you tackle this project yourself over a few weekends or hire professionals to complete it efficiently, the investment in spring cleaning pays dividends through improved air quality, extended life for your flooring and fixtures, and a fresh start for the new season.

Need help with your spring deep clean? Contact GoodCleaner for professional cleaning services in Ottawa!