March is finally here and spring is well and truly on the horizon, with the cold, dark winter days soon to become a distant memory. So, what better way to usher in the new season than by cleaning away the metaphorical (and physical) cobwebs for a fresher home?
After all, it's no surprise that March is considered the perfect month to sleuth away any dirt and grime that may have built up over winter, and pave the way to welcome in the warmer weather.
Here, professional cleaners share their cleaning tips for the five tasks they recommend ticking off this month, to put you in good stead for April and get ahead of your spring cleaning – from cleaning windows to clearing gutters.
Five essential things to clean in March
1. Clean your windows
There are so many reasons why you should start your spring cleaning early, but the most convincing is to increase natural light in your home by letting all that newfound bright daylight in.
As Joseph Passalacqua, owner and CEO at Maid Sailors, says, 'Window cleaning in March impacts indoor light quality. After tracking light levels, we found that clean windows in early spring increased indoor light, significantly affecting mood and energy use as days grow longer,' while removing trapped debris and pollutants also helps to improve air quality indoors.
To clean a window, you can use a dish soap solution for streak-free windows, make the best homemade window cleaner, or even try a magnetic window cleaning tool, such as the Baffect Double Sided Magnetic Window Cleaner available at Amazon, which Solved content editor Chiana Dickson recently tried.
Whichever method you try, following up with newspaper afterwards is a brilliant nostalgic cleaning tip that actually works for a spotless shine.
All prices correct at time of publication.
Windex is a classic for a reason, working to remove dust, dirt, fingertips and smudges from all glass surfaces and leaving them sparkling clean.
With this versatile window cleaning kit, you won't need to spend on calling in the pros to clean your windows. It has a lightweight and extensive reach, and absorbent, machine washable pads.
These eco-friendly, refillable and reusable glass bottles are perfect for mixing homemade cleaning solutions in, with a UV protection to protect against degradation.
2. Clean curtains and shutters
As part of your March cleaning routine, it's also important to make time to dust and clean your curtains and shutters, advises Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless.
She says, 'After months of closed windows during winter, dust typically accumulates on blinds, shutters and curtain rods. With spring approaching, open windows will stir up this dust, potentially aggravating allergies.'
So, to do so, Karina recommends beginning by dusting them with a microfiber cloth, starting at the top and working your way down. 'If dust is heavy, use a damp cloth with a bit of dish soap,' she says, such as the Seventh Generation Liquid Dishwashing Soap available at Walmart, which has an all-natural formula that won't damage surfaces.
Then, vacuum curtains or shutters with a brush attachment, which is an easy way to tackle curtains and clean blinds while they're hanging up.
If machine-washable, you can also wash and care for curtains and drapes by popping them in the washing machine on a gentle setting with a gentle detergent, like the Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent available at Walmart. Just make sure you check the laundry symbols beforehand, to avoid any disastrous laundry mistakes to avoid.
Karina also advises dusting off any decorative elements and wiping curtain rods with a damp cloth to remove built-up grime. Multiple Solved writers and editors here at Homes & Gardens have tried and loved Damp Dusters, available in multi-packs at Amazon, as they grab dust before it plumes into the air and settles elsewhere. Plus, all you have to do it rinse it under water for it to be refreshed and ready for more easy dusting.
Ensuring your curtains and shutters are clean can also reduce reliance on cooling systems during warmer months, helping to cut energy bills. This is because clean window dressings assist in improving home ventilation, helping to regulate the indoor temperature and cool down a room. Dirty curtains and shutters, on the other hand, can trap heat, which is not ideal during warmer months.
'With an extendable handle, this duster reaches high places, effectively trapping dust on blinds and curtain rods,' says Karina.
'This vacuum comes with specialized attachments, including a dusting brush perfect for curtains and delicate fabrics,' says Karina.
These microfiber cloths trap and lock dust, for lint-free and scratch-free cleaning all around the home.
3. Clean and service your HVAC system
Cleaning your HVAC system in March is the most essential step in improving your indoor air quality in the transition from winter to spring. It will also ensure optimal performance, and extend its longevity.
Firstly, begin by replacing and cleaning HVAC filters. As Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of Air Conditioner Lab says, 'Throughout the winter, filters can become clogged with dust, pet dander and other particulates, reducing system efficiency and air quality.'
For this reason, we recommend checking and replacing these filters to ensure clean air circulation and adequate preparation for increased use in spring and summer.
Then, clean vents around your home. 'These often accumulate dust and debris during the colder months,' continues Josh. 'This can be as simple as using a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently clean these areas to remove obstructions and improve airflow.'
And, as Josh highlights, don't forgot to inspect and clean the outdoor unit of your HVAC system, too. 'Over the fall and winter, outdoor units can gather leaves, twigs, and other debris, hindering airflow and efficiency,' he says. 'Take the time to clear away any visible debris and trim back vegetation to ensure unobstructed airflow around the unit.'
4. Clear gutters and downspouts
The best time to clean gutters and downspouts is during spring, making March the perfect time to tackle this task.
Jade Piper, operations manager at BetterCleans, explains, 'With spring just around the corner, your gutters should be clean and ready for the rainy season. If they're clogged, water can overflow and cause damage to your home's foundation, roof, siding, and landscaping. Not to mention, it can find its way into your home and cause all sorts of headaches.'
Before undertaking cleaning your gutters from the roof, pick a dry day with little to no wind, recommends Jade, before finding a nice, level spot to put your ladder down. If you don't already have one, a Telescoping Ladder, available at Amazon, is an ideal option for storing in smaller spaces.
'Start near the downspout and work your way along with a trowel, gutter scoop, or even your hands to get rid of any debris,' continues Jade. 'Then, just toss it in a bucket or tarp for easy disposal,' or put it directly into a sturdy trash bag, such as the Great Value Strong Flex 33-Gallon Drawstring Multi-Purpose Trash Bags available at Walmart.
Also, check for any blockages to prevent them from getting any worse, leaving you needing to call pros to clear them.
'You can simply flush them out with a hose,' recommends Jade. 'If there are any signs of damage like rust, corrosion, loose fasteners, or sagging sections, address them promptly.
'Once it’s clean and good to go, responsibly and properly dispose of the debris. If it’s organic material, you can compost it, but if it’s non-organic waste, check your local regulations for proper disposal methods.'
And, if you're tired of constantly cleaning your gutters, Jade suggests investing in a gutter guard, such as the A-M Gutter Guard available at Amazon. 'They're really helpful in keeping all the leaves and debris out of your gutters, while still letting water flow through freely,' she says. 'It's definitely worth the investment!'
This gutter guard is easy to install for maximum protection, with self-tapping screws and a rust and warping-resistant design.
This gutter cleaning tool makes it easy to clean gutters from the ground, removing debris efficiently without the need to climb a ladder.
This multi-use tool is uniquely and specifically designed to push and pull leaves and other debris from gutters, made to easily connect to many standard extension poles.
5. Clean and repair outdoor furniture
As the weather warms, you'll likely spend more time outdoors, so this is the ideal time to clean your outdoor furniture and make sure it's ready for use while protecting and prolonging its lifespan.
'Outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements all year round, so it's no surprise that it can accumulate dirt, mold, mildew, and all sorts of debris during the winter months,' says cleaning expert Jade. 'If you neglect to clean and inspect your outdoor furniture, you could be setting yourself up for deterioration, discoloration, and even potential health hazards.'
Start by cleaning outdoor cushions, and cleaning mold off outdoor cushions, using a soft-bristled brush, such as the Hand Broom Cleaning Brush available at Amazon, or a dry towel to brush off any loose dirt and debris. Then, spot-clean stains with a fabric cleaner or mixture of mild detergent and water before leaving them to air-dry in a sunny area.
Afterward, use a handheld vacuum to clean teak outdoor furniture and remove any built-up dust, which will also make it easier to reseal certain items to further preserve them and boost their aesthetic appeal.
While you are outside and enjoying the spring sunshine, you may also want to complete some spring patio prep.
This cruelty-free wood cleaner is made without parabens or phthalates, to clean away grease and grime without damaging delicate and porous wood surfaces. You don't need to dilute it either, simple squirt on the floor and get mopping.
This gentle dish soap removes dust and cobweb from outdoor furniture without causing damage, with a biodegradable formula that's 100% cruelty free. It's refills come in compostable bottles made from 50% recycled materials.
This soft-bristled brush has a durable handle for an ergonomic grip, with high-quality horsehair bristles to avoid scratches.
Meet our experts
Next, why not tackle the things to declutter in March to streamline your space for the new
