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As the days get longer and the first signs of spring appear, many of us feel a renewed sense of energy. This is the perfect time to channel that motivation into refreshing our homes. Spring cleaning is more than just a chore; it’s a chance to reset your space, clear out the old, and make way for the new. It can feel like a monumental task, but with a solid plan, it’s entirely manageable.
We’ve put together 10 practical tips to guide you through the process. You’ll learn how to declutter effectively, deep clean forgotten corners, and organize your home for the year ahead. Let’s get started on creating a space that feels lighter, brighter, and more enjoyable.
1. Create a Realistic Plan
Jumping into spring cleaning without a plan is a recipe for feeling overwhelmed. Before you pick up a single sponge, take some time to map out your strategy. A good plan breaks the enormous task of “clean the whole house” into smaller, achievable goals.
Start by walking through your home and listing all the areas you want to tackle. It can be helpful to organize your list by room (kitchen, bedroom, garage) or by task (dusting all surfaces, washing all windows). Assign these tasks to specific days or weekends over the next month. This approach prevents burnout and makes the process feel much more manageable.
2. Declutter Room by Room
You can’t effectively clean a space that’s cluttered. The first real step in spring cleaning is to get rid of things you no longer need, use, or love. The key is to focus on one room—or even just one corner of a room—at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Use the four-box method to make decisions easier. Get four boxes and label them: Keep, Donate/Sell, Trash, and Relocate. As you go through items, place each one into the appropriate box. Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s time to let it go. Once a box is full, deal with it immediately to prevent it from becoming new clutter.
3. Work from Top to Bottom
This is a classic cleaning rule for a reason: it’s efficient. When you clean, dust and debris fall downward. If you clean your floors first, then wipe down your ceiling fans, you’ll have to clean the floors again. Always start with the highest points in a room and work your way down.
In any given room, follow this order: ceiling fixtures, corners for cobwebs, tops of cabinets and tall furniture, window and door frames, then furniture surfaces, and finally, baseboards and floors. This simple shift in process saves you time and prevents you from undoing your hard work.
4. Don’t Forget the Windows and Walls
We often overlook our walls and windows during regular cleaning routines, but washing them can dramatically brighten a room. Dust, grime, and fingerprints build up over time, making a space feel dull.
For walls, a simple mixture of warm water and a small amount of gentle soap is usually adequate for painted surfaces. Use a soft sponge and work in sections, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth. For windows, choose a cloudy day to prevent your cleaning solution from drying too quickly and leaving streaks. A squeegee is your best friend for achieving a professional, streak-free finish.
5. Deep Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also be a hotspot for grease and grime. Your spring clean is the perfect opportunity for a deep reset. Go beyond the daily wipe-down and focus on the appliances and cabinets.
Empty your refrigerator and pantry, tossing any expired items. Wipe down all shelves and drawers before putting everything back. For the oven, use the self-cleaning feature or a dedicated oven cleaner. Don’t forget to degrease the stovetop, backsplash, and cabinet doors. A simple paste of baking soda and water can work wonders on stubborn grease.
6. Refresh Your Fabrics
Curtains, upholstery, and rugs trap a surprising amount of dust, allergens, and odors. Refreshing these textiles can make your entire home smell and feel cleaner. Check the care labels on your curtains and cushion covers; many can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle.
For area rugs, take them outside and give them a good shake or beat to dislodge dirt. For larger carpets and non-washable upholstery, consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional service. At a minimum, use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to give everything a thorough once-over.
7. Tackle the Bathrooms Thoroughly
Bathrooms require special attention to combat soap scum, mildew, and germs. For your spring deep clean, go beyond the basics. Start by emptying cabinets and drawers, wiping them down, and discarding old products.
Scrub the grout between tiles with a stiff brush and a specialized grout cleaner or a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Descale your showerhead and faucets by soaking them in a bag of white vinegar for a few hours. Wash your shower curtain and liner, and give the toilet, sink, and tub an extra-thorough scrub.
8. Organize Closets and Drawers
Disorganized closets and drawers can make getting ready in the morning a frustrating experience. Use your spring cleaning momentum to bring order to these hidden spaces. The process is similar to decluttering a room: take everything out first.
As you put items back, group similar things together. For clothes, consider organizing by type and color. Use drawer dividers, small bins, and other organizers to keep things tidy. This is also a great time to transition your wardrobe, storing away heavy winter clothes and bringing your spring and summer items to the front.
9. Pay Attention to Outdoor Spaces
Spring cleaning shouldn’t stop at your front door. Getting your outdoor living areas ready for the warmer weather is just as important. Sweep or power-wash your porch, patio, or deck to remove winter grime.
Wipe down outdoor furniture and check for any needed repairs. Clean your grill so it’s ready for the first barbecue of the season. Wash the exterior of your windows and clear gutters and downspouts of debris to ensure proper drainage during spring rains.
10. Finish with the Floors
The final step in your top-to-bottom cleaning process is the floors. Now that all the dust and debris from cleaning other surfaces has settled, it’s time to make them shine. Start by moving furniture to clean underneath it, not just around it.
Vacuum all carpets and rugs thoroughly. For hard-surface floors like wood, tile, or laminate, vacuum first, then mop. Be sure to use a cleaning solution appropriate for your flooring material to avoid damage. Once the floors are clean, you can move your furniture back and enjoy your sparkling, refreshed home.
A Fresh Start for Your Home
Completing a spring clean is incredibly satisfying. By breaking it down into these ten steps, you can transform your home without feeling overwhelmed. Embrace the process as a powerful way to reset your environment and welcome the new season with a clean, organized, and peaceful space. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your home even more.
