Your Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Home and Garden

Spring cleaning is more than just tidying up and decluttering. It is a chance to refresh your living space and refocus your world. “Once spring arrives, we can celebrate the new season with a whole fresh start by eliminating clutter, deep cleaning areas we typically neglect during the winter, and breathing new life into our living areas,” said Christina Giaquinto, professional organizer and brand ambassador of Modular Closets.  

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De-Cluttering Gives You Back Physical Space and Mental Energy

"A home should be a sanctuary, a place for making memories with family and friends, and a place, where you feel safe and relaxed,” said Giaquinto. “Clutter affects all of that from stress to not being able to find things, to anxiety,” she said. “We often think the worst clutter is the type the eye can see, but surprisingly clutter behind closed doors can often cause the most stress — even if you can’t see the clutter, your subconscious knows it is there.”

To alleviate such feelings, you’ll want to include organizing the inside of your cabinets and drawers in your spring cleaning. Tidying the exterior is important, too. But spring cleaning gives you the annual chance to assess your possessions and get rid of things that are no longer important to your lifestyle. “The five-year rule in decluttering is helpful when deciding whether to keep or sell/donate items that are not used every day (like specialized kitchen appliances, gardening tools, and board games),” advised Giaquinto. “Think about whether you have used an item in the last five years — if you haven’t, then you likely may not ever use it and it's good to get rid of.”

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Do Spring Cleaning Even If Your Short on Time

Even if your spring is full of activities, there are some things you can do to freshen up your home without exhausting all your time. “A thorough sweep or vacuum followed by a light mopping on the main floors, a quick wipe-down of high-touch areas like door handles, and cleaning those inside windows to let more sunshine stream in can really reset the energy in a space,” suggested Galia Ivanova, owner at Cleaning Estimate.

You can also swap out heavy blankets, throws and dark-toned décor accents for lighter fabrics and brighter accessories. “Last year, one of my clients switched her living room’s dark throw pillows for some soft yellows and crisp whites, then added a small vase of fresh tulips,” said Ivanova. “You’d be surprised how such a simple change made her whole family room feel welcoming and airy.”

Some areas in your home are easier to spring clean than others, such as your entryway. “I’ve learned that a quick front-door refresh is non-negotiable if you’re pressed for time,” said Alex Back, interior design expert & CEO of Couch. “Swap out that tired winter mat for a lighter, woven version. Add a small cluster of potted herbs or a single oversized fern. This subtle shift greets you with spring energy before you even step inside.”

If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed with all you need to do, Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, suggested a trick to begin. “Stand in the corner of your room, and quickly scan from left to right,” he said. “Whatever draws your eye the most … that's the first area/task that you should tackle. Not the one you notice first but the one that creates the biggest visual noise for you.” 

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Spring Is a Good Time for Home Improvement Projects

Some renovations that require drying and ventilation are easier to do in milder weather, such as painting or refinishing furniture, when you can open the windows and let air circulate. “I had a client who painted her entryway in April, and not only did it dry faster, but the fresh paint smell cleared so much sooner,” said Ivanova.

The improvement project doesn’t need to be a big overhaul, either. “Spring’s mild weather gives a window for painting a single focal wall, maybe in a soft sage or muted terracotta,” offered Back, who likes to avoid long projects. “Instead, I focus on quick wins like painting cabinet fronts or refreshing hardware. It’s a small effort that signals a big seasonal reset.”

Patio and driveways also a good thing to address in the spring, according to Aaron Lipman, owner of Two Brothers Foundation Repair. “You might wonder why timing matters but starting these projects in spring gives you a sweet spot in terms of weather,” he said. “The cooler temps and manageable humidity allow concrete to cure at the right pace, which means fewer cracks or defects over time.”

Lipman once worked with a homeowner who pushed a driveway repair to late summer, and the excessive heat caused faster drying, leading to a rough, uneven surface. “Doing this in spring also means your outdoor spaces are ready for use when summer rolls around,” he said. Lipman also suggested addressing tiny cracks in your porch or steps at this time. “Once you add more foot traffic, they can become safety hazards,” he said. “Patching them up now prevents costly fixes later. Sealing wood or concrete surfaces is also smart to guard against moisture damage. Plus, a resealed porch looks fresh and clean, giving your outdoor space an instant facelift that feels welcoming."

Spring also offers ideal conditions for landscaping projects such as gardening, patio preparation, or upgrading outdoor lighting or furniture, according to Daniel Brown, a cleaning expert and CEO of Handy Cleaners. “It is the right time before the warm months to check on damage caused by winter,” he said. “First, clear away debris and start pruning dead branches on trees and shrubs. Rake all the leaves and check on your soil. If the soil needs compost or fertilizer, now is the ideal time to add it to allow healthy growth.”

Photo credit by Daniel Brown 

Spring Cleaning Is Perfect for Seasonal Scrubbing

Some areas of your home get neglected during regular cleaning spurts. Spring cleaning is a perfect time to address that and remove any dust or allergens that have collected. Brown suggested that you clean air
ducts and replace HVAC filters, wash windows to maximize sunlight, and deep clean carpets and rugs to remove debris. “Do not forget to clean those hard-to-reach places such as baseboards and ceiling fans, which collect dust from the colder months,” he added.

Alessandro Gazzo, a cleaning expert at Emily’s Maids of Dallas offered that between seasons is a perfect time to vacuum your mattress. “Spring usually triggers your allergies out and with a wet/dry cleaner you can sanitize your mattress from the inside out,” she said. She advised not to soak your mattress and to use specialized cleaners. “Make sure you do this early in the morning on a sunny day, so you can dry your mattress properly,” she added. “Ideally, you would let it dry for three or four days, but if you can’t at least let it dry from morning until night before you go to bed.” Fans, direct sunlight and a dehumidifier can facilitate the process.

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Fabrics and Home’s Spring Cleaning Made Simple Checklist

1. Clean your car. 

2. Declutter your closets and drawers.

3. Deep clean your home, including furniture, appliances and countertops.

4. Clean items that go neglected such as behind and under furniture, and air vents and air conditioners.

5. Scrub your bathroom, including your curtain and liner.

6. Clean your windows, including curtains and drapes. Consider swapping out heavier materials for lighter ones. 

7. Tidy up your outside area. Consider what damage winter may have caused and repair it. Start cleaning your garden beds and get ready for planting.

Fabrics and Home can get your ready for the warmer weather.

Look at our articles on getting your best backyard, make your own DIY cleansers and what you need to know about indoor/outdoor fabrics.

Featured photo by Daniel Brown