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A fresh, decluttered home is soothing and comfortable. Getting it that way after a long, cooped-up winter isn’t any fun. Before you tackle the closets and scrub the bathrooms, it pays to get organized. We talked to a handful of professional cleaners and got their best advice on how to prepare your end-to-end spring-cleaning checklist.

Take It a Room at a Time

You can only be in one place at a time, so trying to spring clean the entire house at once will end up overwhelming you, sending you straight to the couch and a good movie. Work from the back of the house forward, focusing on a single room or area.

Arm Yourself With the Right Tools

Head to a big box store and buy a new broom, mop, gloves, trash bags, and several types of heavy-duty cleaning products. Also pick up lemons and white vinegar, as they both work wonders on dirty surfaces and lingering scents.

Zap the Clutter

Begin by clearing out anything that’s broken, stuff you no longer use, or items that no longer fit with your decor. Toss old bills and other papers, too. Donate what you can and send the rest to the trash.

Shine the Light Fixtures

Start at the top of the room by cleaning all the light fixtures and de-griming ceiling fans. Take a long duster over the entire ceiling to get the dust and cobwebs that might have accumulated during the winter.

Wash the Windows (Curtains, Too)

Use a vinegar/water mix and wash your windows and sills. Take down the curtains and launder them, and wash the blinds. Wipe down the curtain rods before hanging the window treatments back up.

Air It Out

Open the windows and doors to get some fresh air into your home. It may be a little chilly but will be well worth it.

Dust, Dust, Dust

Lamp shades, tables, chairs, desks, cabinets, shelves – dust ’til you drop!

Wipe Walls, Clean Doors

Use a moist rag and wipe down walls from top to bottom. Clean the room’s door and closet doors with soap and water. Don’t forget to shine the knobs.

Vacuum Your Dryer

This tip is for safety as much as cleanliness. Put an attachment on your vacuum and suck out your vent, the back of your dryer, and all around the bottom. This could save you from a fire!

Launder the Bedding

If your comforters won’t fit in your washer, take them to a laundry service. While they’re gone, flip or rotate your mattresses, and wash your sheets. Now’s also a good time to change out your pillows.

Scrub the Floors (and Baseboards)

Mix vinegar and warm water to clean your tile or vinyl flooring in your kitchen and baths. Sweep and run a damp mop over your hardwoods to get the dust and dirt off them. Use a damp cloth on your baseboards to remove dust and pet hair.

Clean Appliances From the Inside Out

This won’t be fun, but your fridge, microwave, oven, and dishwasher need a good scrubbing once a year. Throw away expired food while you’re at it. If you own a self-cleaning oven, at least that portion will be easy.

Shampoo Carpets

Rent a carpet cleaner or hire someone to shampoo them for you to remove built-up dirt. Don’t forget to clean your steps while you’re at it.

Replace Shower Liners

Mildewy shower liners are gross and, since they are inexpensive, tossing the old and hanging new ones saves time and doesn’t cost much money. You’ll appreciate this every time you step in the shower.

Scrub Tile Grout

Buy a grout cleaner and get to work. You’ll be surprised how much better and newer your space looks once you clean away the dirt and oil.

Clean the Tub and Toilet

Scrub the tub and wash the shower head to remove soap scum and hard water stains. Scrub the toilet and shine the handles and knobs.

Organize Closets

Proactively take charge of getting all your possessions back in their rightful place. Throw out clutter, buy some storage bags and boxes, and group similar items together so you can find them easier. Arrange clothes and shoes in your bedroom closets and then tackle your linen closet, coat closet, and hall closet.

A refreshed, sparkling clean house will instantly lift your mood and make you feel less stressed. Plan it out and then put these tips into action for an organized house that’s welcoming and functional.