The Only Passover Cleaning Checklist You’ll Ever Need

Passover cleaning is like spring cleaning’s overachieving cousin who insists on scrubbing the ceiling “just in case.” One second, you’re clearing out a few old snacks. The next, you’re hunched over the toaster with a toothbrush, questioning every decision that led you here.

The goal of Passover cleaning is to make your home ready for a holiday that’s all about renewal. It can feel like a lot, but with a solid plan, you’ll get through it.

Below, we’ve shared a Passover cleaning checklist to keep you sane and out of existential despair.

Room-by-Room Passover Cleaning Checklist

Without a plan, you might find yourself scrubbing baseboards at 2 AM. But a strategic cleaning for Passover checklist gets the job done without the chaos. Let’s get to it. 

Kitchen

• Start with the pantry and fridge. Check every label like a detective. If it has chametz, it’s either sealed away or out of the house. 
• Wipe down every shelf and cabinet. Chametz loves hiding in the corners. 
• The sink and countertops need special attention. If they’re non-Passover-friendly, cover them. Yes, it may look like an aluminum foil project, but that’s tradition.
• The oven and stovetop are chametz crime scenes. If it has a self-clean mode, use it. If not, you’re scrubbing like your holiday depends on it. Don’t forget the knobs though, they collect more crumbs than you’d think.
• The microwave and toaster. Clean inside, outside, and underneath. 
• Swap out dishes for Passover-only versions. If that’s not an option, kasher what you can.

Bedrooms

• Check drawers and corners. You never know where a rogue crumb is lurking.
• Shake out the blankets. If you’ve ever snacked in bed, those crumbs didn’t just disappear. Make sure you wash everything.
• Empty out pockets in jackets and pants. Chametz has a way of hitchhiking. That stale cookie your kid stashed last month? It’s still there.
• Vacuum rugs. Dust bunnies aren’t chametz, but the random pretzel hiding in the fibers definitely is.
• Kids’ rooms need extra attention. Stuffed animals and toy bins are hot zones for snack debris. If they can’t be washed, give them a thorough wipe-down.
• If you work in your bedroom, check your keyboard. Crumbs love keyboards. (You may even find a piece of last year’s lunch in there.)

• Check drawers and corners. You never know where a rogue crumb is lurking.
• Shake out the blankets. If you’ve ever snacked in bed, those crumbs didn’t just disappear. Make sure you wash everything.
• Empty out pockets in jackets and pants. Chametz has a way of hitchhiking. That stale cookie your kid stashed last month? It’s still there.
• Vacuum rugs. Dust bunnies aren’t chametz, but the random pretzel hiding in the fibers definitely is.
• Kids’ rooms need extra attention. Stuffed animals and toy bins are hot zones for snack debris. If they can’t be washed, give them a thorough wipe-down.
• If you work in your bedroom, check your keyboard. Crumbs love keyboards. (You may even find a piece of last year’s lunch in there.)

Youtube video from FruitItUp channel.

Bathrooms

• Start with the cabinets. You probably don’t eat in here,  but toothpaste and lip balms can contain chametz. Check labels and remove anything questionable.
• Empty out drawers and toiletry bags. That half-eaten breath mint from six months ago? Yeah, it counts. Toss it.
• Check pockets in bathrobes. If you’ve ever absentmindedly stashed a snack while getting ready, now’s the time to confess.
• Don’t forget the trash can. If last week’s tissue is sitting on a leftover candy wrapper, empty it out.
• Give the floor a good sweep to remove chametz hiding in the corners. 

Dining Area

• Start with the table. Crumbs love to settle into every crack and crevice. If your table has extensions, get in there with a toothpick or vacuum nozzle.
• Wipe down everything, including chairs, seat cushions, and even underneath the table. 
• Shake out and wash any tablecloths. 
• Check booster seats. These are basically chametz storage units. If you don’t take them apart, you’ll never know what’s hiding in the cracks.
• Cabinets and sideboards need attention, too. If you store snacks or tableware in there, wipe them down and make sure everything is Passover-ready.

Cleaning Rules for Passover to Make Things Easier 

Following a pesach cleaning checklist doesn’t mean you have to drive yourself to the brink of exhaustion. You can save your time and energy by being a bit strategy. 

• Kasher vs. cover: know the difference. Some surfaces (like metal sinks and stovetops) can be kashered with boiling water, while others (like countertops) may need to be covered. Don’t waste time scrubbing what just needs a layer of foil. Efficiency is key.
• Chametz hide-and-seek hacks. Check the most random places: coat pockets, car seats, between couch cushions, inside kids’ backpacks, and even under heavy appliances. 
• Start early, pace yourself. Don’t wait until the week before Passover to start. Break it down by room and tackle a little each day. 
• Ditch the perfectionism. Passover cleaning primarily involves removing chametz, not dust or clutter. If it wouldn’t make its way into your food, it’s not your problem. Don’t turn this into spring cleaning unless you really want to.
• Delegate like a boss. Get your family involved. Even kids can check for crumbs in toy bins or wipe down surfaces. The more hands on deck, the faster it all gets done.

FAQs

What is Passover cleaning?

Passover cleaning means removing every trace of chametz from your home. The idea is to prepare your space for the holiday.

What to remove from your house for a Passover?

Anything with chametz goes! This includes bread, pasta, crackers, cookies, cereal, or anything made with wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt. Don’t forget hidden culprits like that emergency granola bar in your purse.

How to clean a kitchen for Passover?

Start by clearing out chametz from the pantry and fridge. Kasher appliances as needed and swap out utensils for Passover-friendly ones. 

What not to do at Passover?

Avoid eating chametz. Remember to check unexpected places for crumbs. And don’t stress too much. Passover is about freedom, after all. Prepare thoughtfully and enjoy the holiday!

Conclusion

Passover cleaning is one of those things that sounds easier than it actually is. But all that effort is worth it. There’s something satisfactory about knowing your home is well-prepared that makes the holiday feel right.

Stick to the passover cleaning checklist to make your home chametz-free and ready for the holiday. But if the thought of doing this all again next year makes you want to lie down, we get it. 

Sunlight Cleaning NY can handle the scrubbing for you. After all, Passover preparation should feel meaningful. Book Passover cleaning services with Sunlight Cleaning in NYC!