Use our helpful checklist to start an indoor spring cleaning to prepare for this year's warm weather. Then, when the weather warms up in a few weeks, you'll be ready to finish your work outside. Not only will this keep you from exercising in the cold, it will also help you break down your spring cleaning list into something that won't scare you or your kids.

Now let's get started!

Kitchen

Walls and molding

Wipe down walls and trim lines to remove any stains, smudges, or squished bugs. Warm water and dish soap work well, but you may need a stronger cleaner to clean greasy areas (such as the area around the stove).

Cabinet

Vacuum all cabinets that do not reach the ceiling first. Then, wipe the surface of the cabinet with a microfiber cloth and hot soapy water. You can also use a vinegar-water mixture if you prefer.

Refrigerator

Clean shelves from top to bottom and throw away any expired food. If you can, clean drawers or shelves in the sink and wipe the rest with a microfiber cloth and warm soapy water. Don't forget to clean the seals between the doors. And do your best to dry everything before recombining it with food.

Furnace

Remove any grilles, grilles or rings and scrub them carefully with steel velvet in soapy water. If your oven has an automatic cleaning feature, set it, then forget about it, and then clean up the mess when you're done. If you want to get dirty (literally), preheat the oven before cleaning. It should be heated at 250° F for 10-15 minutes. Never try to clean a hot oven. You just want it to be warm. Finish the job with a non-abrasive cleaner and a nylon brush.

Microwave oven Oprah has one

Great tip for cleaning your microwave: "Put a bowl of microwave-friendly water and some lemon juice in it and bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes. The steam dissolves the gunk, and the citric acid helps remove the grease."

Water tank

A vinegar-water mixture can work wonders around a sink. Don't be afraid to take out an old toothbrush to wipe off the black lines of mold and mildew around handles, sprayers, and drains.

Bathrooms

Walls and molding

Bathroom ceilings, walls, and molding quickly become covered with dust and grime. Vacuum and wipe all flat surfaces to remove dust and debris, then clean any pesky mold or sticky residue with your favorite cleaner. Don't forget those light switch boards!

Cabinet

Remove items from cabinets and drawers and wipe them down thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth and the cleaner of your choice.

Shower/bathtub

There really is no better way to clean your shower or tub without jumping right in. Vinegar and baking soda work wonders when it comes to removing soap dirt and mold. Spray everything off, let it soak for 15-20 minutes, then wipe it off with a grinding brush or cleaning cloth.

Water tank

Spray all items with your favorite cleaner and let them soak. You'll be surprised how much time can free things up. If your faucet is clogged, consider removing the bubbler and soaking it in vinegar.

While the toilet is polishing the throne,

There's nothing like a good hard toilet brush and liquid cleaner. Soak the inside of the bowl with cleaner, then clean the outside of the tank while the small bubbles work their magic. When you return to the bowl, make sure to reach the hard-to-reach area around the underside of the rim. Don't forget your seat! It may go without saying, but any rag you use for the toilet shouldn't be used anywhere else.

Carpet

If your carpets are made of cotton or synthetic fibers, you can throw them in the washing machine with a towel. In order to keep the carpet in good condition, please try not to wash the carpet with the washing machine often, and be sure to wash it gently with cold water when cleaning.

Mirror

Don't forget the mirror! Vinegar and microfiber cloths really make them sparkle.

Living room/study/family room

Dust

The living room is usually the most important place to dust, so try not to miss anything. If you have fans, this is a good place to start. Next comes the curtain treatment, followed by the cleaning of the art and photos hanging on the walls. Once you've cleaned the dust off the walls themselves, you can move on to lamps, entertainment centers, and plenty of decorations!

Furniture

If you're feeling a little hungry, it's a good time to grab a snack on the couch and finish it off (just kidding!). . Use a vacuum hose to clean out any hidden gaps that trap food and debris. After you're done with the dry stuff, remove stains from your furniture with upholstery stain cleaner or the nifty accessory on most carpet cleaners.

Fireplace

At least 72 hours after the last fire, thoroughly clean the fireplace and store all unused logs. It's also a good idea to consider a professional chimney sweep once a year.

Floor

If there is carpet in the living room, vacuum thoroughly and do a local cleaning as needed to remove stains. Houses with wooden floors will benefit greatly from vigorous mopping. Be sure to clean or wipe first, then gently wipe the area with #000 steel wool and wax to remove any spots or stains.

Bedroom

Walls and molding

Wipe down walls and trim lines to remove any stains, smudges, or residual finger painting. A mixture of warm water and dish soap works well. Use a microfiber cloth and don't forget to wipe down those light switches. They can become breeding grounds for bacteria.

Furniture

Start at the top and work your way down. Don't forget lights, knick-knacks, and closets.

Bed sheet

Wash sheets, decorative pillowcases, bedspreads, and duvets in hot water. Larger or more delicate sheets may require a trip to the cleaner.

Mattress

If you have extra hands and you feel motivated, clean it. But make sure the sheets are completely dry before you change them.

Carpets

Vacuum the carpet well by moving the furniture and sweeping every inch of it. After vacuuming is complete, consider a local cleaning of the problem area or renting a steam cleaner to restore it to its original state.

Rugs

Many synthetic rugs with waterproof backing can be thrown into the water and cleaned. If they are made of sensitive materials or are too large to wash in a washing machine, consider cleaning them locally by hand or using the same machine as carpet.