As the second post in my spring cleaning series, I would like to present a list of room-by-room cleaning. Again, please approach this list as a guide, not a rule book. If you don't get to everything on the list, it's okay. Even checking one item off the list is better than checking no items off the list.

Kitchen:
1. Scrub floors and counters. Have stone counter tops waxed if applicable.
2. Pull items off cabinet shelves, wipe down shelves, and replace contact paper if worn. Also wipe down cabinet doors and knobs. Inspect glassware and dining ware for chips and cracks, and replace as necessary.
3. Pull items out of drawers, wipe down the inside of the drawers, and replace contact paper or organization units if worn.
3. Clean refrigerator shelves, frame, and door with a mild detergent. Check expiration dates and dispose of any out-dated food.
4. If necessary, defrost freezer. Clean freezer shelves, frame, and door with a mild detergent. Check expiration dates and dispose of any out-dated food.
5. Deep clean oven, stove burners, and range hood.
6. Check expiration dates on all food in the pantry.
7. Wipe down thoroughly all small appliances.
8. Pull refrigerator out from wall and wash the floor under the unit. Carefully vacuum refrigerator coils per manufacturer's instructions and visually inspect water hose for ice maker on refrigerator. Wash front grill of refrigerator with mild detergent.
9. Have knives professionally sharpened.
10. Polish or season cookware per manufacturer's instructions.

Bathroom:
1. Clean medicine chest. See this post for more detailed instructions.
2. Launder shower curtain and replace liner if mildewy.
3. Inspect grout, caulk, and seals on sink, shower, bathtub, and floors. Replace/repair as necessary.
4. Soak shower head for one to two hours in a zip-top bag filled with white vinegar. Attach zip-top bag to shower head with rubber band or binder clip. Flush with water afterward.
5. Toss expired makeup and toiletries.

Bedroom:
1. Flip your mattress if recommended by the manufacturer. Some mattresses, especially newer styles with pillow tops, actually discourage flipping mattresses, so be sure to follow your manufacturer's recommendations.
2. Wash mattress pad and bed skirt. Dry clean or launder comforter and pillow shams.
3. Wash heavy winter blankets and store in plastic until fall.
4. Wash or dry clean heavy sweaters and put in storage with moth proofing.
5. Swap out cooler weather clothing with warmer weather clothing in closet and drawers. Wipe down closet and dressers while clothes are in transition. Donate clothing that is ill-fitting, and repair clothing that needs tailoring work.
6. Polish leather shoes and send those worth repairing out to a cobbler.
7. Polish and/or dust jewelry per manufacturer's instructions. Have damaged items professionally repaired. If applicable, have wedding band and ring steam cleaned at a jewelry store.

Dining room:
1. Polish wood legs on chairs and table. Inspect table top and repair as necessary.
2. Move furniture, vacuum or sweep where furniture had been placed, and dust the underside of chairs, table, and other dining room furniture.
3. Pull items out of sideboard drawers, wipe down the inside of the drawers, and replace organization units if worn.
4. Polish any silver that is on display.

Living rooms:
1. Move furniture, vacuum or sweep where furniture had been placed, and vacuum the underside of large furniture items with the help of a strong buddy.
2. Wash or dry clean furniture slip covers and steam clean upholstered furniture.
3. Polish wood legs on furniture and tables.
4. Pull items out of storage drawers and off shelves, wipe down the drawers/shelves, and replace organization units if worn.
5. Pull books off of shelves, dust with a clean, dry rag, dust bookshelves, and replace books.

Home office:
1. Move furniture, vacuum or sweep where furniture had been placed, and vacuum the underside of large furniture items.
2. Clear off desk and clean desk top with appropriate cleaner. Pull items out of drawers and off shelves, wipe down the drawers/shelves, and replace organization units if worn.
3. Wipe down telephone.

Computers and Electronics:
1. Clean each item per manufacturer's instructions.
2. Go through digital files and organize data. For suggestions on how to organize this information, go here.

Exterior spaces:
1. Sweep and wash porches and patios.
2. Replace mats at doorways as necessary.
3. Sweep cobwebs out of corners of exterior walls, garage, and porches.
4. Clean outdoor furniture and prepare for summer use.
5. Clear branches, sticks, and leaves that may have fallen into the yard during the winter months. Trim plants and trees as needed.
6. Bring garden hoses out of winter storage. Check exterior water faucets. If you have a mechanical water system, test the system and inspect for problems.
7. Inspect liquids and powders used for bug and weed maintenance and make sure none of the containers are leaking or past their expiration dates. Dispose of expired materials according to your local, county, and state laws.

Other:
1. Clean and store winter coats, boots, mittens, hats, and scarves. Donate ill-fitting items to charity, repair valuable items, and replace items that have been destroyed.
2. Clean and store winter sports equipment. Donate ill-fitting items to charity, repair valuable items, and replace items that have been destroyed.
3. If necessary, have summer sports equipment serviced (like bicycles).
4. Gather together and clean all pet toys, food bowls, and accouterments. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.

I spent a long time working on these lists, but I'm sure that I have inadvertently left off a valuable task. Please let us know of any additions to the two lists in the comments.

Living in Washington, D.C., I always know that spring has officially arrived when the cherry blossom trees on the Tidal Basin bloom their delicate pink and white petals. They signal the coming of warmer weather and the start of my annual spring cleaning project.

To me, spring cleaning is more than dusting off a bookshelf and wiping down the baseboards -- it's also about inspecting mechanical systems and preparing my home for the changing seasons. Taking the time to complete a thorough spring cleaning is a way to value your home and properly care for your financial investment. I'm not going to lie to you and say that spring cleaning is the most fun activity I've encountered in my lifetime, but it's not awful, it feels amazing when it's completed, and it will ultimately save you money.

I've broken the spring cleaning projects into two categories -- systems and rooms. Today's entry will cover house systems and next Tuesday will delve into a room-by-room guide. These lists are long, but don't let them overwhelm you. Pick and choose as you feel comfortable. Even if you just do one activity on these lists, it's still one chore that hadn't been done previously. Think of this as a guide, not a rule book.

Twenty-five Systems:

1. Have your furnace professionally inspected. This is probably the most expensive item on the list of spring cleaning activities, but definitely worth the investment. If you have a central air and heating unit, be sure that the inspector also checks your drains, lines, and reservoirs. If you like the person who came to do the work, go ahead and make an appointment now for next year.
2. Change your furnace filters.
3. Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them once the new batteries are in place.
4. Change filter in range hood.
5. Check dates and charge on fire extinguishers and replace if necessary.
6. Have a professional sweep your fireplace chimney, inspect your flue, and test vents.
7. Flush your water heater tank by carefully following these instructions.
8. Vacuum out your dryer's vent hose and scrub the lint filter with soapy water and a bristle brush.
9. Clean out the lint trap on your washing machine if applicable.
10. Clean leaves and debris out of gutters and downspouts.
11. Remove, clean, and store storm windows and replace with screens.
12. While storm windows and screens are off the windows, wash their exteriors and interiors. You may want to hire a professional window washer for this task if you live in a multiple-level home. Don't wash them with a power washer or hose because you may damage the seals on the window, instead follow instructions based on your window type.
13. Wash window blinds and curtains per manufacturer's instructions.
14. Have lawn mower serviced and prepared for summer use.
15. Replace battery on garage door opener and check belts/chain on drive opening mechanisms.
16. Schedule and run a test with your home security system provider.
17. Send area rugs and hall runners out to be cleaned, and have wall-to-wall carpets professionally cleaned throughout your home.
18. Inspect wood floors for damage, scratches, and wear patterns. Have floors waxed or refinished if necessary.
19. Check walls for paint touch up, cleaning, or repairing needs. Fix accordingly.
20. Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans, and replace light bulbs and blades as necessary throughout your home. If the fixture has a ceramic or glass component prone to collecting dust or dead bugs, you will want to remove these and clean them with a mild detergent. Be sure to dry fully before replacing. Don't forget to check exterior lights, too.
21. Clean dishwasher drain if do not have a self-cleaning model.
22. Take interior and exterior trash cans and litter boxes to a self-service car wash and power wash these items.
23. Review paper filing system. For more help on this subject, see this Unclutterer article.
24. Polish door handles throughout your home and oil any squeaky hinges.
25. Remove air vents and clean off dust and debris.