Spring Cleaning and Decluttering Tips

Spring cleaning is more than just an annual tradition – it's an important part of keeping your home clean, organized and safe to live in. But it can also be a daunting task. What rooms need your attention most? And what exactly do they need? If spring cleaning has you sweating each year, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled some of the best DIY spring cleaning tips to help keep your home in good shape all year long.

Before you begin spring cleaning

There are a few things you should take care of before getting into the thick of it. Performing some cursory organizing and freshening can help you focus on more important items. Here are some examples:

Unpack and stack your spring and summer clothes vertically for tidiness and easy access.
If they’re in good enough condition, consider donating clothes you no longer wear to save space.
Declutter your home by going room by room and sorting loose objects for storage, garbage and donation.
Organize your cleaning products so they’re on hand for the work to come.

The cleaning process

Kitchen

The kitchen is a must for any spring-cleaning checklist. A year’s worth of cooking, eating and food storage can take a toll on cleanliness, no matter how tidy you are. Here are some bases to cover in your kitchen:

Wipe the faucet clean with a mild soap. Acid cleansers, even homemade versions, may damage some finishes.
Clean your appliances to bring back their shine and help keep them sanitary. Be sure to research what cleansers you can use on your appliances.
Clean the surface of your sink. If it’s stainless steel, you can do this by sprinkling baking soda and scrubbing with a sponge.
Reorganize your cabinets and fridge, throwing out anything past its expiration date.
Gently clean off the coils behind your fridge. These can create a fire hazard and reduce the energy efficiency of your refrigerator if not cleaned for too long. A vacuum with a soft brush is a useful option for this task.
Clean the filter of your range hood to reduce the risk of grease fires. You can do this with warm, soapy water and some light scrubbing.
Clean the filter of your dishwasher with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to reduce mold and maintain its effectiveness. [1]
Give your oven a deep clean with vinegar and baking soda or your preferred method. [2]

Bathroom

Give bathrooms some attention during spring cleaning to keep them sanitary and sparkling. Here are some items to tend to:

Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it over your shower head overnight to remove mineral buildup. This can help maintain your water pressure. Check with the manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning your type of finish beforehand to be sure this is ok.
Clean off dirty mirrors by combining a ¼ cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water and 2 teaspoons of liquid soap in a spray bottle. You can avoid streaking by using a newspaper to wipe the spray off your mirrors.
Throw away old and unused cosmetic supplies to create space and ensure you’re not using expired products. [3]
Deep clean your shower and toilet with baking soda and vinegar to bring back their shine, removing any mold and grime buildup. [4]
Clean your grout using baking soda and water. Consider replacing it if you notice significant discoloration in multiple areas. [5]

Bedroom

There’s more to spring cleaning in your bedroom than organizing clothes. Here are some more ways you can tidy up:

Wash your comforter, sheets and pillows to remove dirt, dust and bacteria that build up over time. Most of these items should be machine washable, but be sure to check the tags on your comforter and pillows for specifics. [6] [7]
Deep clean your mattress with baking soda and dish soap. You can do this by sprinkling the baking soda over your mattress and leaving it there for about 20 minutes. Then, simply vacuum the baking soda off and wipe the mattress down with dish soap and a damp sponge. [8]
Clean out the area beneath your bed to create more room for storage. Consider adding features like pull-out drawers to maximize the space. [9]

Outdoor spaces

Don’t forget to take care of the outside of your home! From tidying the spaces you use to giving your siding a refresh, there’s plenty to do. Here are some outdoor cleaning boxes to check:

Clean your grill and empty the grease trap. This creates a cleaner environment for cooking and reduces the risk of fire when you use it next.
Clean off your deck, patio and siding to remove mold, dirt and other buildup. Depending on the material they’re made from, you may be able to use a pressure washer to get the job done. [10]
Clean your outdoor furniture, but make sure you consider the material it's made from before doing so. Metal furniture can be cleaned with soap and water, but more delicate materials, such as wicker, may need gentler care. [11]
Do a sweep for damaged electrical systems, replacing wires and outdoor light fixture connections where needed – always consult with a licensed electrician on dangerous electrical maintenance work. [3]

Miscellaneous

Once you’ve handled the more obvious parts of your home, give some thought to the places you can’t always see, like the plumbing and air systems. Here are some additional tasks to get done before you finish with spring cleaning:

Clean out air vents to help ensure your home has clean, unobstructed airflow.
Replace your air conditioning filters to cut down on air pollutants in your home.
Clean your drains to help avoid plumbing problems by pouring a mixture of vinegar and baking soda into them. Make sure to cover the drain after pouring to direct the reaction down your pipes and prevent blockages. [1]

Final touches

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a single, overwhelming event. By making it an ongoing process you follow year-round, you can keep your home in better shape and reduce the scale of your annual deep cleaning. Here are some tips for doing that:

Make scrubbing, dusting, mopping and vacuuming a regular task around the house. Dust and grime buildup can be significantly reduced if it’s cleaned off more frequently.
Open windows from time to time. You may be concerned about letting nature in, but open windows create airflow that can chase out stale air and make your home feel fresher.
Monitor your home’s clutter intake, making sure to throw away or organize items soon after you bring them home. If you can’t find a place for it, you probably don’t need it.
Clean as you go when you use your home’s Take steps like tidying up after you cook or eat and removing hair from the shower drain when you’re done.

Spring is also a great time to clean up your insurance. Make sure you have the right homeowners insurance policy that suits your needs and budget.