It's that time of year again and you know what that means - deep cleaning. The idea of giving your home a spring cleaning may seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn't have to be. We've talked to a variety of cleaning experts to get the scoop on the best spring cleaning tips, and how to get your home looking spick and span—with as little scrubbing as possible.
Open the windows, start your deep clean from the top and work your way down.
- Dust. Dust and debris usually fall from higher surfaces, says Townsend, so it’s important to clean them first. “Start by dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures and shelves, then move on to furniture and countertops,” she says. “Finally, clean your floors, ensuring that you vacuum or mop them thoroughly to remove any remaining dirt.”
- Glass. Use old T-shirts, socks or newspaper to clean glass. These items are perfect for streak-free cleaning. Klosterman says you can even make a DIY glass cleaner – equal parts white vinegar and water – and then shake, spritz and wipe. You can also use a microfiber cloth, water and mild soap.
- Walls. Use soap and water to erase scuff marks from walls and a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or similar product for tougher areas.
- Floors. Mold can quickly grow and go unnoticed during the colder months, even on your carpet. Klosterman recommends using a carpet cleaner to thoroughly clean and remove excess moisture from your carpet.
- Furniture. Furniture holds onto heat, sweat, dust and grime. Use a steamer meant for furniture and upholstery for a deep clean, says Klosterman.
- Grout. Cleaning grout can be tough, but you can still get those hard-to-reach crevices and grout lines, Klosterman says. “Try an extendable scrubber brush that can help you reach these germy spots without straining your back or overworking your knees.”
- Bedding and mattresses. Wash all bedding and vacuum the mattress. “Vacuum the mattress’s top and sides using the upholstery attachment. If your bed has any odor or shows signs of staining, sprinkle baking soda over the top of it and let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming up,” Klosterman advises. “Finally, rotate the mattress 180 degrees or give it a flip to prolong its lifetime.”
Don’t forget areas that are typically neglected. “Some areas of your home may not receive regular attention but still accumulate dirt and grime,” Townsend says. “Be sure to clean baseboards, air vents, window tracks and the spaces behind and beneath appliances. You may also want to deep-clean your upholstery, carpets and curtains to remove dust and allergens. Don’t forget doorknobs and handles as well.”
Don’t Overlook Your Home’s Critical Systems, Appliances and Safety Features
Your annual spring cleanout is the perfect opportunity to check your home’s major systems and appliances.
- Plumbing. Klosterman recommends checking areas for early signs of plumbing issues and water damage – under sinks and in the basement – and pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar down drains and dishwasher a couple of times per month to keep them clog-free. You should also inspect and drain your water heater to remove built-up sediment.
- Appliances. Scrub the stove and hood vents and vacuum dust and dirt from your refrigerator coils. Don’t forget your washer and dryer. “The leading cause of home fires involving dryers and washing machines are from dust, fiber or lint buildup in the dryer exhaust vent,” Klosterman says. Hippo’s 2022 Housepower Report revealed that most homeowners wait two years or longer to clean their dryer exhaust vent, if ever.
- HVAC. Make sure you replace the air filter on your HVAC or call and schedule your biannual maintenance with a technician.
- Safety. Check fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors to see if they are functioning properly. If you have a fireplace, have a professional do an annual cleaning and inspection.
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