Spring is right around the corner, and many of you might be getting the itch to do a deep-down cleaning. After months of being shut in from the cold, you may have noticed that your home has become a bit stale, and you have allowed the dust and dirt to collect to the point that you would be embarrassed if a neighbor popped by unexpectedly.

Before you begin, make a list of each room in your home. Write down the chores that you perform each week. Now, evaluate the aspects of the room that you normally don’t touch—curtains, the ceiling, etc.—and write them down as well.

Dig out all of your cleansers from underneath the kitchen sink and put them in a tote. Be sure to add a roll of paper towels, dusting cloths and an extra rag or two. Carry all of your cleaning essentials to one room. Now, you’re ready to get to work. Here are a few things to remember as you make your home sparkling clean.

Wrap a soft cloth over the bristles of a broom. Secure the rag with a rubber band on each side. Gently run the cloth-cover broom across the ceiling to wipe away cobwebs. The broom is narrow enough to clean the corners and maneuver around light fixtures and ceiling fans.

Next, take curtains off their rods and wash them in a mild detergent. Iron, if needed, before hanging the curtains up.

While the curtains are being laundered, it’s a good time to wash the walls. A mild, diluted oil soap is perfect for washing walls. A capful of soap in a gallon of water and a rag or sponge is all that you’ll need. Start at the top and work your way down. That way, dirty-water dribbles won’t soil your freshly cleaned walls. Don’t forget the molding, chair rail and baseboard.

Vacuum your furniture. Remember: this is a deep cleaning, so remove the cushions and vacuum those as well. You never know; you might find enough loose change to buy a cup of coffee once your job is done.

If needed, a steam vac may be used on upholstered furniture. Once you’ve vacuumed the dust, dirt and pet hair, now is the time to remove the pet dander and stains that make your furniture look less-than perfect. Most models come with an attachment; follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Washing lampshades may seem like an unnecessary cleaning chore, but they are a magnet for dust and pet hair. Remove the shade from the lamp. Fill your kitchen sink with water and a quarter cap of oil soap or other mild detergent. With a soft-bristle toothbrush, gently remove dirt with a circular motion. Once you’ve completed removing the dirt, place the shade in the other side of the sink and rinse with the sprayer sink attachment. Place the shade on a clean dishtowel, and allow it to dry. You’ll be amazed at how clean your shades will look.

These are just a few tips to ensure that your spring-cleaning is thorough. And if that unexpected guest stops by, you’ll be proud—not embarrassed—to showcase your squeaky-clean home.