This year, 8 in 10 Americans plan to participate in spring cleaning, according to Natalie D’Apolito, communications and outreach coordinator at the American Cleaning Institute. And 14% plan to clean more thoroughly than they did last year. “Spring cleaning is also a time to target areas in the home that tend to be overlooked in daily and weekly cleaning routines – in fact, the top areas Americans plan to tackle include floors/baseboards (80%), behind furniture (76%), storage spaces (75% – garage, attic, basement, shed, closets), and windows (75%),” she explains.
And if you plan to sell your home this spring, it’s the perfect time for a deep cleaning.
Although spring cleaning is an annual tradition, many Americans still struggle to both start and finish this activity, according to Thumbtack expert Morgan Olsen. A Thumbtack survey reveals:
- 67% of people feel stressed or overwhelmed by the prospect of cleaning
- 81% struggle to stay motivated during spring cleaning
- 39% of men vs 17% of women either procrastinate or skip spring cleaning
However, the survey respondents also believe that spring cleaning is an important annual ritual:
- 60% believe that deep cleaning actually boosts their mood
- 36% believe that a clean space fuels productivity
- 36% believe spring cleaning creates a more relaxing environment
Cleaning Myths To Avoid
Cleaning myths and misconceptions can nullify your cleaning efforts. These are some to avoid:
Using Abrasive Cleaning Products
According to Alessandro Gazzo at Emily’s Maids of Dallas, using abrasive cleaning products is one of the most common mistakes that he’s observed. “Dish soap, either concentrated or diluted with water, is more than enough for most surfaces,” he says. And if you want to remove odors or sanitize surfaces, Gazzo recommends vinegar or rubbing alcohol to get the job done.
Oversaturating Surfaces
If using a little water or cleaning solution works, using more would produce better results, right? Not necessarily. “Soaking your surfaces in soapy water is a bad idea as well, especially for sensitive surfaces like wood,” Gazzo says. He also advises against going overboard on your cleaning agents, since it might be harder to remove them than to clean the intended surface in the first place. “Spray the cleaner on a microfiber cloth first and spread on the surface evenly without soaking.” And, unless otherwise stated, Gazzo says you should dry the surface – or let it dry naturally.
Mixing It Up
It’s tempting to combine cleaning substances in an attempt to double or triple the cleaning power. “Mixing every cleaning product under the sun is a huge mistake – there was even a TikTok trend where people mixed over 10 cleaning products and poured them down the toilet,” Gazzo says. This is a waste of cleaning products, and more importantly, he warns that it can be a hazard as well. For example, mixing ammonia and bleach can cause respiratory problems. “I don’t recommend that you mix cleaning products unless they’re extremely mild, like baking soda or dish soap,” Gazzo says.
Neutralizing Cleaning Products
While vinegar is a popular and effective laundry softener substitute, Gazzo warns that it should not be mixed with laundry detergent in the same cycle. “Vinegar is acidic and detergent is alkaline, so they neutralize each other; only add vinegar during the final rinse cycle,” he advises.
Spring Cleaning Tips
Following these tips can create a more organized process for efficiently cleaning your home.
Declutter: Sort And Purge
Before you start cleaning, take time to declutter your home. According to Amanda Wiss, founder of NYC-based Urban Clarity, organizing is like working out: start slow and build up the muscle for it. “Start in small spaces, like a closet, and touch every single item with the intent of sorting them into piles of keep, donate, or throw away.” She says this will help you whittle down what’s most important, and what’s just causing clutter.
D’Apolito agrees that decluttering should be the first step. “Recycle old newspapers and magazines, sell those vintage shoes in the back of your closet on an online marketplace or to a consignment store, and donate items that are in good condition to your local thrift store or charity,” she says.
Storing items in containers can also help you create a neater and more efficient storage system. “Whether you want the perfect matching labelled containers or just want to use what you already have, putting your belongings in a specific place can help you sustain your organizing efforts,” Wiss says. She recommends using bins, baskets, and other storage solutions to organize seasonal items, similar items, and more – noting that when your belongings have a home, it’s easier to control clutter.
Inventory Your Cleaning Supplies
To ensure you have everything you need before you start cleaning, take inventory of your cleaning supplies. D’Apolito recommends the following:
- All-purpose spray for small, washable areas
- All-purpose powder or liquid cleaner for large washable surfaces, like floors and walls
- Abrasive cleanser to remove heavy amounts of soil in small areas
- Non-abrasive cleanser for gentle cleaning on easily scratched surfaces, including porcelain sinks and ceramic tile
- Chlorine bleach, an effective disinfectant, particularly where mold and mildew are present
- Glass cleaner
- Furniture-dusting product, such as a spray and a clean cloth, or a microfiber cloth, mitt or duster
- Toilet bowl cleaner.
- Trash bags
“You may also need to add cleaners specific to your surfaces, such as metal polishes and granite cleaners, or your personal preferences, such as wipes and special-purpose sprays,” D’Apolito says.
Decide How To Tackle Cleaning
According to the American Cleaning Institute’s 2025 Spring Cleaning survey, 58% of Americans focus on cleaning one room at a time, while others prefer to group tasks, like cleaning all of the windows at one time, or saving all of the vacuuming until the end of spring cleaning. “If cleaning one room at a time is your preference, decide on the order that you’d like to clean the rooms in,” D’Apolito says. She recommends cleaning the rooms that need the most work or get the most traffic first, so if your cleaning plans are derailed, you’ll still be proud that you’ve accomplished something.
“Work from the top of a room down, cleaning things like ceiling fan blades, walls, door frames, cabinets, light switches, desks, and counters,” De’Apolito advises. She recommends cleaning baseboards and floors last so you catch any dust that may have fallen. “Make sure you clean appliances too, like the dishwasher filter, fridge, microwave, oven, washing machine and dryer.”
When you’re cleaning the refrigerator, she recommends throwing out expired condiments and spoiled leftovers. “If you want to go the extra mile, clear all items from the fridge and wipe down the shelves and drawers.” D’Apolito also recommends vacuuming upholstered furniture and then using a fabric freshener to neutralize any odors.
Consider The Big Items
One reason people get overwhelmed during spring cleaning is that they don’t think about the big items until the last minute. D’Apolito says you should decide in advance if you need to take your curtains down and launder them. Also, what about comforters, blankets, and wrestling those bed skirts and slip covers off? And, she says you should decide if you plan to steam clean your carpet or just vacuum it? “Thinking about all of this before you actually begin cleaning will help you to feel less overwhelmed once you start.”
Get Help
Another way to avoid being overwhelmed: don’t make spring cleaning a solo project. “Enlist family members or friends to help with the promise of a yummy lunch as a thank you,” D’Apolito says. And if you have roommates, she says you can split up the tasks. “If your budget allows, you can also hire professional cleaners to take some of the work off your hands,” she recommends.
Cleaning Tips for Those with Allergies
Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), warns against using harsh chemicals with strong odors that can trigger asthma symptoms. “Be sure to clean in a well-ventilated area – opening windows and running exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.”
Dusting surfaces can help to remove dust mites and other allergens. Mendez recommends using a damp cloth or microfiber cloth to avoid stirring up dust.
“Wash bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters, in hot water (once a week) to help remove dust mites and other allergens,” Mendez says. Routinely washing your bedding can also help you create a bedroom environment that’s conducive to sleeping.
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