Seasonal Cleaning Guide: What to Clean in Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter

Each season brings unique cleaning challenges and opportunities. Spring demands a deep reset after winter. Summer focuses on outdoor spaces and humidity control. Fall prepares your home for hibernation. Winter addresses dry-heat issues. This guide tells you exactly what to focus on each quarter.

1. 1

   Spring: Deep clean all windows and screens

   After winter, windows need attention inside and out. Remove screens, hose them down, and clean glass on both sides.

2. 2

   Spring: Clean behind and under all appliances

   Pull out the fridge, stove, washer, and dryer. Sweep, vacuum, and mop these hidden areas.

3. 3

   Spring: Shampoo carpets and deep clean floors

   Winter salt, mud, and dry-heat dust embed in fibers. Professional carpet cleaning and thorough mopping reset your floors.

4. 4

   Spring: Declutter closets and storage areas

   Pack away winter items, bring out warm-weather gear, and donate anything unused from the past year.

5. 5

   Summer: Focus on outdoor living spaces

   Power wash decks and patios, clean outdoor furniture, set up outdoor cooking areas, and maintain the grill.

6. 6

   Summer: Manage humidity and mold prevention

   Run dehumidifiers in basements, check bathroom caulking, clean AC drain lines, and monitor for mold in humid areas.

7. 7

   Summer: Deep clean the refrigerator

   Summer heat makes the fridge work harder. Clean coils, organize contents, and check temperature settings.

8. 8

   Summer: Clean outdoor windows and gutters

   Pollen and spring debris clog gutters. Clean them before summer storms. Wash exterior windows while you're up on the ladder.

9. 9

   Fall: Prepare heating systems

   Replace furnace filters, clean all vents, and schedule professional HVAC maintenance before cold weather.

10. 10

    Fall: Deep clean the oven before holiday cooking

    A clean oven before Thanksgiving and holiday baking prevents smoke and ensures food cooks evenly.

11. 11

    Fall: Clean and store outdoor furniture

    Wash cushion covers, clean furniture frames, and store in a dry area or cover for winter protection.

12. 12

    Fall: Clean out the garage before winter

    Organize the garage before winter forces cars and equipment inside. Sweep, toss old items, and create clear pathways.

13. 13

    Winter: Focus on indoor air quality

    Sealed homes with heating create dry, dusty air. Clean vents, replace filters monthly, and use humidifiers.

14. 14

    Winter: Deep clean entryways weekly

    Salt, mud, and snow track through entryways all winter. Clean mats, mop floors, and wipe down boot storage weekly.

15. 15

    Winter: Clean and organize pantry

    Holiday cooking depletes and disorganizes the pantry. Post-holiday is the perfect time to clean, toss expired items, and reorganize.