Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Spring is marked by a lot of different things: budding trees; sprouting flowers; warm sunshine; robins – and in many houses, spring cleaning. Whether you love it or hate it, spring cleaning is a way to rid your home of accumulated dirt and grime and start the new season with a fresh new look and feel to your home. That’s where a quick list for spring cleaning can help keep you focused and efficient.

Start Fresh: Air It Out

• On the first warm day, open up all screened windows and doors to let the fresh spring air in.
• This simple step boosts your mood and helps circulate stale indoor air.

Make a Plan

• Create a spring cleaning checklist with just the seasonal tasks (e.g., washing drapes, flipping mattresses, rotating wardrobes).
• Avoid listing routine chores to keep your list manageable and focused.

Enlist Help

• Spring cleaning isn’t a solo mission – get the whole household involved.
• Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member.

Declutter First

• Before deep cleaning, clear out clutter room by room.
• Donate, recycle, or discard items you no longer use.
• Less stuff = less to clean.

Rotate Your Wardrobe

• Pack away winter clothes and make room for spring and summer pieces.
• Try on each item before storing – donate what doesn’t fit or isn’t wanted.
• Air out clothing before putting it away.

Gather Your Supplies

• Stock up on gloves, cleaners, batteries, garbage bags, and rags before you start.
• Keep a cleaning caddy or supplies on each floor to save time.

Clean Top to Bottom, Back to Front

• Work from the top floor down and from the back of each room to the front.
• Always dust before vacuuming.
• Tackle cobwebs in ceiling corners and behind furniture.

Deep Clean Bedding

• Strip beds and wash sheets, blankets, and comforters.
• Wash spring and summer linens before using.
• Vacuum mattresses and clean or polish bed frames.
• If possible, hang bedding outside to dry for a fresh scent.

Tackle the Floors

Vacuum First

• Always vacuum or sweep before mopping to remove dirt and debris.

Ceramic/Vinyl Floors

• Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon warm water.
• Optional: Add 10 – 15 drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon, lavender, orange).

Stone Floors (e.g., slate, granite, travertine)

Recipe:

• 2 gallons warm water
• 1 tablespoon Murphy Oil Soap
• (Optional) Essential oils
• Rinse with clean water and dry

Murphy Oil Soap is generally safe for sealed natural stone, but not recommended for unsealed or sensitive stone types like honed granite or travertine. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Rinsing and drying is important to prevent residue buildup.
• Essential oils are okay, but avoid citrus oils (lemon, lime, orange) on stone surfaces – they can be too acidic and damage the sealant over time.

Alternative Safe Cleaner

• A few drops of pH-neutral dish soap (like Dawn) in warm water.
• Rinse with plain water and dry thoroughly.

Marble Floors

Using water only is safest for light cleanings. For deeper cleans, use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for marble or stone (like products labeled for “marble & granite”).

Best Practices for Marble Floors

• Use a damp (not wet) mop – excess water can seep into the stone.
• Dry the floor immediately to avoid water spots and etching.

Avoid: Vinegar, ammonia, citrus, bleach, or anything acidic or abrasive.

Refresh Furniture and Carpets

• Vacuum upholstered furniture (under cushions, too).
• Wipe down wooden legs and polish wood surfaces.
• Wash removable covers if safe; avoid dryers to prevent shrinkage.
• Rent a steam cleaner or hire a professional for deep carpet cleaning.

Clean Appliances Inside and Out

• Move the fridge and stove to clean underneath and behind.
• Scrub walls, cabinets, and baseboards nearby.
• Deep clean the refrigerator and freezer – toss expired food.
• Clean other small appliances (microwave, toaster, coffee maker).

Wash Drapes and Clean Blinds

• Take down and launder washable window coverings.
• Dry clean or spot-clean what you can’t wash at home.
• Wipe down blinds to remove winter dust buildup.

Check and Maintain Appliances

• Inspect your furnace, water heater, fridge coils, vents, and filters.
• Clean hoses and vents to prevent fire hazards and inefficiency.
• Schedule service if anything looks or sounds off.

Tackle the Toughest Room First

• Start with your least favorite area to get it out of the way.
• You’ll feel more accomplished and motivated to keep going.

Use Smart Shortcuts

• Lint roller: Great for lampshades.
• Steam clean microwave: Boil a cup of water to loosen grime.
• Vinegar: Excellent for cleaning windows streak-free.

Multitask Where You Can

• Let cleaning products soak while you do other tasks.
• Run laundry while organizing closets.
• Rotate between drying, scrubbing, and sorting to save time.

Stay Motivated

• Put on upbeat music or listen to a podcast while you clean.
• Try a new cleaning product or set a timer to race yourself.
• Reward yourself when you finish a big task.

Don’t Give Up

Spring cleaning your entire house may seem overwhelming, but if you take it one chore and one room at a time, you’ll finish. Just keep going – and don’t forget your quick list for spring cleaning to track your progress.