Pressure Washing
Head outside to mark the first item off your spring clean checklist -- and this project is the most satisfying of all. Mold, dirt and grime build up over the winter months. Pressure washing is the quickest and easiest way to have your outdoor spaces clean and sparkling in no time. Here are some spots we recommend pressure washing in the spring:
- Driveways and sidewalks
- Porches, decks and patios
- Home exterior
- Fences
How to Choose a Pressure Washer
How to Pressure Wash Trucks, Cars and Boats
Wash a Deck or Fence With a Pressure Washer
Cleaning the Grill
Before you fire up the grill for the season, add a good scrub to your spring cleaning list. Rags, paper towels, a wire brush, cooking oil and some cleaning supplies will ensure your grill is safe to operate to prepare the tastiest of meals for your friends and family. Follow our step-by-step directions on how to clean and maintain your grill and keep your grill cover looking its best.
Cleaning the Windows
Snow, ice, dirt, cobwebs and grime collect over the winter, clouding up your windows. For a fresh and clean view inside and out, it’s time to wash them. With a few simple tools and cleaners, you’ll have streak-free windows that’ll allow for maximum natural light. And don’t forget your window treatments like blinds and shades that need to be cleaned also.
Cleaning the Gutters
Leaves, twigs, sticks and debris can clog your gutters over the cold winter months. Spring is the right time to clean them out and do any repairs that are needed before April showers and summer storms. To prevent future biannual cleanings, consider installing gutter guards and screens.
Yard Cleanup
You may wonder when to do spring yard cleanup. In certain areas of the country, it may be too cold to seed yet, but all yards can benefit from a good sprucing up. First, pick up sticks and debris. Then, dethatch the lawn using a rake or a machine-powered tool. This isn’t something that has to be done every year. It’s also important to aerate when needed to allow water, air and nutrients to get to your lawn, as well as break up compacted soil.. When all that’s done, it’s time to fertilize and spread grass seed.
Getting Your Lawn Ready for Spring
Remove and Prevent Lawn Thatch
How to Aerate Lawns to Grow Grass Fast
Other Exterior Maintenance
Here are some other spring cleaning ideas you should tackle before summertime:
- Do maintenance on snow blowers and winter equipment before putting them away for the season.
- Wash outdoor rugs, umbrellas, pillows and exterior curtains.
- Scrub and wash down patio furniture. Choose a cleaner that works best with your type of metal, wood or plastic outdoor furniture.
- Clean light fixtures and replace light bulbs if needed
- Check on landscape lights and make any repairs.
How to Clean Outdoor Cushions & Patio Furniture
Deep Cleaning
Now that you’ve tackled the exterior of your home, it’s time to go inside. A good interior spring-cleaning will remove the dust, dirt and cobwebs that have accumulated. Here are a few areas we recommend marking off your deep spring cleaning checklist:
- Shampoo your carpets. You can rent carpet cleaners at Lowe’s.
- Run a cleaning cycle for your washer. Clean the lint trap for your dryer.
- Deep-clean your oven.
- Sanitize your dishwasher.
- Clean small appliances (microwaves and toasters).
- Wipe down door knobs and switch plates.
- Wipe down cabinets in your kitchen and bathrooms.
- Wash curtains and duvets.
- Wash the mattress cover and rotate your mattress.
- Scrub bathroom tubs, toilets, sinks and mirrors.
How to Clean a Washing Machine
Cleaning Refrigerators: Try These Easy Fridge-Cleaning Tips
How to Clean Granite Countertops
Vacuuming
A good vacuum with attachments and a handheld vacuum will help you get your house clean and tidy. Here are some spring cleaning items not to be missed:
- Carpet and wood floors
- Window frames and sills
- Baseboards
- Fridge coils
- Under the bed and furniture
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Couches, chairs and other pieces of upholstered furniture
Tips for Vacuuming Carpet the Right Way
How to Clean and Maintain Laminate Flooring
How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring
How to Deep Clean Hardwood Floors
Dusting
The spring sun is streaming through the windows, and you’re seeing dust balls and cobwebs you haven’t noticed before. With a few tools, you’ll be dust free. Here are some areas to focus on:
- Shelves, pictures and knickknacks
- Ceiling fans
- Furniture
- Top of the fridge and kitchen cabinets
- Light fixtures and switches
- Blinds
- Electronics
How to Reduce Allergens In Your Home
Decluttering and Organizing
There are spring cleaning services that you can hire to get your home decluttered and organized. But with these spring house cleaning tips, we'll show you how to easily do it yourself in no time.
- Empty out your coat closet. Donate any coats, scarves and gloves that you aren’t using. Organize the space by labeling baskets or bins for hats and winter gear.
- As you switch out your closet from winter to summer, donate or sell any shoes, clothing or accessories you no longer use. Get tips and tricks for installing a closet kit and organizing your space.
- Declutter bathroom medicine cabinets and vanities. Discard any expired items and use acrylic bins to organize hair tools, makeup, medicine and more.
- Change out kitchen shelf liners if they’re torn or worn. Donate old appliances or gadgets and throw away expired food and spices. If you’d like to organize your kitchen or pantry, read this easy how-to article. This is also a good time to clean out the fridge.
- Last but not least, don’t forget the garage. Sweep and wash the floor. Discard unused or worn items. It’s also a good time to organize using durable shelving, large plastic bins and hangers for sports equipment. For tips and tricks, read Garage Storage and Organization Ideas.
How to Organize Your Laundry Room
How to Organize Your Linen Closet
Roll-Out Under-Bed Shoe Storage
Test the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change out if needed.