Tips for spring cleaning your home

Spring cleaning has a way of sneaking up on us. One day, you’re cracking a window to let in fresh air; the next, you’re noticing just how much winter grime has settled into the corners of your home. 

Beyond the usual window washing and dusting, spring is the perfect time to tackle the less obvious jobs that quietly affect how your home looks, smells and functions. It may not be glamorous, but a deeper clean now can make everyday life feel lighter all season long.

Check your filters

When clothes come out of the wash smelling less than fresh, the culprit is often a dirty washing machine filter. Over time, filters can collect hair, dirt and debris that interfere with drainage and leave laundry damp or musty. Many machines have a small access panel near the bottom front, but it’s best to check your manual before opening anything. Regularly cleaning the filter can help your washer run more smoothly.

While you’re at it, take a look at other household filters that are often overlooked. The water filter in your refrigerator, the filter in your dishwasher, and the one in your range hood can all harbour odour-causing bacteria when they’re clogged. Keeping these clean — or replacing them when recommended — can improve performance and help keep your kitchen smelling fresher.

Shampoo your rugs

Rugs work hard year-round, trapping dust, dirt and whatever gets tracked in from outside. Unless you’re dealing with a delicate antique, most rugs benefit from a deep clean about once a year. Start by shaking out smaller rugs or hanging larger ones over a railing to knock loose embedded dirt. A gentle rug shampoo applied with a sponge or soft brush is usually enough to lift lingering grime.

Synthetic rugs can typically handle a thorough rinse, while wool rugs require a lighter touch, blotting away soap with clean water rather than soaking. Once cleaned, remove excess moisture with towels and allow the rug to dry completely before putting it back in place. Don’t forget to clean the floor underneath — it’s often dirtier than you expect.

Sweep and mop behind your appliances

It’s easy to forget what’s happening behind and beneath large appliances, but dust, crumbs and pet hair tend to accumulate there all year long. Pulling your stove and fridge straight out from the wall — rather than shifting them side to side — helps protect your floors while giving you access to these hidden spaces.

Once the appliances are moved, a thorough sweep and mop can make a noticeable difference. Wiping down the surrounding walls with a damp sponge helps remove splatters and grime that can build up unnoticed. Make sure everything is dry before sliding appliances back into place, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing those out-of-sight areas are finally clean.

Clean your mattress

Deep cleaning your mattress doesn’t just banish dirt, dust and dead skin (yuck)—it also extends its life. Toss all your bedding in the wash, then spot-treat any fresh stains on the mattress itself. (Remember: blot, don’t rub.) Then vacuum, using the crevice tool to reach the dirt that collects in seams or the folds of the pillowtop. 

After that, depending on the severity, spot-treat old stains with an upholstery cleaner or a mixture of dish detergent and warm water. Then sprinkle with baking soda and leave for 24 hours for maximum deodorizing. Finally, give the mattress one more vacuum, and then you’re done, until next spring, at least. 

Check on your roof

Winter weather can be tough on your roof. Snow, ice and strong winds may loosen shingles or cause subtle damage that’s easy to miss from the ground. If you’re comfortable with heights and have the proper safety equipment, a visual inspection can help spot loose, curling or damaged shingles along the edges.

It’s also worth checking soffits and fascia beneath the roofline, as well as looking for crumbling brick on the chimney or signs of water damage on interior ceilings. If climbing up isn’t for you, many professional roofers offer spring maintenance inspections.

Clean your gutters and downspouts

Many homeowners clean their gutters in the fall, but spring is just as important. Twigs, pine needles and debris can build up over winter, and when spring rain arrives, clogged gutters can lead to leaks, mould, wet basements and even pest issues.

Clearing gutters and ensuring downspouts direct water away from the foundation helps protect your home from moisture damage during the wetter months.

Inspect your windows and doors

Cracked or loose weatherstripping can allow air and moisture to seep in, reducing efficiency and potentially leading to water damage. Take time to inspect seals around windows and doors, replacing worn sections as needed.

Small tears in window or door screens can often be repaired by gently pushing metal strands back together and sealing them with a thin layer of clear nail polish or household cement. Multiple light coats may be needed, allowing each to dry before applying the next.

Scope out your basement

Basement flooding can happen at any time of year, but spring storms and melting snow increase the risk. Check for cracks or leaks in foundation walls, around basement windows and near doors, and seal any problem areas you find.

The ground around your home should slope away from the foundation to help direct water outward. If it doesn’t, adding soil near exterior walls and planting shrubs or greenery can help absorb excess moisture and improve drainage.

Refresh your lawn

As part of your spring checklist, it’s also a good time to review your home insurance policy to make sure it still reflects your needs. Changes to your property, renovations or new features around your home may mean your coverage needs updating.

Check your insurance policy

As part of your spring checklist, review your home insurance policy to see if it needs updating. 

Property Insurance is underwritten by CAA Insurance Company. Certain conditions, limitations and underwriting guidelines apply.