Our 40 Favorite Spring Cleaning Tips Ever

As the first signs of spring emerge, we're quick to create our to-do list, double-checking it, and stocking up on all the must-have supplies for a thorough spring cleaning. To ensure this year's deep clean is your most efficient yet, we've compiled a list of our all-time top spring cleaning tips.

These tricks, products, and techniques will help you save time while achieving an immaculate home. Whether your spring cleaning marathon lasts all weekend or spans several evenings after work, these hacks will make the process quicker and more effective.

Essential Spring Cleaning Tips

1. Embrace Your Cleaning Style

Some people find stress relief in cleaning, while others tend to avoid it. Understanding your cleaning style is the first step in creating a routine that works for you, rather than working against you.

Chore Dodger

If you tend to put off cleaning because you dislike it, try offering yourself rewards for completing tasks. Do harsh chemicals make you cringe? Opt for natural cleaning products infused with delightful essential oils, or create your own.

Cleaning Enthusiast

Do you find yourself cleaning whenever you have a free moment? Consistent, light cleaning is beneficial in multiple ways. It ensures a tidy, healthy home and helps you avoid overwhelming tasks that require an entire day of effort.

However, it can also create a sense of 'never being finished.' Keep a list of even the smallest tasks and check them off as you complete them. This way, you'll enjoy the satisfying 'done' feeling more often.

Furious Cleaner

You channel your frustration into cleaning, which makes your effort even more powerful. Use this surge of energy (it's a healthier option than venting at the person who upset you), but don't save all your cleaning for moments of anger. You shouldn't rely on being mad to get things done, nor should you associate cleaning with negative emotions.

2. Create Your Own All-Natural Cleaner

Whether you're aiming to reduce chemical use or need a backup for when you run out of your usual cleaner, learn how to make your own natural cleaning solutions using common ingredients from around your home. Here’s a simple recipe from Melissa Maker of Clean My Space, perfect for cleaning quartz, granite, and marble countertops, as well as appliances and sinks:

What You Will Need:

• 3/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup rubbing alcohol
• 5 to 10 drops of peppermint, lemon, or orange essential oil
• 1 squirt of natural dish soap

How to Create Your Own All-Natural Cleaner

• Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake thoroughly.
• Spray onto the surface and wipe clean with a fresh cloth.

3. Break Cleaning into Manageable Segments

Spring cleaning can sometimes feel like a marathon—but it doesn’t need to. Instead, break the tasks into manageable, high-impact chunks. Using a cleaning checklist, assign yourself two or three 10-minute tasks each day, or focus on one 30-minute task daily.

Set a timer on your phone, start cleaning, and stop once it goes off. You’ve completed what you set out to do, and it wasn’t too overwhelming. Check off the task, and you can relax until tomorrow.

4. Freshen Up Your Gym Clothes

For many, the arrival of warmer weather marks the start of spring cleaning and renewed dedication to fitness. The only challenge: How do you handle those odor-filled gym clothes?

Step 1: Rinse Immediately

Rinse your gym clothes immediately. If you're at the gym, rinse them in the locker room, bag them up, and toss them in the wash with a detergent designed for synthetic fabrics as soon as you get home.

Step 2: Soak in a Vinegar Mixture

Still smelling bad? Try soaking them in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts cold water. If that doesn't help, you might want to switch to cotton blend workout gear, which tends to release odors more effectively than synthetic fabrics.

5. Make Your Trash Less Stinky

Keep your kitchen trash can smelling fresh with these helpful tips:

Step 1: Clean Your Bin Regularly

To keep your bin fresh, take it outside regularly, hose it down thoroughly with water, spray a disinfectant, and scrub it using a microfiber cloth or sponge.

Step 2: Add Dryer Sheets

Once the bin is dry, place a couple of dryer sheets (even used ones will work) at the bottom. They will absorb any spills and help neutralize odors.

Step 3: Sprinkle With Baking Soda

Another option: Sprinkle baking soda inside your bin. Baking soda doesn’t just mask odors; it absorbs them.

6. Make Shower Cleaning a Habit

There are several simple ways to keep your shower clean with minimal effort. Here are a few strategies:

Buy a Squeegee

Keep a squeegee in the shower to make it easy to wipe down the walls after each use. It’s more effective than using a cloth, which can get soaked. Sliding the squeegee from top to bottom takes mere seconds.

Step 1: Clean as You Go

Step 2: Spritz Daily

Spray the walls with a daily shower cleaner like Method Daily Shower Spray. It breaks down soap scum and keeps the walls clean.

7. Refresh Your Stained Coffee Mugs

It’s true! Baking soda can clean almost anything—even your stained teacups and coffee mugs. (Fun fact: The Statue of Liberty was cleaned with baking soda for its centennial.) Here's how to use it to restore your drinkware:

Step 1: Combine Baking Soda and Water

Fill the mug with one part baking soda and two parts water. For a standard-sized coffee mug, that’s 1 cup of water and ½ cup of baking soda.

Step 2: Let It Soak

Baking soda needs time to work its magic, so let it sit for at least two hours or overnight. This will also help eliminate odors.

Step 3: Scrub Away the Stains

Scrub with a sponge and rinse off. Baking soda is naturally abrasive but gentle enough to be completely safe to use.

8. Dust Your Blinds in a Flash

The arrival of spring invites us to open the windows and let in more light, which also means it's time to clean the window blinds. Here are a few tips to speed up the process:

Use a Dry Dusting Cloth

A dry microfiber cloth is one of the most effective dusting tools to use as it traps dust efficiently. Avoid adding water, as it may create a messy, sticky situation.

Try Using a Blind Dusting Tool

Instead of painstakingly wiping down each individual slat, opt for a cleaning tool that can clean multiple blinds at once, like the Casabella Blinds Duster.

Remove Stubborn Dirt

Tackle tough, stuck-on dirt or stains after dusting by mixing equal parts cleaning vinegar and water. Soak a sock in the solution, slide your hand inside, and run it over the blinds' slats. Leave them open to dry completely.

9. Clean the Toilet Properly (And Without Gagging)

Cleaning the toilet is often ranked as one of the most dreaded chores. Maybe that's why so many people don't take the time to learn the best method. Here are some quick and simple tips to keep in mind when cleaning your porcelain throne:

Allow the Toilet Cleaner to Work

Spray toilet cleaner inside the bowl, ensuring the entire surface is covered up to the top. Let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes to disinfect properly. Once the time is up, scrub the bowl with a stiff bristle brush or use a toilet wand if you prefer.

Disinfect All Surfaces

While the cleaner is doing its work in the bowl, spray disinfectant on the entire toilet—seat, underside, base, and even the floor area around it. Wipe down all surfaces with paper towels and dispose of them in the trash.

Don't Forget the Tank Interior

Although the tank doesn't need to be cleaned as frequently as the rest of the toilet, it's still a good idea to inspect it occasionally for stains caused by mineral buildup. Here's how to clean the tank:

• Lift the lid and pour in 4 cups of vinegar.
• Let it sit for an hour.
• Shut off the water to the toilet and flush to drain the tank.
• Scrub the interior of the tank with a toilet brush.
• Turn the water back on and allow the tank to refill.
• Flush three times to rinse out the vinegar from the tank.

10. Clean the Oven Door

Cleaning your oven door requires a slightly different method than cleaning the rest of the oven. If your oven door's glass is covered in sauce splatters and food residue, try one of these methods:

• Debra Johnson, a cleaning expert at Merry Maids, cautions against using harsh chemical cleaners on your oven door. "To clean the inside of the oven door (including the glass) without chemicals or scratching, wet a pumice stone, scrub, and wipe it clean with a wet microfiber cloth," she advises.
• Jessica Samson, spokesperson for The Maids, also suggests a gentler cleaning approach. "Create a thick paste by mixing baking soda and water," she explains. "Apply the paste generously to the glass and leave it on for at least 20 minutes. Then, gently wipe the paste away with a microfiber cloth, rinse it thoroughly, and buff the surface dry for a spotless shine."

11. Sanitize Frequently-Touched Surfaces

High-touch surfaces are the spots in your home that people frequently come into contact with—think doorknobs, light switches, appliance handles, faucets, and TV remotes.

Regularly clean these surfaces with a microfiber cloth moistened with warm, soapy water (plain dish soap works well) or an all-purpose cleaner. If someone in your household is unwell, use a disinfectant spray or make your own disinfectant to eliminate germs.

12. Tidy Your Baseboards

Baseboards may not be the first thing you think to clean, but they should be tended to about once a month.

• Start by using a vacuum with a brush attachment or a microfiber mop to remove the initial dust layer.
• Then, wipe the baseboards down with warm water mixed with a little cleaning vinegar.
• Finish by drying them off with a microfiber cloth and passing a dryer sheet over them to help reduce future dust buildup.

13. Dust Off Ceiling Fans

Take a look up. Is there a ceiling fan in your home? It's likely due for a cleaning! If left unchecked, dust will fly around when you turn the fan on. Here’s a guide for cleaning it:

Step 1: Lay a Sheet on the Floor

Using a sheet or drop cloth will catch the dust that would otherwise require extra vacuuming afterward. Who wants to add another chore to their list once you’ve completed this one? This way, you can simply toss the cloth into the laundry when you're done.

Step 2: Set Up a Ladder

Sure, a chair can work for reaching some ceiling fans, but the safest choice is a sturdy ladder. If your ceiling fan is higher up, consider investing in a reliable ladder for better stability and safety.

Step 3: Cover Fan Blades with a Pillowcase

Place the pillowcase over the far end of the blade, then slide it toward you to gather the dust. Carefully remove it, keeping the open side sealed to trap the dust inside. Take it to the trash, shake out the dust, and repeat the process for each fan blade until they’re all clean.

Wipe Blades With a Cloth

After dusting, dip a microfiber cloth in warm, soapy water (dish soap works well) and gently wipe each fan blade. Then, use a dry cloth to wipe them clean and dry.

14. Speed Clean Your Fridge

You can deep clean your fridge in just 20 minutes. But if you're short on time, here’s the quick minimum you can do until you can tackle the task more thoroughly:

Toss Out Expired Items

Quickly assess the contents of your fridge. Check labels for expiration dates and discard any items that have gone past their prime. The USDA suggests discarding leftovers after three or four days.

Clean Up Spills

Take out any food around a spill, such as soy sauce or ketchup, and clean the area with a cloth soaked in hot water and an all-purpose cleaner. When you have more time, it’s best to clear out all items, clean the entire fridge interior (including washing the drawers with hot, soapy water in the sink).

Clean the Outside

For enameled steel, use a cloth and the same multipurpose cleaner to wipe down the fridge’s front. If your fridge is stainless steel, use a microfiber cloth dampened with distilled white vinegar or a specialized stainless steel cleaner.

15. Clean Your Shower Curtain

You can clean a shower curtain and liner without a washing machine, but if you have one, just add them to your regular laundry cycle once a month. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Load into the Washing Machine

Place the curtain and liner in the washing machine with a couple of towels and ½ cup of baking soda. Make sure this is a separate load from your other laundry.

Step 2: Add Vinegar

During the rinse cycle, add ½ cup of vinegar. It's an effective natural solution for combating mold and mildew.

Step 3: Let It Air Dry

Hang your curtain and liner to dry. While some curtains can go into the dryer, liners should always be left to air dry.

16. Declutter Your Makeup Bag

You might use your makeup bag daily, but when was the last time you gave it a clean-out? Begin by discarding old items or those you no longer use. Mascara and liquid eyeliner typically last 3-4 months, whereas eye and lip pencils can be kept for 3-5 years. Don't just throw away the old items, as some beauty products can be recycled.

17. Refresh Your Grout

Grout should be cleaned on a weekly basis, but here's how you can quickly fix up discolored grout using a grout pen:

Step 1: Shake the Pen

Shake the pen to mix the ink inside and press the tip against a paper towel or cloth to prime it.

Step 2: Trace the Grout Lines

Run the pen along the grout lines, being careful not to touch the tile. If you do accidentally go over the tile, no need to panic—simply use a cotton ball or swab to wipe it off.

Step 3: Let It Dry

Give it at least 10 minutes to dry completely.

18. Freshen Up Your Sneakers

Stinky sneakers, whether they’re yours or someone else’s, are part of life. The great thing is that many sneakers are machine washable. Simply toss them in the wash with a small amount of detergent and a cup of white vinegar, then let them air dry.

Cleaning white leather sneakers can be a bit more challenging. One method is to use a dampened Magic Eraser to wipe away dirt and grime. This also works well on the soles. Afterward, be sure to dry the shoes completely with a towel.

19. Clean Your Mattress

Laundering your sheets weekly is pretty standard, but cleaning your mattress is something that often gets overlooked. It’s a good idea to tackle this chore twice a year. Here’s a simple guide to follow:

Step 1: Vacuum

Using the hose attachment, remove any dust, debris, or loose dirt that may have built up on the surface of your mattress.

Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Lightly dust the mattress with baking soda and allow it to sit for about an hour. This helps neutralize odors and eliminate bacteria.

Step 3: Vacuum Thoroughly

Vacuum up all the baking soda (along with any remaining dirt or dust), making sure to reach into the crevices for a thorough clean. If possible, flip your mattress and repeat the process on the other side.

20. Disinfect Your Smart Phone

Yes, your smartphone is a hotspot for germs. According to a report from the National Institutes of Health, mobile phones may even serve as a ‘Trojan horse,’ potentially spreading infections during epidemics and pandemics. Let’s dive into how to clean it properly.

Step 1: Take Off the Case and Disinfect Your Phone

First, power off your phone and remove the case. Use a disinfecting wipe to gently clean all sides of the phone, including the screen. Alternatively, spray 70% isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth and wipe down the phone, but be cautious not to wet the charging port.

Step 2: Clean the Case and Reattach

Take off the case and wash it with warm water and mild dish soap. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a towel. Make sure the case is completely dry before putting it back on your phone.

21. Tidy Up Those Crumbs

Make kitchen cleaning a breeze by tackling areas you usually forget! Install a stove gap cover—like the one found in our Clever Items collection—to close that gap between your stove and counters, trapping crumbs and keeping your floors pristine.

22. Refresh Your Hairbrush

It’s an often overlooked task, but maintaining a clean hairbrush is crucial for both your scalp and hair health. This is particularly important if you regularly use dry shampoo or apply styling products that can build up in the bristles, preventing the brush from functioning effectively.

Step 1: Dislodge Hair From The Bristles

Use your fingers or a plastic comb to carefully remove the tangled hair from your brush bristles. Doing this makes it easier to detangle your hair the next time you use it.

Step 2: Clean With a Clarifying Shampoo

Grab your go-to clarifying shampoo and gently work it into the brush bristles to break down any built-up oils or product residue. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. If your brush has a wooden handle, try to keep it dry during this step.

Step 3: Let it Air Dry Overnight

After rinsing the brush clean, pat it dry with a towel and leave it upside down overnight to allow any remaining moisture to drain away from the base. By morning, your brush will be ready for another perfect hair day!

23. Clean Those Cabinets

Chances are, you already have the right supplies to give your kitchen cabinets a thorough cleaning—maybe even from within the cabinets themselves. Simply grab an empty spray bottle, fill it with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and warm water, and spray it onto your cabinets. Let it sit for a minute, then wipe away with a soft, clean cloth (we recommend microfiber). If there's stubborn grime, add a bit of dishwashing soap to your solution and repeat until your cabinets sparkle.

24. Freshen Up Your Sink with Lemon

If your kitchen sink has an unpleasant smell, you likely have a natural solution right in your fridge. Grab a lemon, peel off the rind, and stuff it into the garbage disposal. Turn it on for about 15-30 seconds, then flush out any leftover bits with cold water. In under a minute, your sink will be smelling refreshingly lemony.

25. Give Your Totes a Wash

We all have that trusty tote bag filled with all the essentials we need, but when was the last time it got a proper wash? Never? Well, now’s the time to do it. Most canvas totes are actually machine washable! Check if your bag is 100% cotton (most are) and make sure to set your washing machine to cold water to prevent shrinkage. Treat any tough stains and wash it like normal!

26. Rotate Your Reusable Bags

If your reusable grocery bags are machine washable, that's great news! Many of them are, so just toss them in the wash to clear out any debris from the bottom. If they’re not machine washable, simply fill a bowl with soapy water and wipe them down with a rag.

27. Scrub That Cutting Board

Is your plastic cutting board stained with something that just won’t come off, no matter how many times it goes through the wash? Here’s a simple trick: cut a lemon in half and rub the exposed side over the stain. For tougher stains, sprinkle a little salt or baking soda onto the area first to give it some extra scrubbing power.

28. Ketchup and Copper

If you’ve embraced the copper cookware trend and are now watching it lose its shine, don’t worry—your condiments have got you covered. Ketchup is an excellent remedy for dissolving tarnish on your copper pots and accessories. Just apply some, rub it in, and for extra stubborn spots, add a pinch of salt.

29. Wash Your Walls

To remove grime and fingerprints from your walls, use a damp microfiber sponge and gently wipe them clean. For the hard-to-reach spots near the ceiling, a microfiber mop will do the job just fine.

30. Steam Clean Your Microwave

All kinds of gunk can get stuck on the walls of your microwave. Make the cleaning process a little easier and save yourself some scrubbing by steam cleaning it. Place some sliced lemons and hot water in a microwave-proof bowl and then use the beverage setting on your microwave to get things nice and steamy in there. The steam will soften any dried-on food bits and the acid from lemons will help break them down. Let it sit in the steam for a bit without opening the door and then wipe everything down with a sponge.

31. Wash Your Makeup Brushes

We often neglect our makeup brushes because we’re so focused on the vibrant makeup, but cleaning your makeup brushes and sponges is essential—not just for flawless application but also for your skin’s health. A dirty brush can cause breakouts or irritation. The fix is simple: gather your brushes, some Dawn dish soap or brush cleaner, squirt soap into your palm (or directly onto the bristles for extra grime), gently massage, rinse with warm water, blot excess water with a towel, and lay flat to dry overnight.

32. Degunk Your Shower Head

Hard water can be tough on everything, from your skin and hair to your showerhead. To improve your shower pressure, remove calcification, and keep your showerhead clean, fill a plastic bag with equal parts white vinegar and water. Tie the bag around your showerhead, ensuring it’s fully submerged, and let it soak for at least an hour. Then, run hot water to rinse away any stubborn bits. If needed, scrub with a coarse brush or sponge to leave your showerhead sparkling.

33. Dry the Dust off Your Curtains

Keeping your heavy drapes or curtains spotless can be tricky. They collect dust, but many are made from delicate fabrics that you can’t toss in the washing machine. However, you can put them in the dryer! Gather your curtains and even decorative throw pillows, and tumble them on a low heat setting for about fifteen minutes. Add a dryer sheet to freshen them up, and just like that, the dust is gone.

34. Clean Your Air Filters

If you have an air conditioner or an air filtration system, it’s time to clean out the fuzz and debris that’s accumulated in your filters. Not only will this boost the performance of your device, but it’ll also make the air you breathe much cleaner and fresher.

35. Wash Your Washing Machine

Does your washing have a bit of...a smell? Sometimes if you don't let it dry properly after washing a load of clothes, it can start to get a bit funky in there. (Pro tip, always leave the door open after doing a load of laundry to avoid this!) If you need to give it a cleaning though, add a bit of bleach and flip to the cleaning cycle (most washers have one), and then just let it run.

36. Clean Your Broom

Your broom does all the hard work of sweeping dirt and debris from your floors, but when it's the broom’s turn to get cleaned, how do you do it? First, pull out any hair, dust, or debris caught in the bristles, then fill a bowl with warm soapy water and swish the broom around to dislodge any remaining grime. Dry it off with a cloth, then leave it to air dry overnight.

37. Rinse Your Dishwasher

If your dishwasher is starting to develop a smell from all the hard work it's doing cleaning your dishes, it's time for a proper rinse. First, scrape off any leftover food bits, then run an empty cycle with a special dishwasher cleaner like Cascade to get it back in tip-top shape.

38. Pressure Wash Your Driveway

Winter can leave its mark on your concrete driveway, with mold, mildew, oil stains, dirt, and other marks accumulating over time. A pressure washer (available for rent at places like Lowes or Home Depot) can quickly blast away the grime. It's not just for driveways – you can use it to refresh your patio furniture, sidewalks, and almost anything else. Just be cautious, though – pressure washing can become quite addictive!

39. Clean Your Coffee Maker

Even though it only filters water, your coffee maker (and tea kettle!) should still be cleaned regularly to keep your favorite beverages tasting fresh. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and run it through your coffee maker once. Then, follow it up with two cycles of just water to rinse it out. For your tea kettle, mix equal parts vinegar and water, bring it to a boil, let it sit for twenty minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

40. Dust Your Houseplants

Taking care of your houseplants goes beyond just keeping them alive. You clean your shelves, paintings, and other things around the house, so why not show some love to your plants too? Their vibrant green leaves deserve a little attention. Grab a duster or a soft cloth and gently wipe down the leaves every now and then to keep them shining and thriving.