Spring is the season of fresh starts, but plenty of home maintenance mistakes are worth identifying and swerving.
I’ve asked home improvement pros for the seasonal maintenance errors they see the most, as well as how to tackle them. From maintenance procrastination to overlooking allergen traps, our experts identify the mistakes to avoid so you can properly future-proof your home.
If you’re sorting through spring home maintenance tasks, our pros have got you covered with the key mistakes to swerve.
7 home maintenance mistakes to never make in spring
1. Procrastinating spring cleaning
This is the best time of year to refresh your home, as you can tidy up after nesting in winter and then prepare your home for hosting in the warmer months. However, many people put off deep spring cleaning because of how overwhelming it can feel.
However, forgoing it is a big spring home maintenance mistake. This is the time of year many indoor pests are looking for suitable hidden harborage spots to grow their colonies. Ignoring sanitation and decluttering at this point means more pests, including ants and rodents will find suitable places in your home to hunker down and breed, leaving you with a late spring, early summer pest problem.
‘To make it more manageable, start with a plan for each room – beginning with decluttering, then moving on to dusting, scrubbing floors and tackling overlooked areas like baseboards and cleaning vents,’ suggests Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid.
‘Gather all your cleaning supplies ahead of time and clean systematically, working room by room from top to bottom and left to right,’ she continues.
I like to gather all my supplies in a cleaning caddy, to make it easy to transport everything around my house. The Everspring cleaning caddy from Target is a chic and practical option, thanks to its rust-resistant steel base and beechwood handle.
Marla says that breaking the process into smaller steps makes it feel less daunting and more achievable. By the time you’re finished, your home will feel fresh, organized and ready for the season ahead.
Having a quality cleaning spray will help ensure your surfaces stay spotless. I always have Mrs. Meyer's in my caddy as it can be used on multiple surface types and is made with a cruelty-free formula. It also comes in multiple different scents – I think the daisy and bluebell ones would be perfect for spring.
These are my favorite microfiber cleaning cloths, as they're lint-free, ultra-absorbent, and reusable. If you have multiple cleaning caddies for each room, you could put different color ones in each one (e.g. blue for the bathroom) for color coded cleaning that avoids cross-contamination.
I love everything in this adorable cleaning range, and the Scrub Daddy damp duster is no exception. The clever design picks up dirt, without letting any debris fling in your direction. It can be used on rails, mirrors, vents, and more.
2. Allowing allergens to take over your home
As the sun comes out and the flowers start to bloom, allergens like pollen, dust mites and pet dander become more prominent – making it crucial to clear the allergen-traps of your home.
Marla explains, ‘Carpets, furniture and air filters tend to trap allergens, so regular vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum and steam cleaning carpets can make a big difference. Mopping hard floors and washing drapes and bedding can also help reduce airborne irritants.’
She also recommends changing HVAC filters every two to three months and running an air purifier to improve indoor air quality further. The Alrocket air purifier from Walmart is a bestseller on the site and is perfect for larger homes.
I have this exact air purifier and I love how efficient yet quiet it is. It fits seamlessly into my minimalistic bedroom decor, which is where I keep it most of the time. It also comes with a clever app that tells you what the air quality is like in the room it’s in.
3. Ignoring gutters and downspouts
It’s not only important to think about the inside of your home – it’s worth making sure you aren’t making spring home maintenance mistakes on the outside, too.
Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in preventing costly water damage, as they direct water away from your home. This is especially important in spring as April showers will mean ignoring this maintenance task is a mistake that can lead to leaks in rainy season.
‘As the snow melts and April showers take over, it’s vital to make sure your gutters and downspouts are in good shape and clear of leaves, twigs and other debris to prevent clogging,’ explains Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company.
He continues, ‘When gutters overflow, water can pool around the foundation, erode landscaping and seep into your basement. This is why homeowners should inspect gutters for sagging, cracks or rust and clean them out at least twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall.’
To clean gutters, Ron recommends using a sturdy ladder, a scoop, and gloves (I always have a few pairs of trusty Marigold gloves, available from Amazon, in my home) to remove debris. Then, flush the system with a garden hose to ensure proper drainage.
4. Neglecting the entryway
While the season of spring does bring sunshine, it also brings rain and pollen, too – both of which can easily be tracked into your home, creating messes and aggravating allergies if your floorcare is off kilter.
Marla says, ‘Entryways are the first line of defense for keeping allergens out of your home, so keeping them clean is essential. I recommend a doormat outside and an indoor rug near the entrance to help catch dirt and allergens before they spread.’
She also suggests designating a shoe storage area and encouraging guests to remove their shoes to further reduce the amount of pollen and dust brought inside.
I recommend choosing a shoe cabinet, as these will keep trainers, flats, and heels neatly stashed away. The Bay Isle Home Shoe Cabinet from Wayfair has a sophisticated mid-century design and comes in three different color options.
If you have a built in entryway mat, learning how to sanitize jute will help
I have several Ruggable rugs, as I love the fact they're both gorgeous and washable. This doormat will complement any spring decor that you have in your entryway, as well as providing a location to wipe your feet to stop allergens travelling.
5. Ignoring cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior
The colder months of fall and winter often temperature fluctuations, which can lead to your home’s exterior expanding and contracting. This can cause cracks in siding, brickwork and foundation walls.
Ron explains, ‘If these are left unaddressed, they can create openings and that let in moisture, leading to rot, mold or pest infestations.
‘Taking the time to inspect and seal these gaps now can prevent expensive repairs later. I recommend paying close attention to sealing window gaps, and inspecting doors, foundation walls and siding for signs of damage,’ he adds.
Speedy and strong, this sealant can be used indoors and outdoors to seal whatever you need. Not only is it mold and mildew resistant, but it also won't shrink or crack over time. Keeping opportunistic pests out in spring is key to avoiding an indoor infestation in the coming months.
6. Skipping a post-winter garage declutter
Garages often become catch-all storage spaces during winter, leading to clutter and dust buildup by spring, making it a spring pest hot spot.
Marla explains, ‘A great way to tackle this is by sorting everything into three categories: keep, donate and discard.
‘Once you’ve decluttered, organize items based on use – sports equipment near the garage door for easy access, seasonal décor in labeled bins, and tools on shelving units.’
She also suggests going for vertical storage solutions like wall-mounted racks, such as the Zikopomi organizer from Walmart, which has hooks that are just the right size for tool handles.
‘A well-organized garage not only frees up space but also makes it easier to find what you need throughout the year,’ Marla adds.
Keep all your boxes neatly labeled with the help of this cute label maker. It connects to your phone, so you can type out exactly what you want, and even go for playful designs. It's wireless and portable, so you can carry it around the house easily.
7. Overlooking deck and patio maintenance
Looking outside and thinking your exterior is looking a little unpolished? Winter snow and ice can leave driveways, decks, and patios covered in dirt, salt stains, moss, mold and oil spots. These can erode concrete and create slippery surfaces if left untreated.
‘Pressure washing is an effective way to restore your driveway and walkways, removing grime and buildup for a fresh, clean look,’ Ron explains.
‘If cracks have formed due to freezing and thawing cycles, seal them now to prevent further damage,’ he adds.
A well-maintained driveway not only enhances curb appeal but also extends the lifespan of your pavement and will help avoid spring accidents.
Meet the experts
Spotting these home maintenance mistakes and sorting them out quickly will help you secure your home and make it look lovely for the season ahead. Next, you can find out where to start spring cleaning.
The winter home maintenance mistakes not to make will also come in useful later in the year as the colder weather will present a different set of problems to be vigilent of.
