How to Spring Clean

Decluttering is the first step to a clean and organized home. Decluttering not only creates space but also makes your home feel lighter and more functional. Use a four-bin system to tackle clutter in closets, garages, toy rooms, storage spaces and bedrooms. Label the bins for what you want to trash, repair, donate or keep.

• Discard items that are damaged beyond repair or no longer useful.
• Set aside items that need fixing and plan a time to repair them.
• Donate anything you haven’t used in the past year. Check with local donation centers for their specific needs.
• Reorganize what you’re keeping into clear storage bins for easy identification.

Tip: Store winter clothing in a spare closet.

Clean windows brighten your home and let in more natural light.

For the interior:

• Wipe dust from the window ledge and frame with a damp cloth. Apply wood polish if needed.
• Use glass cleaner and a lint-free microfiber cloth or squeegee to clean the glass.

For the exterior:

• Spray off dirt and pollen with a hose on a low or medium pressure setting.
• Use a ladder or telescopic scrubbers to reach second-floor windows safely. Attach a window cleaner to your hose for easy application. Scrub, rinse and let dry.
• If your windows have grids, remove and clean them separately.

Dusting removes allergens and gives your home a fresh feel. Start high and work your way down:

• Use a telescopic pole duster to remove cobwebs from ceiling corners.
• Dust walls, art, lighting fixtures and baseboards.
• Clean air vents, doorknobs, doors and switch plates with an antibacterial cleaner.
• For ceiling fans, place a tarp underneath to catch falling dust. Wipe fan blades with a damp cloth.
• Remove books and knickknacks from shelves and dust them individually.
• Wipe down your baseboards and finish with a final dusting over everything in the room.
• Turn off lights, let them cool and dust with a soft cloth.

Tip: Consider switching to long-lasting, high-efficiency CFLs or LEDS to save on utility bills.

A clean kitchen is more efficient and inviting.

• Start with appliances. Follow manufacturer instructions to clean your oven. Remove and clean stovetop burner pans or replace them.
• Dispose of expired food from the fridge, freezer, and pantry. Wipe down shelves with a mixture of warm water, baking soda, and vinegar.
• Empty and clean toaster pans, coffee makers, and other small appliances.
• Don’t forget to clean and wipe out kitchen drawers, counters and refrigerator condenser coils.
• Gently clean your refrigerator condenser coils using a coil brush. This will help save energy and remove dust buildup, extending the life of your refrigerator.

• Move furniture to vacuum underneath and tackle hidden dirt.
• Take down drapes and curtains to shake out dust or vacuum them with an attachment. Wash or dry clean as needed.
• Use a vacuum attachment to clean blinds or dust them with a microfiber cloth.
• Vacuum couches, chair cushions and pillows.
• Wipe leather furniture with a soft cloth and leather cleaner.

Tip: While vacuuming, check for cracks or gaps around doors and windows. Seal them with weatherstripping, caulk or insulating foam.

Clean floors are the foundation of a tidy home. Start by wiping down baseboards and corners.

• Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly, then use a carpet cleaner to remove stains and refresh fibers.
• Sweep hardwood and tile floors. Vacuum on the bare floor setting.
• Use a cleaner designed for your floor type to remove grime, then polish for shine.
• Wash or vacuum rugs and mats to remove dirt and allergens.

Turn off and unplug devices before cleaning for safety.

• Dust computer screens and TVs with a microfiber cloth and use ammonia-free wipes or a lightly dampened cloth for smudges. Avoid spraying liquids directly onto screens.
• Use compressed air for laptop vents and ports and clean with a 50/50 isopropyl alcohol solution. Use cotton swabs for tight spaces and consider cleaning gels or mini vacuums for crumbs.
• Wipe phones and tablets daily with a microfiber cloth. For a deeper clean, use a toothpick for edges and an electronics wipe for surfaces. Don’t forget to clean cases and declutter files.
• Remove batteries from remote and game controllers before cleaning. Brush between buttons, wipe with a damp cloth, and use cotton swabs for stubborn dirt.
• Dust the vents and ports of gaming consoles with compressed air. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and clean the laser eye with a recommended cleaner.
• For headphones, clean earbuds with soap and water. Use rubbing alcohol for the exterior and speaker grill. Over-ear headphones can be wiped with disinfecting wipes, keeping cushions dry.

Tip: Recycle old devices, organize cables, and ensure your electronics are ready for the warmer months.

Clean air filters improve air quality and smoke alarms help keep you safe. Spring is good time to check on both.

• Check your air filters and replace them every 2-3 months. If a member of your household has allergies or you have pets, change them more often. Take your old filter with you when you shop, so you can find the right replacement.
• For safety, keep a smoke alarm inside every bedroom or sleeping area. Place one on every floor of your home, even those without sleeping areas. Install a smoke alarm in your basement.
• Check your carbon monoxide detectors every season, not just in spring.
• Keep fresh batteries in battery-operated models or replace the units as often as the manufacturer recommends, or as needed.
• Be safe and keep a carbon dioxide detector on every floor of your home.

Carbon monoxide detectors are essential for home safety.

• Check your carbon monoxide detectors at the beginning of spring and every season.
• Keep fresh batteries in battery-operated models or replace the units as often as the manufacturer recommends.
• Be safe and keep a carbon dioxide detector on every floor of your home.

Give your home’s exterior a fresh start after the wear and tear of winter.

• Clear gutters of debris and check for leaks or damage.
• Inspect the roof for missing shingles and remove moss or algae.
• Wash siding with a hose or pressure washer. Use a scrub brush and soapy water to handle stubborn stains.
• Clean windows with glass cleaner and rinse screens with a hose.
• Touch up any chipped paint on siding and trim.
• Wipe down outdoor lighting fixtures, replace bulbs and clean hardware.

Tip: Use a ladder and wear thick gloves to clean gutters manually, or remain safely on the ground and use a telescopic pole with cleaning attachments.

Don’t forget your outdoor living spaces during spring cleaning. A clean outdoor space is perfect for enjoying warmer weather.

• Sweep off patios, decks, railings and other permanent fixtures like storage boxes. Clean with a pressure washer.
• Shakeout and clean or replace outdoor rugs.
• Get any planters and fire pits ready for the season.

Clean outdoor furniture:

• For plastic or resin, scrub with soapy water and a soft brush. For wood, wipe with a damp cloth and treat with wood cleaner or oil. For metal, clean with soapy water and touch up rust spots with paint.
• Wash or spot-clean outdoor cushions and pillows. Make sure they air dry thoroughly.
• Brush debris off patio umbrellas. Hose down the fabric with soapy water and air dry. Wipe down the frame. Oil and tighten loose screws.