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What is spring cleaning?

Spring cleaning is a chance for people to clean their homes, and it’s typically carried out once a year in the springtime.

Why do people clean in the spring?

Some people might clean in the spring as an instinctive tradition. It can symbolize a new beginning after spending so much time inside. It's also a chance for people to declutter, make more room and get rid of the dust that may have built up during the colder months. Surfaces get polished, and neglected spots finally get some care. When it's all done, the home may feel cleaner and lighter, and this may provide people with a sense of accomplishment.

As temperatures rise and pollen counts climb, some people might turn to spring cleaning as a way to help reduce allergens, although allergens aren't just a seasonal concern. People with sensitivities to dust, pet dander or mold deal with indoor allergens year-round. Some people dust surfaces and vacuum carpets to help improve indoor air quality. Cleaning the home can help remove existing allergens, and it can help also prevent new allergens from entering.

Why is spring cleaning important?

Spring cleaning is also a way to help keep germs from spreading around the home. Most of the time, household cleaners that contain soap or detergent will remove germs and dirt on surfaces. Heavy-duty disinfectants are not usually needed unless someone in the home is sick. That's when sanitizing or disinfecting products can come in handy to help kill viruses and help stop illness from spreading to the rest of the family.

Cleaning isn't just about hygiene. It's a way for people to help care for themselves and other people in the home. Even if it's just a yearly tradition, tackling areas that usually get overlooked can help give people a special sense of accomplishment.

Spring cleaning supplies checklist

During spring cleaning, it helps to know the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting — and when each is needed since they each play a different role:

• Limpiar is the first step that removes dirt, dust and surface germs using cleaners that have soap or detergent in them. People can clean high-touch surfaces like counters, floors and light switches with soap and water. (Remember that hard wood floors and some other hard surfaces may require specific cleaning products.) Soft surfaces like carpets and rugs should be cleaned with appropriate cleaning products. Removable soft items (like small rugs) can be machine-washed on a warm setting if the care label allows.
• Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on frequently used surfaces like kitchen counters, meal prepping areas and certain toys. Make sure to follow product directions for sanitizing.
• Disinfecting helps kill germs that remain on surfaces after cleaning, which is especially important when someone is sick or has a weakened immune system. Disinfectants approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or stronger bleach solutions work on high-touch spots like phones, keyboards or remote controls.

Once people are clear on the differences between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting, the next question is: What supplies are actually needed? Below is a checklist to help with cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting the home.

Indoor spring cleaning checklist

Opening windows for spring feels great - until the sneezing starts. This room-by-room checklist zeroes in on the spots where dust, pollen and pet dander may build up.

Cleaning living rooms

As the heart of most homes, living rooms are high-traffic areas that may trap dust, pollen and other allergens, potentially triggering sneezing and congestion. Spring cleaning can help to reset the spaces for the warmer months.

Here’s how to help keep living rooms refreshed and clean:

• Replacing air filters. Households can replace air filters based on product directions. If a household has an air conditioner, it is recommended that it be turned on with the windows kept closed during pollen season.
• Cleaning surfaces. People can use damp cloths on coffee tables, shelves, base boards and ceiling fans to help remove accumulated dust.
• Sorting winter clutter. People can make piles of papers, extra blankets and other items to help them decide whether to donate unused items, throw away items or store things in sealed plastic bins with clear labels.
• Storing winter décor. Holiday decorations can be placed in sealed bins with moisture absorbers. It can be helpful to wrap delicate pieces in acid-free tissue and label them clearly for easier access next winter.
• Vacuuming. Vacuum up hidden dust using a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter vacuum.

 Cleaning bedrooms

Adults likely spend a good amount of time in their bedrooms, especially considering that they should get at least seven hours of sleep each night. The allergens that build up in bedrooms - like dust mites - often hide in unwashed bed pillowcases and sheets, and these bedroom allergens may trigger symptoms like sneezing and congestion.

Here’s how to help clean and refresh bedrooms for spring:

• Cleaning mirrors and windows. Spraying the cleaner first onto a paper towel and then wiping the glass surfaces helps protect frames and pictures from too much spray.
• Cleaning out closets. It might be a good idea to wash winter jackets, sweaters, scarves or gloves before storing them. Any outgrown winter clothing could be donated, so that people can organize their spring wardrobe.
• Dusting. All surfaces that collected winter buildup should get some attention: dressers, nightstands, closet shelves, ceiling fans and lights.
• Vacuuming. Vacuuming can help remove soil, food and some allergens from carpets, area rugs, mattresses and upholstered furniture.
• Washing seasonal bedding and curtains. Sheets, comforters, blankets and mattress pads should be washed in hot water before storing or rotating out heavier items. If a washing machine is available, comforters and mattress pads can be put on a gentle setting. Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bedcovers in hot water that is at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help kill dust mites and remove allergens.

Cleaning bathrooms

After winter, bathrooms may need a spring cleaning to help tackle built-up mold and mildew. The warm, damp environment can allow mold and mildew to grow and release airborne spores.

Here’s how to achieve a fresh bathroom for the season ahead:

• Checking faucets, showerheads or pipes. Leaks may have developed over the wintertime. Cracks and seepage may cause mold growth.
• Cleaning showers. Shower liners and bathmats may have accumulated moisture during the winter, so it may be a good time to wash them.
• Deep cleaning. Window frames and sills can be cleaned with chlorine bleach solution to remove winter condensation and mold.
• Running exhaust fans during and after showers. This helps reduce moisture while taking baths or showers.
• Scrubbing. Grout, tiles, shower walls and tubs should get a thorough spring cleaning with soap and water or disinfectant (like an antibacterial cleaner).

Cleaning kitchens

Spring is the ideal time to clean the kitchen after months of holiday cooking. This high-use area combines moisture and food residue, which could potentially lead to mold growth and attract pests - especially cockroaches, which thrive on cooking grease, crumbs and standing water.

Here’s how to give the kitchen a seasonal refresh:

• Checking for wall cracks. If pests enter through the walls or cabinets, it’s a good idea to spot these areas before it becomes a concern.
• Checking plumbing issues. People might check the sinks and around appliances for leaks. Anything cracked or torn should be fixed.
• Cleaning the fridge. Households should consider emptying and disinfecting drip pans, discarding expired or moldy food, cleaning walls and shelves, wiping interior moisture and cleaning rubber door stripping.
• Cleaning the pantry. Some ways to get started might be throwing away expired items from winter, wiping down all shelves or reorganizing. Kitchen items featuring seasonal designs could go in an open shelf spot.
• Deep cleaning. Winter grease and dust buildup accumulated from months of cooking should be wiped from hood and exhaust fans. Kitchen appliances, like the fridge and stove, should be pulled out and cleaned from behind and under them. People can also consider cleaning utensil drawers, cupboard exteriors and garbage disposal.
• Mopping floors. People can also scrub and wash kitchen rugs, curtains and dishcloths.
• Swapping seasonal decorations. People could pack away winter mugs, plates and holiday kitchen linens to make room for a new spring collection. Spring items could be light curtains, pastel accents and floral arrangements.

Cleaning basements

Basements may suffer the most from winter moisture and poor ventilation. They are typically damp and dusty - perfect conditions for mold and mildew buildup. Spring is a good time to check for winter damage, control humidity before summer and prepare storage areas.

These steps can help control moisture and keep musty odors at bay:

• Checking and cleaning dehumidifiers. People can keep them running to help control spring humidity and reduce moisture.
• Checking winter water damage. People can inspect walls, floors and pipes to look for leaks, condensation or water stains. They can also check for freeze and thaw damage. If there are any damp areas, fans or ventilation might help dry some of these spots.
• Cleaning basement carpets. Spring can be a good time to clean basement carpets. They can also help clean them by using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter.
• Cleaning out basement storage. People might start by taking away some winter clutter, discarding broken seasonal items or reorganizing storage areas.
• Preparing winter storage. If people are storing winter items in the basement, they can add silica gel packets or moisture absorbers bins to help prevent mold during humid months ahead.

Outdoor spring cleaning tips

In spring, people may want to spend more time outdoors, but that may mean more allergens that may trigger sneezing, itchy eyes and asthma symptoms. Common outdoor triggers include:

• Biting bugs like mosquitos and ticks
• House pests like roaches and tiny dust mites
• Pet fur, drool and urine
• Pollen
• Stinging bugs like bees, wasps and fire ants

Outdoor spring cleaning can help protect people from these allergens. Here's tips on how to stay safe outside:

• Avoiding poison ivy. People can find poison ivy by spotting three-leaf clusters outside. Wearing long pants and sleeves when working near wooded areas, fences or garden edges can help avoid touching the leaves.
• Checking for pests in common hiding spots. Pests may be in tall grass, woodpiles, dead leaves, wall crevices, damp areas, mulch and soil. While most pests aren't major concerns, it's important to control mosquitoes carefully as they can potentially spread disease.
• Staying inside while pollen counts are high. If outdoor activities are a must, wearing a mask creates a protective barrier against allergens during tasks like mowing, gardening or cleaning gutters and sheds.
• Taking allergy medication before going outside during pollen season. Allergy medications can help reduce symptoms when taken before exposure to allergens like pollen. Taking them ahead of time, such as before going outdoors, can help lower symptoms before they start. Always talk to a health care provider before starting or stopping any medications.

Cleaning activities might take a long time outside, which is why it’s also important that people help protect their skin from the sun. Wearing broad-spectrum, water-resistant protector solar with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, sunglasses and a hat while working outdoors helps reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, even on cloudy or breezy days.

Consideraciones clave

Spring cleaning is more than just throwing things away. It helps make homes cleaner and more organized, inside and outside. Cleaning can also help get rid of germs and may help reduce allergens, so people can reduce their exposure during allergy season. By having the right supplies, people can help make cleaning easier.