Spring Into Action! A 10 Step Guide to the Big Spring Clean

Step 1: Declutter and Organize

The first step to a successful spring clean is to declutter and get organized. Go through each room and get rid of anything you no longer need or want. Donate unused items, recycle what you can, and throw away broken or unusable items. For items you want to keep, invest in organizational systems like shelving units, storage bins, drawer organizers and closet systems to keep everything neat and tidy. Decluttering will make cleaning easier and your home will feel refreshed.

Step 2: Deep Clean Your Home

Now that everything is decluttered, it’s time to deep clean. Work from top to bottom in each room.

• Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, baseboards, window blinds and the tops of shelves and cupboards.
• Vacuum and mop floors, vacuum furniture and wash walls, windows and mirrors.
• Clean household appliances inside and out like the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher and washing machine.
• Scrub showers, bathtubs, sinks, and toilets.
• Wash linens, towels, pillows and blankets.

Getting into all those nooks and crannies will make your home sparkle.

Step 3: Freshen Your Furnishings

Give your furniture and furnishings some TLC.

• Vacuum and shampoo carpets and rugs.
• Use upholstery cleaner on couches and chairs.
• Apply leather cleaner and conditioner to leather furniture.
• Wash or dry clean cushion covers and slipcovers.

Your furnishings will look and smell refreshed for spring.

Step 4: Clean Windows and Screens

Windows and screens take a beating over the winter. Give them some attention during your spring clean.

• Wash windows inside and out using a squeegee to prevent streaks.
• Clean window sills and window tracks which often collect dirt and debris over time.
• Remove window screens and give them a thorough cleaning with soap and water.
• Check screens for any holes or tears and patch or replace as needed.

Your windows will sparkle and let the sunshine in.

Step 5: Organize Closets

Closets often turn into black holes over time, sucking in anything and everything. Give your closets a spring refresh.

• Remove everything from the closet and clean the interior. Vacuum the floor and wipe down shelves.
• Purge items you haven’t worn in over a year and donate useable items to charity.
• Organize with storage containers, hanging organizers, shoe racks and other closet organizing tools.
• Arrange items by category, season or color. Hang clothes spaced apart so you can see everything.

An organized closet makes getting ready in the morning a breeze.

Step 6: Refresh Bedding

One of the easiest ways to brighten your home for spring is to refresh your bedding.

• Wash all bed linens, including sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers and blankets. For deeper cleaning, add baking soda or white vinegar to the wash cycle.
• Fluff pillows in the dryer with a clean tennis ball to plump up.
• Store heavy winter comforters and swap for lighter quilts or duvets.
• Add new pillows or a spring quilt in fresh colors and patterns.

Crisp, clean bedding feels so luxurious and will improve your sleep.

Step 7: Clean Outdoor Living Spaces

Don’t forget to refresh outdoor living spaces as part of your spring cleaning routine.

• Sweep porches, decks and patios to remove dirt and debris that accumulated over winter.
• Scrub outdoor furniture and cushions to remove mildew and stains.
• Wash outdoor rugs and door mats.
• Clean grills by scrubbing the grill racks and burners.
• Wash windows and screens on the exterior of your home.
• Clear gutters and downspouts.

You’ll be ready to enjoy outdoor living again.

Step 8: Organize Garages and Basements

Garages and basements tend to attract dust and become disorganized storage spaces. Take time to clean and organize them.

• Sweep floors and wipe down shelving and storage areas in your garage or basement.
• Purge items you no longer need. Properly dispose of hazardous chemicals and liquids.
• Arrange sporting goods, tools and seasonal items neatly on shelving units or in bins.
• Label bins or shelves so you can easily find what you need.
• Check for leaks or water damage that may have occurred over winter. Make any needed repairs.

An organized basement and garage extends your usable living space.

Step 9: Detail Interior Surfaces

Focus on detailing higher touch interior surfaces to eliminate grime and brighten your home.

• Clean inside kitchen cabinets by removing everything and wiping down shelves and doors.
• Wipe down pantry shelves. Vacuum the floor and purge expired food items.
• Clean switch plates and outlet covers.
• Wipe down interior doors, door knobs and baseboards.
• Clean ceiling fan blades.
• Shine sinks and faucets in kitchens and bathrooms.

These detail-oriented tasks make a big impact.

Step 10: Freshen Air Ducts and Filters

One final task to consider for your spring clean is freshening air ducts and filters which circulate dust and allergens.

• Replace furnace filters with new ones.
• Clean air ducts using a special duct brush or by hiring an HVAC professional.
• Clean out dryer vents which become clogged with lint over time.
• Change AC filters at the beginning of the cooling season.
• Consider having carpets professionally cleaned to remove trapped allergens.

Breathing clean air will energize and rejuvenate you this spring!

With these steps, you’ll enter spring feeling refreshed in a clean, organized home. Don’t feel like you need to tackle everything at once. Break it up over several weekends and make it a family affair. Happy spring cleaning!