9 Tips On How To Clean Your House for the Spring

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and flowers are in full bloom—you’ve officially made it through winter. There’s something about spring that sparks the urge to refresh every room, nook, and surface in your home. That’s why they call it spring cleaning, after all. But after months of winter hibernation, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. 

Whether you’re sprucing up a rental house in Albany, NY, an apartment in Long Beach, CA, or a home in Dallas, TX, having expert tips on how to clean your house can make all the difference. The good news? We’ve gathered the best advice to help you tackle the task with ease so you can welcome the new season with a home that feels bright, airy, and renewed.

1. Start from the inside

Learning how to clean your house often begins with tackling the messes that hide in spaces like inside closets and cabinets. Chere Williams of Faith, Coffee and A Kid, a blog for moms and women, suggests starting by evaluating the spaces in most need of attention.

“Instead of tackling your entire home, which leads to overwhelm, take inventory by identifying which rooms bring the most satisfaction when cleaned. Focus on one space at a time and gather necessary cleaning supplies and sorting bags beforehand. Break the task into smaller chunks by setting a 15-minute daily timer to stay focused on decluttering, cleaning, and organizing. Spend day one decluttering, day two cleaning surfaces, and day three organizing. Celebrate progress along the way, from small victories to big transformations, it all matters.”

Clear out your closet

Heather Riggs, Certified Image Consultant and Color Specialist of HER Style, offers a practical approach to cleaning out your closet. “Be realistic about what you can do in the time you have. You don’t need to throw everything you own into one massive pile on your bed or spend an entire afternoon tirelessly evaluating your items. Simply set a timer for 10 minutes and tackle one small section of your wardrobe each day for a week or two and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.”

Jennifer Dixon of Precision Professional Organizing in Alberta, CA recommends sorting items into ‘keep,’ ‘donate,’ and ‘discard’ piles to make cleaning easier. ”Clearing out unnecessary items makes the cleaning process much easier,” explains Dixon. “For a fresh start, swap out seasonal items like winter gear for spring essentials, ensuring everything has a designated home.”

For those looking beyond traditional donation centers, the team at ( r e )x in La Canada-Flintridge, CA, suggests Trashie as a sustainable option. “Maintenance is key—cleaning weekly or biweekly is better than letting dust bunnies pile up. Homemade vinegar and water spray bottles and an air purifier help, especially after the LA fires (we’re 3 miles from Altadena). To clean your closet, make one pile for Goodwill/local charity and one for Trashie, an upcycle company that takes items Goodwill won’t. Trashie is a favorite—as a mom with two teenage boys, shirts get stained, socks get holes, and clothes wear out.”

Freshen up your kitchen

When it comes to the kitchen, a deep clean can make all the difference in creating a fresh and inviting space. Celia Reyes, CEO and Founder of California Well Done Cleaning in Monrovia, CA, shares a step-by-step approach.

“Start by cleaning out the fridge—toss any expired items and wipe down the shelves with a gentle cleaning solution. Next, degrease the cabinets and appliances by using warm soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner to cut through any built-up grease. Finish by sanitizing the sink and garbage disposal, running ice cubes and lemon slices through the disposal to give it a fresh, clean scent.”

Refresh your living room and beyond

Kate Fehr, Professional Organizer of Clear & Simple, offers insightful steps to refresh your living spaces.

“As the seasons shift, so can your space. Open your windows to welcome in the revitalizing energy of spring and release the stagnancy of winter. Turn on music that lifts your spirits, then follow these steps—letting the process be simple: return items to their proper homes (a laundry basket helps for things headed to other rooms), place anything that no longer fits you, your family, or your space into a donation box and take it out to your car, and then deep clean—including baseboards, those sneaky cobwebs, and washing throw pillows and blankets. You’ll create a space that not only looks better, but feels even better to spend time in.”

2. Try the reverse method for your spring cleaning

DECOMOMO, a brand specializing in high-quality, stylish storage and organization solutions, shares simple yet effective tips on how to clean your house for your spring refresh. 

“Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home with a few smart cleaning tricks. Try the Reverse Declutter Method—pack away unused items, and if you don’t reach for them in a month, donate them. Give your space a fragrance reset by washing fabrics like curtains and sofa covers, then add natural scents like citrus or eucalyptus for a fresh feel. Finally, organize based on daily habits—place storage bins where clutter naturally builds up to make tidying effortless. A cleaner, more organized home starts with small, thoughtful changes.”

3. Refresh your laundry routine

Keeping your laundry fresh isn’t just about using the right detergent—it starts with a clean washing machine. For more on how to clean your house, lifestyle blog Leap With Grace, shares a simple yet effective way to ensure your laundry is always pristine.

“If your fresh laundry doesn’t smell as clean as it should, your washing machine might be the culprit. Run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar and baking soda, then wipe the drum and seals to remove mold and detergent buildup. Your clothes will come out fresher, and your machine will last longer.”

Rotate and wash your bedding

As spring arrives, don’t forget to include your bedding in the laundry routine. Celia Reyes, of California Well Done Cleaning adds, “Swap out heavy winter bedding for lighter spring linens. Wash pillows, mattress covers, and comforters to remove dust mites and allergens.”

4. Don’t neglect the nooks and crannies

During deep cleaning, it’s easy to overlook those hard-to-reach spots that accumulate dust and dirt. To help tackle these often-neglected areas, Arpi Khachatryan of Luli Bebe, a brand specializing in luxury, stylish, and functional diaper bags, shares her approach.

“Spring is the best time to refresh your home by decluttering, deep cleaning, and letting in fresh air. I usually focus on one area at a time so it doesn’t get overwhelming , and I make sure to check and clean often-overlooked spots like baseboards, ceiling fans, and behind furniture. 

A little effort now will leave your space feeling lighter and ready for the new season.”

Mary Davis, owner and founder of Richmond, VA organizing company In No Good Order brings her expertise to the conversation, emphasizing the impact of decluttering and organization.

“As a professional organizer, my number one piece of spring cleaning advice is to declutter and get organized. Not only does this refresh your home for the season, but it also makes cleaning easier year-round. When you have less stuff—and the things you do keep are well-organized—tidying up takes less time, and there’s less to work around when tackling those deep-cleaning tasks. While you’re in spring cleaning mode, don’t forget the often-overlooked spots: appliance vents, air returns, mattresses, and even your trash cans.”
 

5. Prioritize high-traffic surfaces 

“In general, high-touch areas like doorknobs, handles and light switches should be cleaned regularly, along with wiping down surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom.” advises Natalie D’Apolito, communications and outreach manager of the American Cleaning Institute.

“If everyone in your home is healthy,  you can disinfect those high-touch surfaces periodically. If someone in your home is sick, you’ll need to adjust your cleaning routine accordingly, disinfecting and cleaning high-touch areas and living spaces more frequently. Our Levels of Clean and Levels of Laundry guides provide all of the information needed to decide what cleaning routine works best for your home, all year long.”

6. Tidy up for your furry friends

Pets bring joy to our homes, but their toys, bedding, and even their hair can accumulate quickly. As part of your spring cleaning routine, don’t forget to give your furry friends some attention. 

Amanda Ballweg from Woofsie whose mission is providing mental enrichment for dogs, offers her tips for a pet-friendly clean. “When cleaning your home you don’t want to forget about your dog and their belongings. Make sure to bathe your dog regularly and wash their toys, bedding, and accessories. Squeegees are your best friend for removing hair from carpet and upholstery and baking soda is your best bet to remove odor without using chemicals.”

7. Get your windows sparkling with a streak-free finish

Spring cleaning isn’t complete without giving your windows the attention they deserve. Not only does this let in more light, but it also enhances the sense of openness and freshness in your home. Desert Vista Window Washing in Las Vegas, NV, recommends cleaning your windows at least once per year. 

They emphasize, “It goes beyond just cleaning the window glass. We always clean the tracks, frames, sills, and screens. Think of it as cleaning the whole window space. Maintaining your windows like this keeps the seals healthy so you don’t get unsightly leaks between your window panes.”

Keep your technique top-notch

If you plan on cleaning your windows yourself, technique is important to maintaining a streak-free look. Daniel Shabilla of Reflect Window Cleaning based in Scottsdale, AZ offers expert advice. 

“To start, apply your cleaning solution of dawn dish soap and water to the glass using a towel or scrubber. Then, using a squeegee, start from the top of the window and make horizontal pulls across the window, wiping the blade clean with your towel after each pass to prevent streaks. Finish by wiping your edges to prevent any drippage.”

Apply deep cleaning for windows and mirrors

For an even deeper clean, extend these techniques beyond windows to mirrors and other glass surfaces throughout your home. Mark Risius of Window King in Boulder, CO shares his pro tips for streak-free windows and mirrors. 

“The magic of streak-free cleaning of mirrors and windows lies in having a squeegee that has new rubber. This matters even more than the type of soap that is used, which can be a small amount of your favorite dish soap. To keep my shower stall and glass clean I squeegee the glass after every use and I spritz the tiles with a bleach spray and let soak for ten minutes and then rinse. I do this at least once a week. Window tracks are much easier to clean if you soak them with a small amount of water first before wiping them with a paper towel.”

Cleaning your windows from the inside not only gives your home a fresh, bright look but also sets the stage for tackling the outdoor spring cleaning ahead.

8. Spruce up your outdoor spaces

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to learn how to clean your house, including your outdoor spaces. Clear away winter debris and refresh your yard and patio to create a welcoming, functional space for the season ahead.

Clean different surfaces like a pro

When it comes to cleaning outdoor surfaces, each material requires its own unique care. Omer Al Mashahedah, CEO and CFO of Sonic Wash in Sacramento, CA, provides expert advice on how to tackle various exterior surfaces.

“For siding, use a low-pressure setting on a pressure washer or apply a chlorine solution with a garden sprayer, rinsing after 10–15 minutes. Concrete driveways and patios should be pre-treated with diluted chlorine, then cleaned with a surface cleaner attachment for an even finish. Wood decks and fences need a soft wash with mild detergent and chlorine to avoid damage. Pool decks, prone to slippery algae buildup, should be cleaned regularly with a chlorine solution to prevent regrowth and ensure safety.”

Revitalize your gutters driveway and more

With spring here, it’s the perfect time to give your home’s exterior some much-needed attention. Ryan Daniels, Owner of RHI Pressure Washing in Wellington, FL echoes this sentiment. “Spring is the perfect time for homeowners to refresh their home’s exterior by pressure washing surfaces like driveways, siding, and patios to remove built-up dirt and mold. Gutter cleaning is essential to prevent clogs and water damage, ensuring proper drainage during spring showers. Finally, sealing your pavers enhances their durability, prevents weed growth, and keeps your outdoor spaces looking clean and well-maintained for the season ahead.”  

Window Washing Expert in Buffalo Grove, IL adds to the spring refresh with their own tips on how to clean your house. “Starting with a professional window washing is great to let in more natural light to your home and boost curb appeal. A clean driveway is just as important too. A regular power washing removes built-up dirt, oil stains, and salt residue from winter, preventing long-term damage while keeping your home looking its best. Keeping up with these simple tasks enhances your home’s appearance and helps maintain its value over time.”

9. Cleanse the inner workings of your life

Spring cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing countertops and washing windows—it’s also a time to refresh your mind and spirit. As motivational speaker Patricia Fripp wisely puts it, “While cleaning your home, consider cleaning out the closets of your life. Let go of all the thoughts, habits, and people who no longer belong in the life you want.” A little inner decluttering can go a long way.”

Wrap up your spring clean with a fresh start

As you dive into your spring cleaning routine for your apartment, home, or anywhere else, remember that it’s not just about refreshing your living spaces—it’s also about refreshing your mindset. From tidying up closets to washing windows and clearing out cluttered areas, these tips on how to clean your house help transform your space from the inside out.

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