The warmer weather and longer days of spring may inspire us to throw open our windows and admire the blossoming of new life, but they also invite a wave of allergens, pests and home maintenance worries.
“Spring maintenance is less about tackling major renovations and more about refreshing what you already have, both inside and outside your home,” said Cathy Teague, a lifestyle and home experience adviser at KB Home, a home construction company. “A few simple steps now can help prevent costly problems later and make your home feel renewed for the season ahead,” she added.
This makes spring an ideal time to reassess your cleaning habits and start new home maintenance routines. From tackling the clutter that traps dust to cleaning out your gutters, a spring clean-up can make a meaningful difference in how your home feels.
1. Wash your windows
One of the easiest ways to prep your home for spring is to clean your windows.
“Letting in more sunlight will make your home feel larger and fresher,” explained Marisol Rivera, a cleaning expert and professional organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin.
How to clean interior windows
You’ll want to start with your inside windows. Kelse Redd, owner of professional cleaning company So Fresh So Clean, recommended starting with the blinds, fully dusting and wiping them down. Then, clean out the windowsill — an oft-forgotten, but equally dusty, part of your window.
“Window tracks … bless their heart,” said Brandy Stults, owner at Broomstick Blessings, a professional home cleaning company. “If you’ve never cleaned a window track, let me paint a picture: dirt, dust, grease, dead bugs, mystery debris we don’t ask questions about. You don’t just wipe that out.”
Stults recommended vacuuming first, wiping with a paper towel, then spraying and wiping with a cleaner.
Both Stults and Redd follow the same method for cleaning window glass: wash, dry, then polish.
“I wash the windows with water and Dawn soap, then I use a squeegee,” Redd said. “After it’s dry, I go over it with Method Glass Cleaner to clean any marks or smudges.”
“Wash it. Dry it. Go back and polish/protect it,” Stults added. “That’s where people mess up — they stop too soon.”
Shopping list:
— Microfiber cloths
— All-purpose cleaner
— Squeegee
— Spray bottle
— Dawn soap
How to clean exterior windows
Once you’ve cleaned your interior windows, it’s time to break out the ladder and hit the outside ones.
Outside windows are “a whole different level of work, equipment, and time,” Stults said. They tend to get grimier than inside ones, requiring a bit more elbow grease and potentially different products. You’ll want to use paper towels instead of microfiber cloths for especially dirty jobs like this, Stults said. That makes it less likely you’ll keep wiping around all that grime you just cleaned up.
Redd starts by removing the screens, hosing windows down with water, then following her indoor window process: a quick wash with Dawn, a squeegee and another wipedown with Method Glass Cleaner.
“While you’re cleaning your windows, inspect your window screens for any tears, rust or damage and repair or replace them before you open the windows for fresh air,” Rivera recommended.
Shopping list:
— Paper towels
— Glass cleaner
— Squeegee
— Spray bottle
— Dawn soap
Kate Ellsworth, Editorial Director 10BEST and Portfolio Businesses, Self-Proclaimed Professional Stain Remover
2. Clean your HVAC system
“I recommend homeowners start with the spring maintenance tasks that improve their home’s energy efficiency, as it will help them save money,” said Bill Taylor, HVAC contractor manager at South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas.
This includes:
— Replacing or cleaning air filters: “This is especially important in the spring, as filters can have collected dust and debris from the winter months, which can force the system to work harder than it needs to,” Taylor said.
— Cleaning vents and intake registers (vent covers) on the wall, ceiling and floors: By vacuuming dust and buildup that may have collected on the register covers, you “allow conditioned air to efficiently circulate throughout the home,” Taylor added.
— Making sure the thermostat is working properly: If it isn’t, it could be a sign that your HVAC system needs professional attention.
— Protect against costly repairs with a home warranty: If you do everything right and still have problems with your HVAC unit, a home warranty can mitigate those expensive repair costs.
As the temperatures warm and heatwaves hit, the last thing you want is a broken air conditioner. A simple HVAC tune-up ensures your unit is ready to keep you cool.
Alora Bopray, Home Services Editor
3. Declutter and organize
If you’ve been avoiding that junk drawer all winter, it’s time to open her up and clean her out. Spring presents the perfect opportunity to finally go through your most cluttered spaces: pantry, garage, closets, drawers, cabinets, desks and files.
“Spring is a natural reset point,” Rivera said. “A decluttered home is much easier to maintain and clean for the rest of the year.”
Don’t try to declutter your entire house in one go, though. Eat the elephant one bite at a time, Redd recommended. Start with one dedicated space and make piles for keep, toss and donate. After you finish one room, move on to the next.
“Sort through winter coats, boots and equipment, and donate anything that was not used,” Rivera added. “Get rid of broken tools, empty boxes and anything else that has sat undisturbed for a year in your garage.”
And don’t neglect your pantry and fridge. If you haven’t cleaned those out in a few months, it’s time. Toss those stale, half-open bags of cereal and bags of old vegetables you swore you’d start eating for lunch.
Shopping list:
— Contractor trash bags
— Storage bins
— Food storage containers
— Bluetooth speaker for the jams you’ll need
Kate Ellsworth, Editorial Director 10BEST and Portfolio Businesses, Curator of Excellent Cleaning Playlists
4. Do your taxes
Spring is also tax season, which makes it a smart time to tackle one of the most important annual household tasks: filing your return and organizing your financial paperwork.
Getting your taxes done early can help reduce stress, avoid last-minute mistakes and give you more time to fix any issues, such as missing forms or incorrect personal information. It can also help you get a refund sooner if you are owed one.
If you’re someone who dreads taxes, treat it like any other spring maintenance task, and break it into smaller steps:
— Start by collecting your W-2s, 1099s, charitable donation receipts and other key documents.
— Then set aside time to file electronically, use tax software or meet with a professional if your finances are more complex.
— Once you’re done, securely store your return and supporting documents somewhere easy to access next year.
If you can’t pay what you owe, don’t ignore it. The IRS offers options such as payment plans, temporary hardship status or, in some cases, settling for less than the full amount owed.
These programs aren’t guaranteed and depend on your financial situation, but addressing the issue early can help you avoid penalties and collection actions.
You can explore these options directly through the IRS or consult with a third-party tax relief service.
TIP: For homeowners, spring is a useful time to review records for mortgage interest, property taxes, home office expenses, if applicable, and receipts for major home improvements that may be worth keeping for future tax purposes.
Roxanne Downer, Financial Services Editor
5. Check your roof for damage
As snow melts, water can seep into your home, and a damaged roof is often the entry point.
“Roof inspections are the most requested topic for spring maintenance, and for good reason,” said Darren Hudema, the director of training and technical services for PuroClean, a national home restoration company. “Roof leaks are among the leading sources of hidden structural and moisture damage in residential homes.”
The damage is not always obvious, even if you do an exterior check of your shingles, tiles and flashing.
“Many roof leaks don’t immediately show up as dripping water inside the home,” Hudema said. “Often, the first signs appear in the attic as dark stains on the roof decking or damp insulation. Catching these early can prevent significant structural damage and mold remediation.”
Ice dam damage from winter may not be visible from the ground, so if you feel unsafe climbing onto your roof, it’s best to call a professional roofer to inspect it for you.
Alora Bopray, Home Services Editor and ice dam survivor
6. Flip (or replace) your mattress
Flipping your mattress can make a big difference in your sleep health. But while it’s a pretty easy task, most of us neglect it. Mattress slackers do have an excuse, however, since some of the newer mattress-in-a-box brands aren’t designed to flip.
If you can’t actually flip your mattress (and it’s starting to show signs of wear), you’ve got two options: Rotate it or ditch it.
How to flip your mattress
If you’ve got a standard innerspring mattress, you should be able to flip it. Remove it from your bed frame, flip it upside down and slide it back on its base.
If you’ve purchased a mattress in the last decade, though, odds are you can’t flip it. Of the three modern designs — innerspring, memory foam and hybrid — only one can be flipped.
Memory foam mattresses (commonly called “mattresses in a box”) are made with very specific layers of foam, featuring the softest on top and the hardest on the bottom. Flipping this mattress would be extremely uncomfortable.
Hybrid mattresses feature an innerspring base topped with multiple layers of foam. If you flipped this mattress, your bed would be reversed and extremely hard. You’d also likely void your warranty, as it won’t cover misuse.
An innerspring mattress should be flippable unless you have a custom topping, like a pillowtop or memory foam top. These wouldn’t transfer when you flip.
How to rotate your mattress
Can’t flip your mattress? No sweat; rotate it instead. Simply turn your mattress so the bottom right is now the top left. This maneuver redistributes pressure points on your bed and keeps you from sinking into the same spot while sleeping.
Rotating can be done with memory foam, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses alike. If your bed has an adjustable base, I won’t lie to you: This will be an incredibly annoying task. You’ll have to unplug the base and remove any supports it currently has attached to your mattress. Be sure to return everything to its proper place when you’re done.
When to replace your mattress
Mattress Firm recommends replacing your mattress every five to 10 years. With modern mattresses, this number is dictated more by the signs of wear and tear than the actual passage of time.
“A mattress has reached its end-of-life when it shows visible sagging [body impressions] or no longer provides the spinal alignment necessary for restorative sleep,” said Byron Golub, senior vice president of product and merchandise at mattress maker Saatva.
If you’ve flipped or rotated your bed and you’re still feeling uncomfortable while sleeping, it’s time to invest in a new mattress.
How to extend the life of your mattress
Not ready to let go? Start by flipping or rotating your bed, and if you’re still struggling, consider a mattress topper. There are some really great ones on the market these days, a huge advancement past the egg crate toppers our parents used. As someone who professionally shops for a living, I’d recommend avoiding Amazon and Wayfair; they carry some legitimate sleep brands, but going directly to a sleep-specific retailer will get you more targeted support (and better warranties).
A new mattress base may also help breathe life back into your bed, especially if you’ve got a box spring. As with toppers, the mattress industry has significantly evolved from the days of wooden bases. A flat base (or one with tight slats) may provide far better support for your mattress, leading to a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Kate Ellsworth, Editorial Director 10BEST and Portfolio Businesses, Former Mattress Tester, and Keeper of Strong Opinions About Where and When You Should Shop
7. Clean out your gutters
“Gutters are one of the most overlooked items on a spring maintenance list, and one of the most consequential when neglected,” according to Hudema of PuroClean.
A gutter’s entire job is to move water away from your home, and “when they fail at that job, water ends up exactly where it should not be,” he said. “When gutters clog or overflow, water often ends up behind siding, inside wall cavities, or along the foundation — the kinds of problems that tend to turn into major repair calls.”
When you clean out your gutters, Hudema recommended you:
— Clear leaves and debris to prevent clogs
— Make sure gutters are still attached to fascia boards, as winter ice can pull them loose
— Ensure downspouts discharge a minimum of four to six feet from the foundation
— Look for overflow staining on siding, a clear sign of clogging or improper gutter pitch
Alora Bopray, Home Services Editor
8. Car maintenance
When winter melts away, many drivers are ready for spring, but their cars still show signs of the season’s wear and tear.
“One of the biggest things we see every spring is drivers underestimating how much winter has already put their vehicle through,” said Kyle McMahon, the vice president of operations at Valvoline Instant Oil Change.
Skipping spring maintenance can add up quickly. In fact, McMahon said that 62% of drivers have experienced a cold‑weather breakdown, a reminder of how fast minor problems can escalate if left unaddressed.
Cold temperatures, rough roads and daily stop‑and‑go driving can quietly take a toll, allowing small issues to go unnoticed even as they start to impact your car’s overall reliability.
Spring, McMahon noted, is the ideal time to reset. Here is what he recommended you prioritize:
— Check your car battery, as extreme winter temperatures can push it to its limit
— Replace your wiper blades
— Change your oil and top off fluids
— Inflate your tires
Maintaining proper tire pressure alone plays a major role in fuel efficiency and safety, while replacing worn wipers supports clear visibility during spring rains.
“Individually, these may seem minor,” McMahon said, “but together, they play a big role in performance, reliability and safety.” Staying ahead of routine maintenance not only helps prevent costly repairs, it ensures your vehicle is ready for everyday driving and the summer road trips ahead.
Alora Bopray, Home Services Editor
9. Spray for pests
Spring is the season of rebirth, renewal and emergence, both for your tulips and for termites. Critters crawl out from their winter hidey holes to set up camp in your yard (and sometimes your walls). Preventative action is the best way to keep those bugs out of your space, but spraying for them can eliminate any infestations you may currently have.
“Depending on the region of the U.S., ants and flies are often among the first to appear as they move indoors in search of food and water,” explained a representative from Wondercide, a natural pest control brand. “Mosquitoes follow closely behind once standing water and warmer temperatures allow them to breed. Fleas and ticks become more active as temperatures consistently stay above about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and wildlife and pets spend more time outdoors.”
According to Orkin, we are knee-deep in Swarm Season, where termites, ants and mice start emerging. If you’ve noticed spring pests in your yard, you’ve really got two options: treat it yourself or hire a professional.
Spraying your own pests
Wondercide recommends starting by pest-proofing your backyard: Get rid of standing water, keep your grass trimmed, and clear debris piles where they can set up.
“Small, repeated actions early in the season are far more effective than reacting later,” the brand said.
Wondercide recommends treating the three most common environments pests move between: home, yard and pets.
For the outdoors, look to non-toxic and chemical-free (or chemical-lite) sprays. Opt for those that are specific to the insect you’re targeting; don’t expect a wasp spray to eliminate your mosquito problem.
Indoors, opt for light traps, sticky traps, and bug catchers that can capture those who have broken in. If you think you’ve got an infestation, an exterminator may be a better option.
Shopping list:
— Garden pest spray
— Indoor pest spray
— Light trap for bugs
— Sticky trap for bugs
Hiring someone else to spray your pests
If you feel a little out of your element (or really hate bugs and don’t want to deal with them), opt for a pest control service. I use a local service that comes to my house every 2-3 months and sprays both inside and outside for me. I have a toddler and cats, so all of their indoor efforts are non-toxic, which is extremely important to me.
Pest control services like Orkin target all kinds of critters (bugs and rodents alike); brands like Terminix target multiple pests, but are your best bet for termite-specific concerns.
Kate Ellsworth, Editorial Director 10BEST and Portfolio Businesses, Homeowner Who Swears By Her Pest Control Service
10. Clean up your lawn and garden
Spring is the prime time to reset your yard and garden, starting with weeds.
With little competition from other plants, hardy weeds can spread quickly during the winter months and make outdoor spaces look neglected.
Clearing weeds early creates an immediate visual impact and sets the tone for the season ahead, said Kamili Bell Hill, founder of PlantBerd and author of “Happy Plants, Happy You.” A fast, efficient cleanup removes what she calls the “visual noise” of weeds and gives gardeners a clean canvas for planting and design.
Timing matters just as much as effort. Amy Enfield, Ph.D., a senior horticulturist at Scotts Miracle‑Gro, advises gardeners not to rush spring tasks before soil and weather are ready. When the soil is warm and dry and the last threat of frost has passed, focus on pruning, prepping and feeding your plants.
Enfield says early spring is the time to:
— Cut back dead or damaged branches
— Trim perennial grasses
— Clean up winter debris
— Prune spring‑flowering shrubs until after they bloom
— Loosen soil in garden beds
— Pull up early weeds
— Add fresh soil or compost
Spring lawn prep is also important. Matthew Koch, Ph.D., a research and development fellow at Scotts Miracle‑Gro, explains that cold weather and foot traffic can leave lawns “compacted, thin and nutrient‑depleted.”
“Addressing these issues in spring, through tasks like raking, aerating, fertilizing, and reseeding, helps restore soil health and encourages stronger root development,” Koch said. These spring tasks set your yard up for healthier, fuller growth all season long.
Alora Bopray, Home Services Editor and probably the only homeowner who finds weeding relaxing
11. Clean your carpets
“Winter is cozy, but it’s also messy!” said Andrew Schnieder, the vice president of marketing at Stanley Steemer. “Salt from boots. Slush tracked through the entryway. Wet paw prints. Closed windows and recycled air. Lingering germs from flu season that swept through the house.”
Because this mess doesn’t go away on its own. “It settles deep into carpet fibers, especially in the high-traffic paths,” Schnieder said. And, unfortunately, vacuuming isn’t enough.
“After vacuuming your carpets, it may appear that you’ve successfully sucked up all the dirt and pet hair, but this type of “clean” is surface level,” Schnieder added. “Only a true deep clean brings spring freshness all the way into your carpet.”
That’s why deep, carpet clean is what your home needs. You can clean your carpet yourself with a carpet cleaner, or you can hire a professional.
Don’t forget your rugs, Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa, a home cleaning company that cleans more than 600 homes a month. “The one thing I never see people think about or do is rotating their rugs,” he said.
“When a rug stays in one place all the time, one side gets unevenly faded, stepped on, flattened, or worn from furniture and shoes,” Knoll said. “Rotating it every few months spreads the love around and helps the rug last longer and keep it looking new.”
Alora Bopray, Home Services Editor who relies on her carpet cleaner because of the two dogs and two kids who regularly track dirt inside
12. Wardrobe swap
Put those sweaters back into storage: It’s spring, and your floral dresses can finally shine again. This is the perfect time to declutter your closet, dividing your clothes into three piles: keep, donate and store.
For winter clothing storage, an under-bed vacuum bag is a wonderful choice if you’re working with limited space.
“A seasonal refresh is less about starting over and more about realigning your wardrobe with how you want to feel,” StitchFix stylist Alexa Glew said. “As the weather shifts, so does the way we get dressed, with a natural move towards lighter fabrics, softer structure, and a more relaxed feel.”
Amanda Rivera, a professional organizer and owner of Tidy Red, a home organization company in New Jersey, said you don’t necessarily need to shop for new clothing when you clean out your closet.
“Many clients see the empty space and think they need to buy more clothes, but the space only exists because winter items are packed away,” Rivera said. “It can create the illusion that you have more room than you really do.”
But if you end up throwing out way more clothing than you anticipated (or, like me, you’ll take any opportunity you get to shop), Glew recommends simple wardrobe additions you can reuse throughout the year.
“Overall, the best spring pieces are the ones you can mix, match, and rewear — styles that can make getting dressed feel simple, but still intentional,” Glew said. “For spring, I always recommend starting with pieces that feel easy, versatile, and polished without being overdone. It’s all about building a wardrobe that works across your day. For everyday style, relaxed silhouettes are key.”
Glew recommended pieces like a relaxed linen pant or a matching set paired with a lightweight knit or classic tee. And consider wearing an easy layer, like a utility or barn jacket, which works for in-between temperatures.
Shopping list:
— Under-bed storage bags
— Vacuum storage bags
— StitchFix subscription
— Linen pants
Kate Ellsworth, Editorial Director 10BEST and Portfolio Businesses, Serial Wardrobe Refresher
13. Spring pool prep
One early-year home maintenance task that is often overlooked is your pool, and spring is the perfect time to get it ready for the short season.
“More than 40% of U.S. states have pool seasons that last less than four months … [and] many homeowners open their pools as early as March or April,” according to Dan Bennett, a pool expert for Pentair, a water technology company.
“Spring pool checks are about validating the fundamentals,” Bennett said. “Check for leaks or cracks to ensure plumbing integrity. Make sure your filter is clean and free of clogs with good pressure readings, and ensure your pumps, heaters, lights and automation systems are all powered and functioning as expected.”
Spring is also the ideal time to update your pool equipment, as well as review pool safety. “Make sure barriers, alarms, and covers are in good working order,” Bennett said.
Alora Bopray, Home Services Editor
14. Restock home safety items
Since the rest of your home is getting a spring refresh, your fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and other home safety items should, too.
“As we transition towards the warmer months of summer, homeowners should be ready for the more extreme weather events that come with it, such as wildfires, hurricanes and tornados,” said Ryan Barone, the co-founder and CEO of RentRedi, an online platform for landlords.
Barone said your home safety check should include:
— Check that fire extinguishers are working and easily accessible
— Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working
— Replace smoke and fire alarm batteries if needed
— Be sure your sump pump and backup power generators are working
— Know where your main water shut-off valve is located
— Test outdoor lighting and security systems
— Enable emergency alerts on your phone
— Review emergency plans for power outages, flooding, fires and evacuations.
Finally, make sure you check your expiration dates.
“Springtime brings out seasonal toiletries — sunscreen, aloe vera, bug spray, allergy medicine, etc.,” said Rivera of Tidy Red. “It’s also helpful to do a quick inventory before the season starts so you know what you need to replace.”
Alora Bopray, Home Services Editor and owner of all the trending home safety gadgets
Spring cleaning essentials
A spring-ready home starts with a refresh of your cleaning products. Throw out those old sponges and try out a new scent (like a fresh lemon or floral) to make your home smell brand new.
To get your spring-cleaning rolling, start with new:
— All-purpose cleaner (or white vinegar and baking soda)
— Extendable duster
— Garbage bags
— Microfiber cloths
— Scrub brushes and sponges
— Window cleaning solution
Story by Alora Bopray, Kate Tully Ellsworth and Roxanne Downer, USA Today. USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.
