Everything You Need to Clean This Spring

When the days get a bit longer and warmer, there's one thing that seems to be on everyone's to-do list: spring cleaning. Even the tidiest home can benefit from a solid, deep clean — a thorough sweeping and mopping can remove dirt and dust bunnies that were tracked during the wet and muddy winter weather. All that effort can also wipe away pollen and other allergens that emerge around the equinox, making your home feel light, airy, and comfortable. If you're ready to go, but overwhelmed by where to start, here are 10 tasks to add to your checklist for the deepest spring clean yet.

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Clean the Outside — and Inside — of Your Windows

Blustery fall and winter weather often pelts windows with leaves, dirt, ice, and other debris that can block a spectacular springtime view. Remedy this by squirting the windows with a hose to knock down large exterior grime before using a squeegee mop to clear away the remaining dirt. Interior window panes are best cleaned with a microfiber towel and glass cleaner (or a homemade solution of equal parts vinegar and water). Wipe away trapped dirt from window screens with a sponge and warm, soapy water. And while you’re in this area of your home, wash the curtains and blinds, too. 

Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs

No matter how often you vacuum, carpets and rugs can still hold on to trapped dirt, dust, and other particles, so professional cleaners recommend having them cleaned at least once a year. Don’t forget about outdoor rugs exposed to the elements; most exterior doormats have a lifespan of just six months and should be replaced if they lose bristles or develop mildew.

Scrub Baseboards

It’s easy to overlook baseboards, especially those hidden behind furniture. Start by vacuuming visible dust, and follow with a warm, soapy washcloth to clean away any stuck-on debris.

Clean Behind Large Appliances

It’s not easy to clean behind large appliances like ovens or refrigerators, though doing so once per year can keep food and dust particles from building up. Clean this area like any other floor space: sweep or vacuum away crumbs, then mop with a soapy solution. A wipe-down of the wall behind each appliance is also necessary to remove hidden spills and splatters that can stain paint.

Clean Furniture (and Behind It, Too)

The kitchen isn’t the only spot in your home with rarely moved items. Heavy furniture such as couches and beds are often cleaned around, but not underneath or behind. Pull your heavier pieces away from the wall and give the floor or carpet behind a good clean. Professional cleaners also recommend keeping upholstered furniture in tip-top shape with a cleaning every 12 to 18 months.

Dust Fans and Light Fixtures

Dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures regularly — at least once monthly — can prevent sniffle-inducing dust from building up and spreading. However, spring cleaning season also reminds you to reorient your fan’s direction. In warmer weather, fan blades should spin counterclockwise to help push cool air downwards.

Freshen Up Pet Bedding and Accessories

Many pet essentials — such as bedding and toys — should be washed every one to two weeks throughout the year. During spring, pets with access to the outdoors may track in more pollen and debris, increasing your cleaning to keep allergens at bay. Even indoor cat owners have a chore this time of year — plastic litter boxes should be swapped out annually.

Check Your Home’s Safety Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are easy to forget about until they’re accidentally set off (or they begin the dreaded low-battery beep). That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends syncing your battery replacement schedule with daylight saving time in the spring and fall and testing your home’s smoke alarms monthly.

Wash Your Home’s Exterior

Sunshine-filled days mean spending more time in your backyard or patio, which can also be used for spring cleaning. Your home’s exterior, driveway, deck, and sidewalks benefit from regular power washing to remove dirt, mold, and mildew that cause allergy flares. Also, add gutter cleaning to your to-do list this time of year, helping them work better during the season’s rainstorms. 

Wipe Down Patio Furniture

Even patio furniture stored in a shed or garage can use some detailing before summer arrives. Plastic and metal outdoor furniture can be wiped down or sprayed with a hose to remove cobwebs and dirt, while wicker and wood can be tidied using a dried microfiber cloth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for outdoor fabric seat cushions and covers — many can be laundered in a washing machine and air dried, getting them back in tip-top shape for your next warm-weather gathering. 

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