12 Things to Clean in Spring

Spring cleaning is a ritual that’s thousands of years old. Several ancient cultures, including the Romans, cleaned and purified their dwellings in spring as part of sacred rites. In more recent history, spring cleaning was a necessity in homes heated with coal to strip away soot that clung to walls and furnishings.

Today, spring cleaning is still an important tradition. Dust and dirt that has accumulated in hard-to-reach spots during the winter can be eradicated. Thoroughly cleaning our homes also gives us a psychological boost, as it signals the return of warmer weather.

Cleaning floors and rugs, washing windows, and dusting off furniture should be at the top of your spring-cleaning checklist. However, there are some not-so-obvious items that should also be cleaned, especially in homes where the occupants have allergies. Here are 12 items you should include in your spring-cleaning ritual.

• Under beds: Dead skin cells shed when we’re in our beds and that debris becomes airborne. An often-overlooked place that it settles is under the bed. Vacuum under the bed and along the wall behind the headboard. Also vacuum the bed frame and mattress.
• Trash cans: Even if you use plastic liners, trash cans can build up mold and mildew during the winter. Take the trash can outside and wash it completely. If that’s not possible, wet a rag or sponge to wipe out the can and then use a disinfectant spray.
• Showers and bathtubs: Wet, humid areas in bathrooms like showers and bathtubs can build up mold and mildew in the winter. Spray surfaces with white vinegar or baking soda mixed with water and scrub. An alternative cleaning solution is bleach diluted with water. Bleach should not be mixed with other household cleaners. Be sure to ventilate the area well and wear gloves to protect your hands. Avoid using commercial cleaners that may trigger allergy symptoms.
• Window check rails: In certain conditions during the winter, moisture can develop along window check rails (the horizonal piece between the upper and lower panes of glass) and create a place for mold to grow. Spray mold with white vinegar or bleach diluted with water, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a rag. For tough mold stains you may need to scrub with a brush or an old toothbrush.
• Under furniture: Move chairs, tables, and couches to vacuum under them. Don’t try to lift heavy furniture on your own—ask a family member or friend to help.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other pets that share your indoor space can be a major source of allergens and odors. Wash pet bedding, food and water bowls, and toys in hot water. For cats, wash and scrub their litter boxes. Concentrate on cleaning areas of the home that your pet frequents, like a favorite napping spot. Brush your pet’s fur—preferably outside—to remove winter buildup.
• Air vents: Heating systems run often in the winter and air flowing through them can cause dirt to build up. For forced air systems, remove vent covers and vacuum thoroughly. Don’t forget to clean returns (where air is sucked in to return to the furnace). For hot water heating systems, remove baseboard covers and vacuum fins with a brush nozzle or crevice device.
• Woodstoves and fireplaces: If you’ve used a woodstove or fireplace during the winter, remove any remaining ashes by putting them in a metal bucket with a cover. Vacuum the interior of the stove or fireplace and around the hearth and firewood storage areas. If you have allergies, return unburned wood to your outdoor wood pile to prevent any mold on it from aggravating your symptoms.
• Basements: Unfinished basements can harbor mold and mildew if moisture is present (such as water leaking in during snow melt). Use a mop or wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water. Run a dehumidifier if necessary to dry out the area. Mop floors and walls with a bleach solution to kill any mold and mildew, after making sure the basement is well-ventilated. If you are sensitive to mold or mildew, wear a respirator mask while cleaning.
• Humidifier: Many people run humidifiers during the winter to keep the air in their homes from becoming too dry. However, if humidifiers are not cleaned regularly, they can build up mineral deposits and become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. To clean a humidifier, unplug it and empty all the water. Pour one or two cups of white vinegar into the tank and base, swish it around until all the interior parts are wet, and let it stand for about 15 minutes. Empty the vinegar and use a small brush to loosen mineral deposits. Rinse with water, let dry, and then reassemble.
• Tops of baseboards: The tops of baseboards or other moulding can be a place where dust collects. Run a vacuum nozzle brush along the tops of all baseboards, including behind furniture. Also vacuum along the tops of windows.
• Ceiling fans: If your home has a ceiling fan, the top sides of the blades and motor housing can become coated in dust during the winter months when the fan is not in use. Stand on a step stool tall enough to easily reach the fan’s components and vacuum with a nozzle brush.

We hope this list helps you take your spring cleaning to the next level. Many people like to open windows during spring cleaning to let in fresh air and remove odors. However, if you have allergies you may want to skip this aspect of spring cleaning, as it can let large amounts of pollen into your home. For more allergy tips, check out our blog article on seasonal allergies.