How to Properly Spring-Clean Your Home for the Season

Winter leaves behind more than just cold memories—it brings dust, grime, and clutter that can make your home feel stagnant. As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, it’s time to refresh your space and restore order. But without a plan, spring cleaning can feel overwhelming, leading to missed areas or rushed jobs.

At Custom Built, we understand that a clean, organized home sets the foundation for a comfortable and functional living space. With decades of experience in remodeling and home improvement, we know the importance of maintaining your home’s beauty and efficiency. A well-executed spring-cleaning routine can protect your investment, improve indoor air quality, and create a more enjoyable home environment.

This article will walk you through 10 essential steps of spring cleaning, from overlooked areas to time-saving strategies. By following these tips, you’ll ensure your home is fresh, clean, and ready for the season ahead:

1. Declutter Before You Clean
2. Deep-Clean High-Traffic Areas
3. Refresh Indoor Air Quality
4. Tackle Overlooked Areas
5. Prepare Outdoor Spaces
6. Wash and Refresh Textiles
7. Organize Closets and Storage Areas
8. Clean and Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
9. Maintain a Cleaning Routine for Year-Round Freshness
10. Refresh Your Home’s Scent

1. Declutter Before You Clean

Before you grab the mop and duster, take time to clear out unnecessary items. Clutter accumulates quickly, making it harder to clean efficiently. Reducing excess belongings not only simplifies the cleaning process but also creates a more open and inviting space:

• Sort room by room, setting aside items to donate, recycle, or toss.
• Use the "one-year rule"—if you haven’t used or worn something in a year, consider letting it go.
• Invest in storage solutions such as bins, baskets, and drawer organizers to maintain long-term organization.

2. Deep-Clean High-Traffic Areas

Certain areas of your home endure more daily wear and tear, leading to built-up dirt, dust, and germs. Kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces should be a priority during spring cleaning to maintain a hygienic and comfortable home:

• Kitchen: Clean out the fridge and pantry, degrease stovetops and backsplashes, and wipe down cabinets.
• Bathrooms: Scrub tile grout, sanitize sinks and toilets, and replace old shower liners or bath mats.
• Living Spaces: Dust furniture, wash curtains, clean baseboards, and vacuum upholstery.

3. Refresh Indoor Air Quality

After months of keeping windows shut, indoor air can feel stale and filled with allergens. Freshening up the air inside your home is crucial for creating a healthier environment:

• Replace HVAC filters to improve airflow and reduce allergens.
• Open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate throughout the house.
• Deep-clean carpets and rugs to remove dust, pet dander, and trapped debris.

4. Tackle Overlooked Areas

Many parts of your home go unnoticed during routine cleaning but can accumulate significant dust and grime over time. Giving attention to these often-overlooked areas will make a noticeable difference:

• Baseboards and Trim: Wipe down with a damp cloth or gentle cleaner.
• Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans: Remove dust and replace any burnt-out bulbs.
• Under Furniture and Appliances: Move large items to vacuum and mop underneath.

5. Prepare Outdoor Spaces

As the weather warms up, your home’s exterior deserves just as much attention as the inside. Cleaning and maintaining outdoor spaces now will make it easier to enjoy them in the months ahead:

• Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage and foundation issues.
• Power wash decks*, patios, and siding to remove built-up dirt and mildew.
• Inspect and repair windows and screens to keep insects out and let fresh air in.

*The recommended nozzle pressure for composite decks is no higher than 1,500 PSI.

6. Wash and Refresh Textiles

Soft furnishings and linens collect dust, odors, and bacteria over time. A seasonal refresh will help maintain a cleaner, cozier home:

• Wash or dry-clean curtains, pillow covers, towels, and throw blankets.
• Flip and rotate mattresses to ensure even wear and vacuum them to remove dust mites.
• Freshen up rugs and carpets with a deep clean or professional steaming.

7. Organize Closets and Storage Areas

Spring is the perfect time to swap out seasonal items and create a more efficient storage system. Well-organized closets and storage areas reduce stress and save time when looking for everyday essentials:

• Store winter gear like coats and boots in labeled bins.
• Declutter closets by donating clothes that no longer fit or haven’t been worn in the past year.
• Use shelf dividers and storage bins to keep everything neatly arranged.

8. Clean and Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

Frequently touched surfaces are hotspots for germs and bacteria. A thorough wipe-down will ensure a healthier home for your family:

• Sanitize doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls using disinfectant wipes or sprays.
• Wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters with antibacterial cleaners.
• Deep-clean appliance handles, including refrigerator, microwave, and oven doors.

9. Maintain a Cleaning Routine for Year-Round Freshness

Spring cleaning is easier when you keep up with small tasks throughout the year. Establishing a maintenance routine can prevent clutter and grime from piling up:

• Create a weekly cleaning schedule to keep tasks manageable.
• Incorporate natural cleaning products to reduce harsh chemicals in your home.
• Tidy up daily to maintain a consistently clean and organized space.

10. Refresh Your Home’s Scent

A clean home isn’t just about appearances—it should also feel fresh and inviting. Enhancing your home’s natural scent can create a calming, comfortable atmosphere:

• Use essential oils or natural diffusers with scents like lavender, citrus, or eucalyptus.
• Simmer a pot of water with lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, or herbs to create a natural, welcoming aroma.
• Place activated charcoal or baking soda in problem areas like closets or refrigerators to absorb lingering odors.

When Your Spring Clean Might Call for a Spring Remodel

Spring cleaning often reveals more than just dust and clutter—it can uncover underlying issues in your home that go beyond a simple deep clean. If you notice signs of wear and tear, outdated spaces, or inefficient layouts, it might be time to consider a remodel.

Here’s when a fresh start goes beyond cleaning and calls for an upgrade:

• Persistent Damage: If you discover cracked tiles, warped flooring, or water damage while cleaning, a simple fix may not be enough. Remodeling can address these issues at the source, preventing future repairs.
• Storage Shortages: If spring cleaning exposes a lack of functional storage, consider built-in solutions like custom cabinetry, shelving, or a full kitchen or mudroom remodel to maximize space.
• Outdated or Inefficient Spaces: Struggling to organize a cramped kitchen or outdated bathroom? A remodel can enhance functionality, making everyday routines smoother.
• Energy Efficiency Issues: Drafty windows, poor insulation, and an inefficient HVAC system can drive up utility bills. A remodel focused on energy efficiency—such as upgrading insulation or replacing windows—can improve comfort and savings.
• Structural Concerns: While deep cleaning, you may notice sagging ceilings, foundation cracks, or signs of moisture buildup. These are red flags that a home remodel or renovation may be necessary to maintain safety and stability.

If spring cleaning leaves you feeling like your home needs more than just a refresh, it may be time to take the next step. A well-planned remodel can enhance your home’s functionality, efficiency, and overall livability—turning it into a space that truly supports your lifestyle.

Next Steps to Refreshing Your Home

A thorough spring cleaning does more than freshen up your home—it protects your investment, improves air quality, and creates a more comfortable space for your family. 

By following these strategies, you can tackle every corner efficiently and avoid common mistakes that make cleaning more difficult.

At Custom Built, we know that maintaining a home is just as important as remodeling one. Our team is dedicated to helping homeowners create and care for beautiful, functional spaces that support their families’ daily lives.

If your spring refresh has you thinking about bigger changes, Custom Built is here to guide you from concept to completion. Talk to a team member to start planning your next project.

Now that you know more about how to properly spring-clean your home for the season, let’s explore how to keep your deck cool this summer, design elements that never go out of style, and deck construction terms to learn before building your outdoor living space:

• 10 Ways to Keep Your Deck Cool This Summer - Explore how to prepare your deck for warmer weather and make it an enjoyable, sun-infused outdoor living experience.
• 5 Timeless Home Design Elements That Never Go Out of Style - From neutral color palettes to natural materials, these design elements continue to elevate all home remodels.
• 11 Must-Know Construction Terms for Building Your Dream Summer Deck - Get ready to build the outdoor living space you’ve been looking for with these must-know deck construction terms.