Tis the season to start spring cleaning. To help you with your spring cleaning journey, I’d like to share some of the best spring cleaning tips I’ve learned over the years, along with my ultimate, free printable spring cleaning checklist.
Table of Contents
What is considered spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning is a thorough cleaning of your home or living space. Tackling cleaning tasks and projects on a deeper level that may only need to be done once a year or seasonally. Examples include cleaning windows both inside and outside, cleaning baseboards, dusting high-up light fixtures and walls, cleaning appliances, and shampooing carpets, among other tasks. This undertaking is typically done in the spring, which is why it is often referred to as spring cleaning.
What is the best month for spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning typically occurs in the spring, so March, April, and May are considered ideal months for spring cleaning. Spring technically starts on March 20th, so most people aim to do their spring cleaning around that time.
What are the benefits of spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning has many benefits. For instance, research has demonstrated that maintaining a clean home can have a profound impact on one’s mood and overall well-being. Having a clean house is also shown to boost focus and productivity. Spring cleaning, when done with non-toxic cleaning supplies, can also improve the health of you and your family. Spring cleaning helps to limit dust and dander before allergy season in the spring. It’s also a great way to refresh and reset your life!
*This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Spring Cleaning Tips:
Tip #1 Get Spring Cleaning in Your Calendar
This is an often overlooked tip when it comes to spring cleaning. However, getting it on your calendar is a crucial step in completing it. First, estimate how long you believe your spring cleaning will take (note: it will likely take longer than you think). When estimating how long it will take, also consider any help you will have.
Once you have an estimate of how long it will take, determine how many hours you can dedicate to spring cleaning each day. Once you have determined the number of days, figure out how many days spring cleaning will take you and mark the days you will be doing spring cleaning in your calendar. You may also want to block out the hours you will be doing the spring cleaning tasks.
For example, I have realized that I can complete three to four hours of spring cleaning in a day without exhausting myself completely. Because of that, I need five days of spring cleaning to accomplish all my tasks. I tend to block those days in my calendar at the beginning of the year and add an extra day in case I need it. I can always modify the days later if needed.
Tip #2 Declutter First
Before you start your official spring cleaning tasks, it’s essential to remove any unnecessary clutter from your home. By removing any unnecessary items, the cleaning tasks will be less daunting. It will also help your spring cleaning efforts to extend far beyond just springtime, as the less you own, the easier it is to clean.
Here are some tips for decluttering your space.
Tip #3 Use a Spring Cleaning Checklist
Before you start the spring cleaning process, you will want to clarify what items you need to address. A spring cleaning checklist is the best way to do this, as it not only serves as a clear reminder of what to clean but also allows you to check off the cleaning tasks as you complete them, adding to your sense of accomplishment.
You can get FREE instant access to the spring cleaning checklist I created by providing your info below.
If this checklist doesn’t meet all your needs, you can always use it as a reference point and easily create your own.
Ensure you have your checklist ready before starting your spring cleaning. Using a clipboard is also helpful!
Tip #4 Use Safe and Effective Cleaning Products
I want to emphasize this point strongly. Many conventional cleaning products on the market are detrimental to your health and that of your family.
There is no reason to use conventional cleaning products when you can make safe, easy, and effective cleaning products yourself for a fraction of the cost.
When I’m spring cleaning, I tend to make a simple solution of one part white distilled vinegar to three parts water to use on all vinegar-safe surfaces, which includes pretty much everything except natural stone. It is also great at cleaning windows.
If you’re looking for an all-purpose cleaner that’s vinegar-free, perhaps you dislike the smell or want to use it on stone surfaces, such as granite countertops. I cannot recommend my DIY Vinegar-Free Rosemary Lavender All-Purpose Cleaner enough; you can find the recipe here. Seriously, people rave about it!
When it comes to safe, effective, and more potent disinfection, Hypochlorous Acid, which can be purchased or made at home, is a versatile and miraculous product with numerous uses.
If you’re looking to disinfect electronics safely, I recommend this Alcohol-Based DIY Disinfectant Spray, as alcohol dries quickly, which is crucial when cleaning electronics.
If you want to disinfect with some stain-fighting capability, hydrogen peroxide is your safest and most effective choice. You can also use it to make scum-busting homemade soft scrub, which I have a recipe for in my Easy Green Cleaning book, as well as many others that will help you eliminate all the toxic cleaning products in your home with safe and effective replacements.
No products found.
My Easy Green Cleaning book also includes many tips on how to clean things without toxic chemicals, such as your oven, without using the self-cleaning oven feature, which can be very harmful. I will also share many other great tips for spring cleaning-related tasks, such as how to refresh your mattress and other fabrics without using toxic fabric sprays. How to Deep Clean Your Washing Machine, Dishwasher, Microwave, and Even Keep Your Garbage Disposal Smelling Fresh!
Tip #5 Have Good Cleaning Tools on Hand
Good cleaning tools can help you spring clean more effectively and efficiently.
Here are some cleaning tools I can’t do without when it comes to spring cleaning:
If you are not already using microfiber cleaning cloths, consider this your sign. Besides reducing waste and paper towel costs, nothing will get your glass and surfaces cleaner and more streak-free.
No products found.
When it comes to cleaning windows both indoors and out, a good quality squeegee is a must!
No products found.
A handheld multi-surface steam cleaner has many uses, but I especially love it for busting soap scum in the shower.
No products found.
A high-reach duster with multiple attachments is a must-have for removing spider webs in the corners, cleaning higher-up windows, and dusting lighting and ceiling fans.
No products found.
I love using a microfiber spray mop for floors that I can fill with my own non-toxic cleaning solution. It makes mopping floors so much quicker and easier.
No products found.
As much as I love my Dyson Stick Vacuum, it is not enough for the deep cleaning needs of spring cleaning. I much prefer my high-powered Shark Vacuum Cleaner, which comes with multiple attachments for all my spring cleaning needs.
No products found.
I used to get my carpets professionally shampooed once a year. Even with the coupons that seemed like such a deal, by the time they were done with all the upcharges, I would find myself spending over $400 a pop. I finally decided it was worth it to invest in a carpet shampooer and do my own floors. I love this one because not only does it clean effectively, but it has an upholstery tool/hose you can hook up to it, so you won’t need to invest in a separate upholstery cleaner. Also, unlike getting your carpets professionally shampooed, you can ensure the products you use in it are safe. I like to use this Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo from Puracy. Keep in mind it is a concentrate, so you only need a little.
No products found.
Tip #6 Use A Supply Caddy or Cart
Before starting your spring cleaning, gather all the necessary cleaning products and tools and organize them in a convenient container that is easy to carry, such as a supply caddy.
No products found.
This will significantly accelerate the process. If your home is all on one level, you could even consider using a supply caddy cart that is easy to roll from room to room.
No products found.
Tip #7 Make A Spring-Cleaning Playlist
As much as I enjoy listening to audiobooks or podcasts while I clean, I must be honest with myself. Doing so makes it take much longer!
However, if I create an upbeat playlist of songs I love, I can clean that much faster and have fun while doing it!
Here are some pre-created spring cleaning playlists available on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube to help you get started!
I now save audiobooks and podcasts, which I still enjoy for doing slower, monotonous tasks like doing dishes and putting away laundry.
Tip #8 Get Help
If you have other people in your household, get them to help. You can even make a game out of it, rewarding people with points when they finish cleaning tasks or competing to see who can clean certain rooms the quickest.
If you don’t have people in your household to help but you have the budget for it, consider which cleaning tasks you can outsource to professional cleaners.
Or consider having a cleaning party with a friend or two, where you get together and take turns helping each other clean everyone’s houses.
Tip #9 Take Breaks and Nourish Yourself
Trust me, spring cleaning is a workout! You wouldn’t be out of line to cancel other workouts on spring cleaning days to conserve your energy and allow more time for your cleaning projects.
To stay motivated and avoid overexertion, set a timer for cleaning blocks that range between 45-90 minutes, with short breaks in between.
It is also a good idea not to do your cleaning on consecutive days. I have a rule: no more than two successive spring cleaning days before taking a day off.
Also, don’t forget to properly hydrate and nourish yourself during your breaks. Having quick, nutritious snacks on hand, like these energy balls, will help sustain your energy.
Tip #10 Reward Yourself for a Job Well Done!
Spring cleaning is a big undertaking and something you should be very proud of yourself for accomplishing!
Don’t forget to reward yourself for a job well done by treating yourself to a movie, ordering your favorite takeout, indulging in some self-care essentials, and/or purchasing something new for your beautiful, freshly clean home, such as linens or that new kitchen gadget you’ve been eyeing.
Conclusion Get Your Free Printable Spring Cleaning Checklist:
That wraps up my 10 best spring cleaning tips. Please let me know in the comment section below which of these tips is your favorite or if you have any other excellent spring cleaning tips of your own.
Don’t forget to download the free, printable, and customizable spring cleaning checklist to help you significantly on your spring cleaning journey!
Here are some other posts you may enjoy!
Hypochlorous Acid Uses – A Miraculous Molecule for Skin, Hygiene, Cleaning, and Health
Leave a Reply