21-03-2025
Here's your ultimate guide to deep-cleaning your home for spring
Spring is officially here, presenting the perfect opportunity to finally tackle those bigger cleaning projects you've been putting off all year. A deep clean is crucial for keeping dust and other allergens at bay, and when it comes to vents and appliances, can even ward off fires. Imagine how much better it will feel having guests over (or frankly, just breathing) in a sparkling, organized space!"Often, spring cleaning can feel overwhelming, especially when we think everything must be done in one weekend," says Kathy Cohoon, director of operations at Two Maids. "But breaking tasks into smaller steps makes them more manageable and allows you to focus on one thing at a time. With a clear plan, the stress fades, making room for motivation and progress."
From tackling hard-to-reach areas (you may be surprised at what grime is lingering) to refreshing your mattress and upholstery (we have just the thing), here's a spring-cleaning checklist of expert-approved tasks, plus the gear you need to get them done. Once your space sparkles, it's time for the fun part — add some candles and other easy upgrades from these guides:
How to make your home smell like a luxe hotel
How to make your bedroom smell like a dream
How to make your bathroom feel like a spa
If you're wondering where to begin with your spring cleaning journey, start at the top, says Paul Maielua, assistant director of rooms and housekeeping for the Thompson Savannah hotel. "One piece of advice I always give my housekeeping team is to have a cleaning plan that flows logically," he explains. "I begin with high dusting — vent covers, ledges, and fans — then move on to shelves and furniture."
Not only does this step ensure you tackle hard-to-reach (and oft-overlooked) areas that tend to gather dust and dirt, but it prevents you from having to re-clean surfaces like counters and floors later on in the process as a result of debris falling.
Like fans and fixtures, your home's air vents and filters are known for collecting dust, allergens and pet hair, which Robin Murphy, a cleaning professional at Maid Brigade and author of Who Likes It Dirty? says can impact air quality and force HVAC systems to work harder."
"A clogged filter or dusty vents can lead to inefficient airflow, higher energy bills and more airborne irritants," she explains. "Keeping them clean improves air circulation, reduces allergens and lowers energy costs."
If you see gray dust streaks around vents, it's a sign that your air filters are overdue for a change, says Murphy. And as a general rule, "Mark your calendar or set a reminder to replace HVAC filters seasonally or every one to two months if you have pets, allergies and/or live in a high-pollen area."
Been a while since you cleaned your curtains? "You don't have to haul out the step stool and wrestle them down every month," says Trish Duarte, cleaning expert and owner of MaidPro franchises in Temecula and Murrieta, Calif. "My go-to trick? Vacuum them with the brush attachment once a month. It's quick, easy and keeps the dust from piling up."
Cohoon recommends vacuuming top to bottom to ensure you get everything (FYI, here are our top vacuum picks). Follow up with some spot-cleaning if needed, or for the occasional deeper clean, toss your curtains into the laundry if they're machine-washable.
Also, don't forget to clean your shower curtains! Machine-wash them if you can, or spray them with a bleach solution so they don't become a hotspot for mold and mildew.
"Regularly cleaning shower heads and sink faucets improves water pressure, prevents bacteria buildup and extends the life of your fixtures," says Murphy. "Hard water deposits can clog tiny openings, reducing efficiency and even affecting water quality. Over time, biofilm and mold can also develop inside the fixture, especially in humid environments." Luckily, a few household essentials (see below) can help clear things up.
And don't overlook your garbage disposal. As Murphy says, "It's a workhorse in the kitchen, but built-up grease, food particles and bacteria can create unpleasant odors and sluggish performance."
While it's good practice to wipe down spills and toss expired items weekly, Jonathan Shelson, owner of MaidPro franchises in Ontario, Canada, recommends doing a deep-clean on your refrigerator every 3 to 4 months. "Plus, If you've recently had a power outage, spilled something sticky or noticed a persistent odor, it's a good idea to clean your fridge."
Shelson recommends soaking shelves and drawers in warm soapy water and wiping them with a non-abrasive pad (we like Scrub Mommy). "Be sure to wipe down seals — the number one spot where mold grows in a fridge — plus hinges and handles. Work your way down, being mindful to use clean rags to not spread contaminants throughout the fridge," he says.
"Your mattress collects dust mites, sweat, dead skin cells, and allergens over time, affecting sleep quality and potentially triggering allergies," says Murphy, who recommends using a handheld vacuum or vacuum attachment to remove dust, hair and debris, paying special attention to seams and edges. Then use baking soda to deodorize the mattress and spot-treat any stains (more on this below).
Some mattresses should also be rotated every 3 to 6 months to ensure even wear, she says. "A thorough spring cleaning removes built-up debris, neutralizes odors and refreshes your sleeping space, helping you rest easier and extending your mattress's lifespan."
Time to show your floors some much-needed TLC. Duarte recommends using a gentle cleaner on hardwoods regularly and getting your carpets professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months.
If you have area rugs, try to rotate them every few months to avoid worn patches, especially under furniture, she adds. "Trust me. I saved for what seemed a lifetime for a beautiful wool area rug, and when the carpet cleaner visited, we found wear-pattern stains that never got as clean as the bright white area under the couch. Ouch!"
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