Spring cleaning may seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be. With the right cleaning products and some strategic planning, it can be fun and satisfying to accomplish. If you want your seasonal spiffing-up to be as thorough and efficient as possible, why not learn how to spring-clean like a professional? As the pros tell us, it's all about breaking big to-dos down into manageable tasks.
“The old saying, 'How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!' is exactly how you should approach spring cleaning,” says Maria Mooney, cleaning expert at Truly Free. “It can become overwhelming to tackle every piece of clutter in your home, so take it room by room.”
From the must-have tools that'll make short work of a big mess to the areas of the home you don't want to forget about, here's everything to know about how to spring clean like a professional.
Schedule your spring cleaning
It can be all too easy to put off spring cleaning, especially if you usually wait till you have free time to do all your home chores. The pros suggest blocking off dedicated time for your cleaning marathon so that other plans don't interfere.
“Schedule it on your calendar to mitigate procrastination,” says Aaron Christensen, resident cleaning expert at Homeaglow. “The easiest way is to set aside a whole weekend to deep-clean multiple rooms of your space.”
For extra motivation, Christensen also suggests planning your spring cleaning before a major holiday or when you know you might be hosting guests. “It will be much easier to efficiently tidy for guests if the house has been recently deep-cleaned,” he says.
Start small
Spring cleaning your entire space may seem like an impossible undertaking — but not if you break everything down into smaller chores.
“If you’re feeling lazy and can’t get yourself to clean, start with making your bed,” suggests Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning. “Trust me, it will make you feel good about accomplishing something and motivate you to clean more.”
Another easy task is opening all your windows — it's crucial to air out your home, especially when you're dusting and using cleaning sprays.
“Fresh air will help to remove the danger of working with chemical cleaners and rid your home of musty smells,” explains Carol Mehas, founder of arbOUR cleaning products.
Finally, it's always a good idea to clean a room from the top down. “Clean high shelving and furniture first; save the vacuuming for last,” Mehas says. After all, there's nothing worse than wiping off a shelf and watching the dust particles fall to your newly cleaned floor!
Invest in the right tools
On the day of your big spring clean, you don't want to be rifling through your cabinets, only to realize that you're out of paper towels or bathtub cleaner. Make sure you have your supplies stocked beforehand.
“A good spring clean is only as effective as the products and supplies you're using,” explains Mooney. “Replace old towels, scrub brushes, and sponges that have made it past their expiration date and kick off your spring cleaning routine with fresh supplies.”
Our experts recommend these products and tools to stock your cleaning arsenal:
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Carpet cleaner
- Mold and mildew remover
- Oven cleaner
- Vinegar and baking soda
- Floor cleaner
- Wood cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Extendable duster
- Mop and bucket
- Rubber gloves
- Vacuum cleaner
- Lint roller
If possible, try to opt for eco-friendly cleaning products to limit the use of harmful chemicals in your space. This may be an important consideration “if you have pets, allergies, or a home with a newborn,” says Mehas.
Remember the hard-to-reach areas
Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to freshen up your home's hidden nooks and crannies. While you may be tempted to rush the job, experts advise taking your time, as this will make future cleaning sessions much easier.
“The tops of doors, windows, and kitchen cabinets are the areas that we often overlook during spring cleaning,” explains Jess Farinha, founder of London House Cleaners. “Our eyes may miss this area during our regular cleaning. Wiping these places now and then can make your home look a lot cleaner and reduce dust and allergens, too.”
This is also a great opportunity to wash curtains and dust ceiling fans, says Wilson. You may be surprised by how much nicer and newer these spots look after you've given them just a little bit of attention.
Here are a few more oft-overlooked cleaning tasks that pros suggest adding to your list:
- Dust your plants: “The leaves collect dust and need to be regularly wiped,” says Wilson. This is good for you and the plant since dust-free fronds will help the plant absorb sunlight more effectively.
- Clean the walls: “Washing the walls of high-traffic or messy areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or mudrooms is an often forgotten part of spring cleaning,” says Christensen. “It helps brighten up a room by removing dust and residue, especially if you have white or high-gloss paint.”
- Refresh washing machines: “Dirty washing machines can keep your clothes from getting fully clean and can even be a breeding ground for germs and mold,” explains Mooney. “We know our bedding, curtains, and linens can attract hair, dead skin cells, and dust particles, but the same build-up can occur in your washing machine.”
- Clean the outside of your home: If your front door is dirty, then your spring cleaning is far from finished. “Brightening up your windows from the outside will make a huge difference on the inside,” Mehas says, noting it's important not to neglect your walkways, entryway, and garage, too.
Make decluttering a separate task
Spring cleaning may feel overwhelming if you're trying to reorganize at the same time. While sorting out unwanted items is a great idea, it may also distract you from the task at hand.
“People often try to combine deep cleaning with decluttering,” explains Christensen. “Decluttering can make a mess and can get you sidetracked.”
Instead, set some time aside for a separate decluttering session.
“Get rid of the duplicates or multiples of items,” explains Wilson. “It could be anything from your extensive mug collection, small kitchen appliances, or excess clothes, shoes, and bags.” Discarding broken electronics and expired items will also make your house much more organized and easier to clean.
Make it fun
Spring cleaning doesn't have to be something you dread — there's nothing that says you can't approach it in a lighthearted way! Listen to an audiobook, podcast, or upbeat playlist while you work (whether through wireless earbuds or a Bluetooth speaker), and the time will go by much more quickly.
“Putting on some music while cleaning will make the process fun and easy,” says Farinha. “When you are done, reward yourself with something for the hard work you have done.”
Once you've checked the box on spring cleaning, make sure to stay on top of your smaller weekly tasks — your future self will thank you!
“Spring cleaning may not be your favorite thing, but if you make it a habit to put things back in their proper places after using them, it will save you a lot of time and energy in the long run,” Wilson explains.
Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.
