Memorial Day is next week — and if you haven’t tackled your spring cleaning yet, consider this your sign. A deep clean is crucial for keeping dust and other allergens at bay, and when it comes to vents and appliances, can even ward off fires. Imagine how much better it will feel having guests over (or frankly, just breathing) in a sparkling, organized space!
“Often, spring cleaning can feel overwhelming, especially when we think everything must be done in one weekend,” says Kathy Cohoon, director of operations at Two Maids. “But breaking tasks into smaller steps makes them more manageable and allows you to focus on one thing at a time. With a clear plan, the stress fades, making room for motivation and progress.”
Quick Overview
From tackling hard-to-reach areas (you may be surprised at what grime is lingering) to refreshing your mattress and upholstery (we have just the thing), here’s a spring-cleaning checklist of expert-approved tasks, plus the gear you need to get them done. Once your space sparkles, it’s time for the fun part — add some candles and other easy upgrades from these guides:
How to deep-clean your home for spring
1. Dust fans and fixtures
If you’re wondering where to begin with your spring cleaning journey, start at the top, says Paul Maielua, assistant director of rooms and housekeeping for the Thompson Savannah hotel. “One piece of advice I always give my housekeeping team is to have a cleaning plan that flows logically,” he explains. “I begin with high dusting — vent covers, ledges, and fans — then move on to shelves and furniture.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Not only does this step ensure you tackle hard-to-reach (and oft-overlooked) areas that tend to gather dust and dirt, but it prevents you from having to re-clean surfaces like counters and floors later on in the process as a result of debris falling.
Amazon
This top-rated tool from Swiffer features heavy-duty cloths that trap and lock dust particles, along with a wand that expands up to 3 feet long, so you can reach the tops of cabinets, fans — you name it.
I write about cleaning products for a living and despite having tons of products at my disposal, this is one of my go-to’s. I like to use it with a spritz of Dust & Clean for added freshness and a little fragrance.
Amazon
You can use a lint brush to easily remove dust collected on lamp shades, advises Cohoon. “This process doesn’t require you to remove the shade from the lamp and only takes a few seconds!”
This option from Suburban Merchant, available in four colors, is both compact and reusable (meaning no replacing those sticky roller sheets). I have a version at home and I also use it on sofas, clothing and beyond.
2. Clear filters and vents
Like fans and fixtures, your home’s air vents and filters are known for collecting dust, allergens and pet hair, which Robin Murphy, a cleaning professional at Maid Brigade and author of Who Likes It Dirty? says can impact air quality and force HVAC systems to work harder.”
“A clogged filter or dusty vents can lead to inefficient airflow, higher energy bills and more airborne irritants,” she explains. “Keeping them clean improves air circulation, reduces allergens and lowers energy costs.”
If you see gray dust streaks around vents, it’s a sign that your air filters are overdue for a change, says Murphy. And as a general rule, “Mark your calendar or set a reminder to replace HVAC filters seasonally or every one to two months if you have pets, allergies and/or live in a high-pollen area.”
Amazon
Murphy says compressed air bottles are great for blowing dust and debris out of particularly small or narrow areas, like radiators and baseboard heaters.
“Just point the nozzle at the area you want to clear and shoot the compressed air, knocking any particles off the appliance and into reach,” she advises. “Then you can easily wipe up or vacuum anything you knocked loose.”
Amazon
Lint buildup in your dryer can be particularly dangerous, with the potential to cause fires. To the rescue: This handy toolkit from Holikme, beloved by more than 30,000 Amazon reviewers for its convenience (the adapter is suitable for most vacuum cleaners) and efficiency (it uses the suction from your vacuum and a flexible brush to ensure you get everything.)
For such a valuable item, it’s also fairly affordable, on sale for only $10 last time we checked.
3. Vacuum curtains
Been a while since you cleaned your curtains? “You don’t have to haul out the step stool and wrestle them down every month,” says Trish Duarte, cleaning expert and owner of MaidPro franchises in Temecula and Murrieta, Calif. “My go-to trick? Vacuum them with the brush attachment once a month. It’s quick, easy and keeps the dust from piling up.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Cohoon recommends vacuuming top to bottom to ensure you get everything (FYI, here are our top vacuum picks). Follow up with some spot-cleaning if needed, or for the occasional deeper clean, toss your curtains into the laundry if they’re machine-washable.
Also, don’t forget to clean your shower curtains! Machine-wash them if you can, or spray them with a bleach solution so they don’t become a hotspot for mold and mildew.
Amazon
Duarte looks to laundry boosters (like Borax and washing soda) when vacuuming your curtains just isn’t cutting it.
Create a solution by mixing a little bit of this booster from Arm & Hammer with equal parts water for spot treatments, or sprinkle some of the booster into the washing machine for curtains and other upholstery, such as throw pillow covers, that can go in the laundry.
Amazon
When it comes to cleaning shower curtains as well as other germ-prone areas, Duarte likes hypochlorous acid for its “powerful yet gentle” formula.
“This stuff is a cleaning superhero — tough on germs but kind to surfaces. Your body even makes it to fight off infections, so it’s like bottled immunity,” she explains.
She adds that hypochlorous acid “eliminates germs effectively without harsh chemicals, works as a natural deodorizer and is non-corrosive,” ideal for sanitizing everything from “mirrors and backsplashes to showers and sinks.”
4. De-gunk faucets and disposals
“Regularly cleaning shower heads and sink faucets improves water pressure, prevents bacteria buildup and extends the life of your fixtures,” says Murphy. “Hard water deposits can clog tiny openings, reducing efficiency and even affecting water quality. Over time, biofilm and mold can also develop inside the fixture, especially in humid environments.” Luckily, a few household essentials (see below) can help clear things up.
And don’t overlook your garbage disposal. As Murphy says, “It’s a workhorse in the kitchen, but built-up grease, food particles and bacteria can create unpleasant odors and sluggish performance.”
Amazon
To naturally de-gunk shower heads and faucets, Murphy recommends filling a plastic bag with white vinegar (enough to fully submerge the fixture), then securing the bag over it with a rubber band or twist tie.
Let it soak for a few hours (or overnight for heavy buildup), then remove the bag, scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse thoroughly. “For stubborn clogs, use a toothpick or needle to clear debris,” she adds. “Finish by buffing with a microfiber towel for a streak-free shine.”
Amazon
As for de-griming your garbage disposal, Murphy says a little ice and salt can go a long way: “Pour a cup of ice cubes and a handful of rock salt into the disposal,” she advises. “Run it for 30 seconds to scrub the blades and remove debris.”
For a deeper clean, try a DIY solution using vinegar, along with some baking soda (also on this shopping list). Murphy says to sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal, then pour in 1 cup of vinegar, let it fizz for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse with hot water.
To deep-clean your disposal’s rubber splash guard, lift it up from the bottom of the sink and scrub the underside with dish soap and a toothbrush. “This area traps hidden grime and odors!” warns Murphy.
Bonus tip: “Toss in lemon or orange peels, run the disposal and follow with cold water to leave a fresh scent.”
5. Sanitize your fridge
While it’s good practice to wipe down spills and toss expired items weekly, Jonathan Shelson, owner of MaidPro franchises in Ontario, Canada, recommends doing a deep clean on your refrigerator every 3 to 4 months. “Plus, If you’ve recently had a power outage, spilled something sticky or noticed a persistent odor, it’s a good idea to clean your fridge.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Shelson recommends soaking shelves and drawers in warm soapy water and wiping them with a non-abrasive pad (we like Scrub Mommy). “Be sure to wipe down seals — the number one spot where mold grows in a fridge — plus hinges and handles. Work your way down, being mindful to use clean rags to not spread contaminants throughout the fridge,” he says.
Amazon
“Prioritize food-safe products when cleaning your fridge,” advises Thornhill. We suggest diluting some vinegar with water or opting for a non-toxic spray like this one from Mighty Mint.
No matter what you use, make sure to wear gloves when cleaning with acidic formulas. For a consistently fresh-smelling fridge, Michelle Spitzer, owner of MaidPro in Naples, Fla., says, “I also recommend keeping a box of baking soda opened inside the refrigerator to absorb any odors.”
Amazon
For another food-safe cleaning option, consider investing in a steam cleaner, which sanitizes surfaces, such as refrigerators and oven interiors, using just (really hot) water. This gadget’s lightweight, handheld design — and suite of specialty nozzles — is ideal for getting into nooks and crannies. The steam tackles crud and sticky substances at the root.
6. Deodorize your mattress
“Your mattress collects dust mites, sweat, dead skin cells, and allergens over time, affecting sleep quality and potentially triggering allergies,” says Murphy, who recommends using a handheld vacuum or vacuum attachment to remove dust, hair and debris, paying special attention to seams and edges. Then use baking soda to deodorize the mattress and spot-treat any stains (more on this below).
Some mattresses should also be rotated every 3 to 6 months to ensure even wear, she says. “A thorough spring cleaning removes built-up debris, neutralizes odors and refreshes your sleeping space, helping you rest easier and extending your mattress’s lifespan.”
Amazon
This multitasking baking soda comes in a resealable bag for keeping contents fresh and contained when not in use. “Sprinkle it over the entire mattress, let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then vacuum again to absorb odors,” Murphy advises.
Check your mattress’s manufacturer guidelines for any special care instructions, and consider a cover for added protection.
Amazon
To tackle trouble spots, Murphy says to mix hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, dab onto stains with a microfiber cloth, then blot with a dry towel. Avoid soaking the mattress.
Duarte likes this Ecos dish soap because she says it lifts grease and oils from dishes but also works on many fabrics. And we like how it’s hypoallergenic, important since you’re using it on your bed.
7. Wash floors and carpets
Time to show your floors some much-needed TLC. Duarte recommends using a gentle cleaner on hardwoods regularly and getting your carpets professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months.
Advertisement
Advertisement
If you have area rugs, try to rotate them every few months to avoid worn patches, especially under furniture, she adds. “Trust me. I saved for what seemed a lifetime for a beautiful wool area rug, and when the carpet cleaner visited, we found wear-pattern stains that never got as clean as the bright white area under the couch. Ouch!”
Amazon
For deep-cleaning hard surfaces, experts say Bona is effective and safe. “It’s a plant-based formula that is designed to be pH neutral, which means it can be used on any type of hardwood floor and won’t discolor it like some cleaning products do,” explains Danny Seo, editor-in-chief of Naturally, Danny Seo magazine and chief lifestyle contributor on The Drew Barrymore Show.
Seo also notes that Bona, which he uses on his hardwood floors at home, is free of phosphates and formaldehyde. “I like the unscented version because to me a clean room should smell like nothing. Bonus: Any watermarks on the floor are literally buffed away with this cleaner.”
More cleaning and organizing favorites
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
