Spring cleaning is essential to resetting your home after winter and preparing spaces for summer fun in the sun, but after a cold winter spent mostly hunkering down indoors, motivation can be hard to come by for this mammoth task.
Luckily, our panel of professional cleaners and certified psychologists reveal 15 smart spring cleaning tips to help carry you through even the most draining of household tasks without burning out.
From healthier cleaning tips to checklists and pre-cleaning rituals, here's what you need to blow away the winter cobwebs and welcome in warmer weather.
15 spring cleaning tips for an easier deep-dive
1. Start by making a checklist
The key to success is making a spring cleaning checklist before beginning any of your seasonal cleaning projects.
Ryan Knoll, cleaning expert and owner of Tidy Casa begins, 'Spring cleaning is very different from your regular weekend chores, and requires more thoughtful planning to help tackle all the areas we do not usually address in our day-to-day lives.
'A list will help keep you're on track and ensure everything is cleaned. Lists like this can also help delegate tasks to other family members when cleaning as a group,’ he adds.
Do a walk through of your home and cast an eye over all visible and hidden areas before making a spring cleaning list for each room. This will help you figure out how much time is realistic to allocate for the job, and help you keep track once you get going.
Prices correct at time of publication.
This downloadable bundle of cleaning checklists breaks tasks down into daily and weekly chores to help you spread the work out and make cleaning less overwhelming.
A checklist can be super simple and written out on a whiteboard so you can quickly erase tasks and feel a sense of accomplishment as the board becomes clearer. This comes with a dry-erase pen.
You don't always need a dedicated spring cleaning checklist, a standard journal is more than enough to keep track of all your tasks. These Anthropologie notebooks are available for every letter of the alphabet for a little personalized touch.
2. Stock up on supplies
Starting off with all of your spring cleaning supplies to hand means starting off on the right foot. Organizing your cleaning supplies is also important to help you find things more efficiently, removing barriers in the way of your cleaning in the first place.
Cleaning expert Paulo Filho, cleaning expert and owner of Celestial Cleaning Service recommends starting with a basic set of tools, including a microfiber cloth, a good vacuum cleaner, a broom and dustpan, and a mop. These items will allow you to tackle most cleaning tasks around the house.
Using a long-armed dustpan and brush, available for rapid delivery from Amazon, makes it easier on your back, hips and knees , especially if you need to use adaptive pacing for cleaning to avoid injury, fatigue or chronic illness flares.
Paulo adds, ‘For tougher jobs, such as removing stains or cleaning grout, you may need additional supplies like a scrubbing brush, a steam cleaner, or a specialized cleaning solution.'
A big pack of microfiber cleaning cloths will make spring cleaning a breeze. Swap cloths between tasks to limit cross-contamination, and throw used cloths in the washing machine to refresh ready for the best batch of chores.
Spring cleaning is all about getting the nooks and crannies we usually neglect. Detail cleaning brushes like this Mr. Siga set will help clean dirt from grout and small gaps (as in window or shower tracks and around stoves) with ease.
Rated Homes & Gardens top steam cleaner, this mop comes with attachments to clean every inch of your home, including grout and tile brushes, oven brushes, clothing and upholstery attachments, hard floor and carpet pads, and glass tools.
Where possible, consider green cleaning, and swap chemical-laden products for all-natural alternatives.
Not only have studies shown that you don't need harsh chemicals to clean well, but swapping to natural products makes your home healthier, protecting you, your family, and your pets from long-term illness.
Bryan Griffin, professional cleaner and founder of Patriot Maids explains in many instances, it is as simple as cleaning with vinegar or cleaning with baking soda, 'Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. It works wonders on most surfaces and is super easy on the wallet and the planet.'
The Solved team loves cleaning with vinegar so much that we usually buy it in bulk, such as the 128fl. oz Great Value White Vinegar, from Walmart, to use in everything from disinfecting to laundry.
When choosing cleaning products, opt for items labeled EPA Safer Choice, or EWG-certified to avoid greenwashing and ensure your products will actually help clean your home without harming the planet.
All of the Attitude cleaning products are EWG-Certified, meaning they meet the strictest standards of safety for cleaning products, helping to protect your family from harsh chemicals.
AspenClean is another EWG-Certified brand, making all of their cleaning products without dangerous toxins and chemicals, for a powerful clean without the health risks.
Certified EPA Safer Choice, Seventh Generation does not use any artificial fragrances of dyes in their cleaning products, helping to kill bacteria without leaving toxins behind.
3. Make decluttering a priority
If there is one thing experts agree on, it is the importance of implementing good decluttering tips and discipline before you start with your cleaning blitz.
Punteha van Terheyden, Head of Solved, says, 'Decluttering your home and getting rid of items that you no longer use will give you more space to work. Not to mention it will help you avoid cleaning things you are later going to get rid of anyway.
'It may help to make a secondary decluttering checklist on top of your cleaning list to help get rid of items you know you don’t use or haven't touched over fall and winter. Some prime tasks for spring include decluttering a closet, decluttering a pantry, and clearing out things that make an entryway look cluttered.'
If you are struggling to decide what to declutter, consider using the 90/90 decluttering rule, getting rid of anything you haven't used in the last 90 days and are unlikely to use in the next 90 days.
An even quicker declutering rule to implement is the 'Didn't Know' rule. If you forgot you had an item, or didn't know you even had one, get rid of it.
After decluttering, consider adding in some fresh organization to make your home easier to navigate for the rest of the year. Clear storage bins make it easy to see everything you own at a glance, so clutter is less likely to build up between now and next spring.
Vacuum storage bags are the perfect storage option for seasonal items you are keeping hold of, but won't need through spring and summer, such as clothing, linens, and bedding.
You can't go wrong with storage baskets to corral clutter and everyday essentials. Always declutter before splurging on organizers, however, to avoid overspending.
4. Start small
When it comes to tackling the chores themselves, Jill Yesko Diana, founder and lead organizer at Discover Organizing suggests, 'Rather than tackle the entire attic, garage or closet, break it down by area or task. Spring cleaning is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself and consciously decide what to keep, discard, or donate to avoid burnout.'
Bryan Griffin, professional cleaner adds, 'You can break it down even further and embrace slow cleaning this spring – tackle one room with the different day, different room schedule, or even just one task each day if cleaning when feeling overwhelmed.'
5. Let in natural light
Wondering where to start spring cleaning? Bryan Griffin says the windows are your best bet, 'They're a game changer for letting in that beautiful spring sunshine and fresh air.'
Cleaning windows, along with other light-boosting hacks, can help improve your mood, helping you to feel more energized when spring cleaning and motivating you to declutter.
The German Shock Ventilation trick is great for blasting some fresh air through the house without ending up feeling frozen.
Extending up to 80 inches, this telescopic window cleaning tool is ideal for freshening up windows without having to climb a ladder.
Don't forget the inside of your windows. This starter kit comes with one window vacuum, a spray bottle for the included Karcher window cleaner solution, and a washable microfiber pad to buff away streaks.
The Pink Stuff is fantastic for cleaning windows. Applied with a soft sponge, the gentle abrasive melts away grime without scratching the glass, for a truly transparent finish.
6. Make cleaning fun
Making cleaning more fun and feel like less of a chore is a great way to motivate yourself to clean, and make sure that you complete the task before giving up. There are a range of things you can try to do this, from making cleaning into a game with things like the ‘roll-the-dice’ chore game, or even trying a challenge like ‘ski-slope’ decluttering.
A great way to make cleaning go faster is to listen to audiobooks, or your favorite podcast, adds Karina Toner, cleaning expert at Spekless Cleaning.
She says, ‘You can also challenge yourself with cleaning goals such as setting a timer to see how quickly you can clean a room, starting a mini-game with a reward system for each cleaning task, or making a cleaning playlist of your favorite upbeat songs.
‘Another idea is to enlist the help of friends or family members to turn cleaning into a fun, social activity.’
A portable speaker makes moving your music with you simple as you move from room to room spring cleaning.
7. Get moving before you clean
The hardest part of spring cleaning can often be getting up and starting.
To help build up the energy to clean, Dr. Judy Gavazza, licensed and board-certified clinical and forensic psychologist recommends, 'Do some type of movement in the morning to get your blood flowing and your muscles limber. This can be a few yoga poses, some nice relaxing stretches, or a heart-pumping workout.'
Once you are moving and feel warm, you might find it is a lot easier to press on and complete your chores.
8. Leave laundry running
Doing laundry is not a spring-specific task, but it pays to set up a cycle at the start of the day and leave it running as you work on other spring cleaning chores – especially when tackling bulkier items you don't wash often, such as washing a comforter.
Laundry expert and CEO of Laundryheap, Deyan Dimitrov says, 'Ideally you should wash your bulkier bedding once at the end of summer and once at the end of winter so now is a great time! If pillows go unwashed, you might wake up with itchy eyes, congestion and sneezing due to the build-up of bacteria and allergens.
'It’s important to check the laundry symbols for guidance on how to wash duvets and pillows, but if you’re unsure then wash them on a delicate or wool cycle at 60 degrees – the ideal temperature to kill dust mites and allergens.'
Environmental Working Group (EWG) Certified, these laundry pods are certified healthier for use in your home, helping to cut out toxic laundry room items.
Dryer balls are a great dryer sheet alternative that will break up and fluff up your laundry for even drying and softer bedding.
This extra-large laundry hamper is perfect for busy households, with three removable bags to make sorting laundry super simple.
9. Work from top to bottom
Keeping a damp duster in each high-traffic room in your home makes cleaning up as you go quick and easy.
Head of Solved Punteha shares, 'One thing I wish I knew about tidying and cleaning when I was younger was to work from top to bottom. When cleaning and dusting, starting at the top of a room with the highest shelves and cabinets means any dust dislodged does not fall onto clean surfaces that you then have to clean again. It is one home cleaning mistake I ensure I no longer make.
'Not only does this save time, but energy and cleaning supplies, too. Finishing with the floor also means I can wipe crumbs from counters onto the floor to vacuum up later without any guilt.'
Using an extendable duster, such as the Swiffer Super Extendable Dusting Kit, available at Target, makes cleaning high-up spots simple and negates the need to clamber on furniture or counters.
10. Reward yourself
Although giving yourself rewards for completing a task may sound a little childish, it can act as a fantasic motivator to clean in spring. Ahmad Jamal, a cleaning professional at Cleaners Advisor explains, ‘Rewarding yourself will help you stay motivated and give you something to look forward to after all your hard work.'
Adding in small positive reinforcement to your spring cleaning is important no matter your age, and can include enjoying a favorite treat or relaxing bath.
You can also body-double the chore on a video call, then meet up with your friend to celebrate your progress.
11. Take regular breaks
Even professionals have to take regular breaks throughout a day of cleaning to help make to-do lists less overwhelming, but what you do in those breaks is just as important as taking them.
Paulo Filho explains, 'Spring cleaning can be physically and emotionally draining. Taking a break is about recharging physically and mentally, so spending it making more cleaning lists and plans, or moving things for the next task is not sufficient.
'Take a few moments to relax and recharge, whether that means sitting down with a cup of tea or taking a short walk outside.’
This is where knowing how to create mental 'white space' can help your body and mind recharge.
12. Focus on annual tasks
The aim of spring cleaning is to spruce up the spots we usually forget, so avoid putting too much effort into cleaning normal spots like bathroom surfaces or kitchen counters.
To make the most of spring cleaning, target all the dirtiest places in your home that don't receive regular attention.
Professional cleaner Ryan Knoll says, ‘Some ideas for spring cleaning lists that get overlooked otherwise include cleaning baseboards, doors and door frames, deep cleaning carpets, ceiling fans, and windows.'
Deep-cleaning carpets is easier when you treat stains before they set. This carpet stain remover comes with a built-in brush and sponge to make removing marks quick and easy.
If you have pets, then you know the pain of removing their embedded fur from upholstery and carpets. That's why Head of Solved Punteha van Terheyden deems a carpet rake one of the cleaning essentials people with pets need to remove fur.
The Damp Duster is great for allergy sufferers as it removes all dust, pollen, pet hair, and more, affordable, reusable, and conveniently sized, and, better yet, is easy to clean – simply wash the sponge with water to remove dust and grime.
13. Batch similar tasks
If you have a large area to cover when spring cleaning, and not much time to do so, consider batching similar tasks together.
Ahmad Jamal, a cleaning professional, explains, 'When creating your to-do list, avoid simply writing down all of the tasks as you think of them. Instead, break these tasks down into categories or rooms. This helps you to visualize them as more manageable chunks, to help tackle them one by one.'
To spring clean effectively, consider using the one-tool cleaning method. This approach involves picking up one cleaning tool, such as your duster, and working through every room with it, dusting every surface until you reach the beginning again. Then, you switch to the next tool, such as the vacuum, and repeat.
It can make spring cleaning feel a little quicker, while limiting how many conscious decisions you have to make as you clean.
Designed to maximize under-cabinet storage, this large storage caddy comes with a removable inner caddy that can be removed and carried around when task batching.
14. Dress comfortably to make tasks easier
Although many cleaning influencers online typically have their hair and makeup done while cleaning their homes, dressing comfortably is more important to help you spring clean successfully.
Ryan Knoll suggests, ‘Wear clothes that are easy to move in and that you don't mind getting dirty. You should also pick some shoes that offer good support. It's also a good idea to wear cleaning gloves, available at Amazon to protect your hands from chemicals.’
15. Delegate tasks to family
Even if you already have some family house rules in place to keep a tidy house, getting your household on board with your spring cleaning plan is the best way to ensure your vision is realized without hindrance. After all, spring cleaning doesn't have to be a solo mission, points out Ryan Knoll, a cleaning expert.
He recommends, ‘Assign tasks based on age and ability and consider turning cleaning into a fun game or challenge. Reward them with a trip to the movies or other activities they may enjoy and don't get to do often.’
There are some smart ways to motivate your family to clean or encourage family to declutter, if they need a gentle push to get started.
Available in five sizes, these customizable family wall planners offer space for monthly event planning, notes, to-do lists, food plans, and individual family member notes to keep everyone on track during spring cleaning and beyond.
Meet the experts
FAQs
How often should you spring clean?
Although its name suggests we should spring clean once a year, we should actually be ‘spring’ cleaning twice a year, in each transitional season. Completing a thorough house cleaning in spring and fall will help transition your home between the two seasons and prepare for the warmer or cooler months ahead.
Each cleaning period will require different tasks, from opening up the home to fresh air in spring, to preparing fireplaces, sealing gaps and cleaning gutters in fall ahead of snow and rain.
Now you are armed with all the spring cleaning tips you need to make your tasks simpler, brush up on the spring cleaning mistake to avoid to really ace this seasonal spruce up.
