Winter has a way of settling in—quite literally. Those months of indoor heating may have left your home feeling stuffy and dry, with forgotten clutter from the holidays hiding just behind those closet doors.
Spring cleaning is more than a chance for a reset. It’s about creating a home that feels genuinely refreshing. From swapping out heavy flannel sheets to decluttering your devices, we’ve built your complete guide to take your home from winter-weary to springtime-fresh.
1. Manage the dirt and dust buildup on your baseboards for a fresher environment.
When was the last time you cleaned your baseboards? If you can’t remember, it’s time to tackle them.
(Seriously, go grab a dust cloth.)
Baseboards collect dust, pet hair, and dirt that your HVAC system whisks into near-constant circulation. That means they’re major culprits when it comes to bad odors and poor air quality.
Start by using a handheld vacuum attachment, then wipe down with white vinegar (or Azuna’s spray) for extra freshness. When you’re finished, a natural anti-static spray (one part white vinegar to four parts water) will help repel dust and minimize future buildup.
2. Disinfect doorknobs, cabinet handles, and light switches.
Commonly touched surfaces are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. In fact, a University of Colorado study found that the average person’s hand harbors over 100 strains at any given time—so not only are you depositing those germs everywhere, so is everyone else.
To maintain a cleaner environment, wipe down high-touch surfaces with an antibacterial spray or a natural disinfectant. Regular sanitation is especially important in shared spaces like offices or apartment complex common areas.
3. Deep clean your carpet (and replace padding when necessary).
Your carpet can hold up to one pound of dirt per square inch after just a year of use. While regular vacuuming helps, it’s not enough to remove deeply embedded dirt and dander.
Treat stains and spills immediately to prevent long-term damage, and consider adding a carpet protector in high-traffic areas. We also recommend inspecting your carpet padding every year or two, as worn-out padding may release dust mites, VOCs, or allergens. Replacing that padding and re-stretching your existing carpet can refresh your space for a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
4. Organize and clean your kitchen appliances.
It’s the perfect time to tackle your refrigerator, pantry, and microwave.
Remove everything from your fridge and pantry and wipe down shelves, sides, and crisper drawers with a disinfecting spray (we’ve pinpointed six of our favorite Azuna solutions here). While everything is spread on your countertops, check those expiration dates and toss everything that’s expired or just no longer needed.
When organizing what’s left, consider using clear bins—they can help with storage and advanced meal prepping. Best of all? The whole process is economical: cleaning your fridge regularly will keep your food fresher for longer and can even save you money.
For tough microwave messes, use a simple eco-friendly steam cleaning method to loosen food particles and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
5. Change out all filters—including those in your HVAC or water purifying systems.
HVAC systems, water purifiers, and other appliances have filters that trap dust, pollen, and other particles. With constant use, filters quickly become clogged and less effective.
As a general guideline, plan to check them every three months to ensure they’re running at peak performance—and you can always consult your manual for more specific recommendations.
6. Declutter your digital devices.
Take a critical look at your phone and laptop. Those hundreds of photos of your dog taking a nap? Adorable, yes, but they’re also one of the culprits behind your device’s lagging performance. Delete old files and apps, organize your desktop and folders, and clear out your email inbox. (And consider subscribing to a cloud service to store all those photos if deleting them just feels wrong.)
For a more comprehensive cleaning checklist, just keep scrolling.
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Declutter and organize by room—including closets, cupboards, and storage areas. Divide everything into what you’re saving, what you’re donating, and what can be tossed.
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Unfurl your dust cloth. Don’t forget to tackle lesser-cleaned surfaces like walls, doors, light fixtures, and cabinets.
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Check your dryer’s lint trap and vent.
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Vacuum…well, everything. Move furniture or appliances as needed to get into neglected areas.
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Wipe down all glass surfaces like mirrors, windows, and glass-top tables with a streak-free cleaner.
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Clean your kitchen counters, sinks, handles, and fixtures, and remove fingerprints from stainless steel.
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Vacuum your mattress and flip as needed.
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Clean your showerhead to remove hard water buildup, and replace the plastic liner.
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Deep clean your appliances—this article from Better Homes and Gardens has in-depth instructions organized by item.
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Sweep and steam your hardwood floors and baseboards, and wipe down doors and doorframes with a disinfecting spray.
Make spring cleaning a little more natural with Azuna.
When choosing cleaning products, opt for ones that are effective, safe, and environmentally friendly. And, of course, there’s Azuna.
Our naturally derived tea tree oil-based products are designed to freshen your home without heavy fragrances or phthalates. Unlike traditional air fresheners, Azuna’s products eliminate odors at their source—without masking them with overpowering scents. Check out our full range of products here, and some of our best tips and tricks here.
