Spring is Around the Corner: Spring Cleaning Tips

The arrival of a new season is just around the corner, bringing with it promises of renewal, growth, and a fresh start—making it the perfect time to dive into your home spring cleaning. A thorough refresh not only creates a more inviting and organized space but also helps clear out clutter and dust accumulated over the past months. Plus, if you’re considering listing your home in the near future, a clean and well-maintained space can significantly enhance its appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers and potentially increasing its perceived value. Here are some things to look for as you start your cleaning project:

Don’t Overlook Outdoor Spaces
Spring cleaning often begins indoors, but don’t overlook the impact of a well-maintained patio or backyard. A tidy and refreshed outdoor space can enhance the overall feel of your home, creating a more inviting view from your windows and making your living space feel brighter and more open. Start by mowing the lawn and trimming any overgrown bushes to keep the area looking neat. If you have a garden, take the time to remove weeds, refresh the soil, and consider adding seasonal flowers to infuse more color and vibrancy. Small decorative touches, such as fairy lights, lanterns, or even updating your existing outdoor lighting, can elevate the ambiance and make your backyard a cozy retreat for the warmer months ahead.

Cleaning the Living Spaces
The next challenge is tackling the rooms where you spend the most time—living rooms, bedrooms, lofts, and home offices. The best approach is to clean one room at a time, ensuring each space gets the attention it needs. Carrying boxes or baskets as you go can help organize items that need to be stored, relocated, or donated, making the decluttering process more efficient. Once you’ve cleared smaller items, consider deep cleaning your floors—shampoo carpets to remove built-up dirt and stains or refresh wooden floors to restore their shine. Don’t forget to clean often-overlooked areas, such as behind the TV, under sofas, and beneath other furniture, where dust and debris tend to accumulate. A thorough deep clean will leave your most-used spaces feeling fresher and more inviting.

Kitchens and Dining Rooms
The next area to focus on is the kitchen and dining spaces. While these areas are typically kept clean, spring cleaning is a great time to go beyond the usual routine. Declutter your pantry, organize kitchen cabinets and drawers, and check for food scraps or dust that may have accumulated in the gaps around your stove, dishwasher, or refrigerator. Don’t forget to vacuum underneath and behind your fridge as well.
For your dining room, consider giving the space a fresh, seasonal update. Wipe down the dining table, clean or dust the chairs, and explore new décor ideas to bring in a refreshing spring vibe. Small changes, like a bright table runner or fresh flowers, can make a big difference.

Bathroom, Tiles and More
Even though bathrooms are regularly cleaned, they can still benefit from a deep refresh during your spring cleaning routine. If you have tiled surfaces, take time to scrub the grout and remove any buildup. Water spots can accumulate on mirrors, so giving them a good wipe and polish will help restore their shine.
Replace any worn-out bath mats and shower curtains, and wash and dry any liners currently in use. If you’re preparing your home for sale, remember that bathrooms are a key focus during open houses and inspections. Upgrading outdated fixtures or appliances now could make a big difference in both appearance and value.

Let in the Spring Air
As warmer weather sets in, it’s a great time to let fresh air flow through your home—without leaving your doors and windows wide open. This is the perfect opportunity to clean and, if necessary, replace your window and door screens. The tracks where screen doors slide often go unnoticed, accumulating dust, dirt, mold, and other debris over time. Giving them a thorough cleaning can improve functionality and air quality. Additionally, don’t forget to reapply bug repellent to keep pesky critters from sneaking into your home.

Other Areas to Consider
As you work through both the interior and exterior of your home for your spring cleaning project, here are a few important areas not to overlook:

• Gutter Maintenance: After a season of rain, snow, and ice, ensuring your roof’s drainage system is in top condition is essential. Clear out any debris that may have built up over the winter to prevent potential water damage or blockages.
• Exterior Paint: If you’re preparing to sell your home, a fresh coat of paint can make a significant difference in enhancing its overall appearance. While a full repaint may not be necessary, touching up doors, window frames, or even a small room can help freshen up your space and give it a cleaner, more inviting feel.
• Safety Inspections: As you check off tasks on your spring cleaning list, take the time to inspect and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you have a security system, such as cameras or alarms, ensure they are fully charged, properly synced, and functioning as they should.

While the checklist may seem long, the effort will pay off—not only in creating a cleaner, more organized home but also as a great family bonding activity. Plus, if you plan to sell your home in the future, regular maintenance and improvements can help increase its value over time.

_{^{Original Article by Kimberly Quevedo of Blue Matter}}