Spring is the time of the year when everything feels fresh and new, making it an ideal time to refresh and reset your home. A thorough spring cleaning goes beyond simple tidying and helps to clear out clutter, revitalize tired spaces, and create a more organized and streamlined atmosphere. It is an opportunity to address overlooked areas and reassess what you really need so that you can welcome the new season with a home that is prepared for anything. Whether you need to deep clean, declutter, or update your space, focusing on a few areas will make a big difference in how your home functions and feels.
Spring cleaning can be overwhelming, so set aside enough time to complete each task. Combine longer jobs with shorter ones to complete multiple tasks in a matter of hours.
Closets
Refreshing your closets is one of the most daunting tasks on our spring cleaning list and can feel even more prohibitive if you have several closets you need to clean out. However, cleaning out your closets will enable you to function more effectively on a daily basis.
Closets can quickly become cluttered with clothes, shoes, and accessories that no longer serve you. Spring cleaning this space will force you to sort through your wardrobe, donating or discarding items that no longer fit or that you haven’t worn in a long time. Organizing your items into seasonal or “like” items will enable you to know what you have so that you can more effectively use them. Optimize the space you have by adding storage bins, dividers, and slim hangers.
Pantry
One of the busiest rooms in your house is the kitchen and, by extension, the pantry, making it essential to keep it organized and clutter-free. Check your pantry for expiration dates and discard them, as well as any stale or specialty items that will never be used.
If you have extra time, use it to organize the space by grouping similar foods together, such as grains, canned goods, and snacks, so they are easier to find. Clear containers or open-topped bins can keep food visible and prevent it from becoming lost in the back. A quick reorganization periodically can help ensure a more organized pantry and streamline your meal prep.
Refrigerator and Freezer
A clean refrigerator and freezer will not only improve food safety; it will allow you to prepare more efficiently by making it easy to find what you need. Begin by removing all food with past expiration dates. You should also toss anything you can identify or that smells or looks suspicious. Next, remove all your food items or remove them from one section at a time so that you can wipe down each shelf and drawer. Consider how you could install bins, extra shelves, or turntables in your fridge so that items don’t get lost in the back.
Go through the food in your freezer and toss any food items that look freezer burned. If your freezer needs a deep clean, you must defrost it first by unplugging it. Empty all the food and clean it with warm, soapy water.
Windows and Window Treatments
Windows and window treatments are havens for dust and small debris, so cleaning these at least once every year will freshen your home and help eliminate allergens. Start by removing your window treatments and washing down the windows, inside and outside (if possible), with a streak-free cleaner and clean microfiber or squeegee. Take window coverings like blinds outdoors and wipe them down to remove the dust. Depending on your curtain fabric and style, either wash or vacuum them or take them to a dry cleaner.
Baseboards and Walls
Spring is an excellent time to give baseboards and walls a refresh, as these accumulate scuffs, scrapes, and grime throughout the year. Use a microfiber cloth or a damp sponge and mild soap to wipe down the baseboards, paying special attention to the tops and the corners where the boards meet.
For walls, spot clean areas with scuffs with a gentle cleaner or a Magic Eraser. Focus particularly on high-traffic areas like hallways, kids’ rooms, and mudrooms. If needed, a quick coat of paint can refresh heavily marked walls.
Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
The dust and grime that build up on ceiling fans and light fixtures throughout the year can impact both the air quality and light purity in your home. Begin cleaning them by turning off the power and wiping them with a damp microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaner. Work from the top to the bottom of the light fixtures and wipe down each blade of the ceiling fans. Replace any burnt-out or discolored bulbs to ensure that your space is well-lit.
Upholstered Furniture
Upholstered furniture can trap dust, food crumbs, and other allergens, making it a vital but often overlooked area that should be thoroughly cleaned once a year. Start by vacuuming your sofas and chairs using an upholstery attachment. Remove the cushions and vacuum underneath if possible.
For any stains, try spot cleaning with a fabric-safe cleaner or distilled water and mild soap. Always try cleaning a hidden place to make sure the cleaner is safe for the fabric before you use it in a visible area. If the cushions have removable covers, check the care labels and clean them accordingly.
Carpets and Rugs
Because they are constantly underfoot, carpets and rugs accumulate dirt, dust, and allergens, making cleaning them every year essential. Start by thoroughly vacuuming them to remove surface debris, paying the most attention to high-traffic areas and rooms.
For a deeper cleaning, use a carpet or steam cleaner to remove deep-seated stains and embedded dirt. If you just need to spot clean, treat stains with an appropriate cleaner. Consider sprinkling the area with baking soda before you vacuum to neutralize any unpleasant odors. Take small rugs outside so they can be refreshed by the sun and fresh air.
Bathroom Drawers and Cabinets
Cluttered bathroom drawers and cabinets full of unused and expired products will hinder your morning routines and slow you down. Start by emptying out all the contents of these areas. Remove all the expired products, and of the items remaining, try to be realistic about if you will use them. Wipe down the insides of the drawers and cabinets to remove dust and spills. Add organizers like bins, baskets, and shelves so that you can easily locate products that you need quickly. Store similar items together so that you know what you have.
Mattresses and Underbedding
Mattresses and underbedding like mattress covers, pillows, and bedskirts accumulate dust, sweat, and allergens over time, so cleaning them on a seasonal basis is the best way you can keep them fresh. Start by stripping the bed and washing the underbedding according to their care instructions. Pillows should be replaced if they have lost their shape. Vacuum the mattress to remove dust and debris, and spot clean with a gentle fabric cleaner if they have any stains. Rotate or flip the mattress to promote even wear and extend its lifespan.
Outdoor Spaces
Spaces like patios, decks, and walkways collect leaves and debris over the winter, so spring is the ideal time to clean them and get them ready for summer activities. Start by sweeping these spaces to remove surface leaves and dirt. Clean the outdoor furniture with warm, soapy water and inspect the pieces for any problems that need to be addressed.
Refresh cushions by wiping them down or spot cleaning them, and consider adding new decor such as potted plants, flowers, and lanterns to brighten the room. If you have a grill, give it a deep clean before you put it to use during the summer.
Garage and Storage Areas
Cleaning and organizing the garage and other storage areas can be a time-consuming task that may require a full day to accomplish, so plan accordingly. Some people suggest moving all the items out of the space as the first step. This is a sensible idea, but if it is not feasible for you, consider sorting through the items in place and getting rid of anything broken or unusable. Sweep the floors and wipe down the surfaces to help remove dust and dirt buildup. Group similar items together to make them easier to find and add additional storage aids like boxes, bins, and shelves to keep the space better organized.
