Spring has arrived, making it the perfect season to refresh your home. Tackle these seven often-overlooked cleaning tasks this April to prevent pest infestations and allergy flare-ups.
While you might focus on typical spring cleaning items like windows and curtains, there are specific tasks recommended for this month by cleaning professionals.
Here are their cleaning suggestions to brighten your space this spring.
7 Areas to Clean in April
1. Bedding
Update your bedding by washing and storing away heavier winter blankets.
As temperatures rise, it's time to take advantage of air-drying and wash your bed linens, pillows, and comforters, suggests Carolina Kazimierski, co-owner of a cleaning service.
She emphasizes that spring cleaning helps eliminate musty odors collected over winter. "Spring is perfect for drying items outside!" she adds.
For machine-washable items, check laundry symbols before washing, then hang them to dry on a line or drying rack like the KINGRACK Expandable Clothes Drying Rack available at Walmart. Hand-wash delicate items to avoid laundry mishaps.
After cleaning, you'll notice a fresh scent throughout your home.
Alicia Sokolowki, co-CEO of AspenClean, points out that switching to lighter bedding as April arrives makes it an ideal time to clean and store heavier items.
"Make sure everything is fully dry before storing them in breathable bags," she advises, like the SLEEPING LAMB Extra Large Blanket Storage Bag from Amazon. Vacuum storage bags from Walmart are also great for space-saving and keeping items smelling fresh.
Don't forget to wash your pet's bedding, too! It's essential for neutralizing odors as the weather warms up.
All prices correct at time of publication.
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This gentle detergent effectively cleans bedding without irritating skin, tackling 100% of stains.
Holds up to 30 garments
This sturdy drying rack collapses for easy storage, perfect for keeping clothes secure outdoors.
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This retractable clothesline extends effortlessly up to 13.9 feet and retracts with a single touch.
2. Refrigerator Coils
Cleaning your refrigerator coils this April can enhance energy efficiency during warmer months.
Cleaning expert Karina Toner emphasizes that now is a great time to tackle your fridge coils to improve efficiency. Keeping them clean allows your fridge to run cooler and saves on energy bills.
Unplug the fridge, then find the coils behind or underneath. Use a vacuum attachment or coil brush to clear away dust.
For hard-to-reach areas, use compressed air like the Office Depot Cleaning Duster from Amazon to gently dislodge dust, and have a vacuum ready to clean up any debris.
This Vanitek Dryer Vent Cleaner also helps clear lint from dryer vents and refrigerator coils, reducing fire hazards.
3. Trash Cans and Recycling
Cleaning trash bins now helps prevent pests and lingering odors.
Cleaning expert Will Cotter states that pests are drawn to leftover food and spills, making it crucial to clean trash cans to avoid infestations.
Take your cans outside, rinse with a garden hose, and use a mixture of Dawn Ultra Dish Soap available at Walmart mixed with hydrogen peroxide to disinfect. Rinse thoroughly.
For stainless steel bins, rinse with hot water to sanitize. Consider double-bagging for added protection.
For compost bins, utilize old newspapers or paper towels as liners to absorb moisture, simplifying future cleanups.
Safe on most surfaces
These flexible scrubbing sponges are durable yet gentle, made from 100% recycled plastic.
13 gallon bags
These strong trash bags have a reliable drawstring closure, offering excellent puncture resistance.
Plant-based formula
This dish soap effectively tackles grease and grime while being environmentally friendly.
4. Floors
Deep clean entryways and high-traffic areas to remove stubborn winter dirt.
Cleaning your floors is essential for a thorough spring refresh, according to Jessica Ek from the American Cleaning Institute.
Start with vacuuming or sweeping to eliminate dirt and crumbs, then mop using an appropriate cleaning solution. For hardwood floors, apply a specialized wood cleaner or polish for a fresh finish.
Focus on areas that connect to the outdoors, as they often accumulate dirt and moisture.
Lightweight
This broom effectively captures dust and debris, making cleaning a breeze.
Machine washable head
This mop system eliminates 99% of bacteria with just water, suitable for a variety of hard surfaces.
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This wood cleaner is easy to use, needing no rinsing, and leaves a delightful almond scent.
5. Carpets
Deep clean carpets to eliminate winter dirt and dust mites.
Karina suggests that April is perfect for cleaning carpets and upholstery due to the accumulated dirt and moisture from winter.
Deep cleaning helps remove allergens and refresh your living spaces.
Consider steam cleaning or using baking soda, or an effective enzyme cleaner like Nature's Miracle Stain Remover available at Walmart.
This carpet shampoo effectively removes old and new stains with its professional-grade formula.
6. Garbage Disposal
Clean your garbage disposal to eliminate unpleasant kitchen odors.
Jon Riding notes that warmer weather can worsen any lingering odors from your garbage disposal, making this cleaning task essential.
To freshen it up, toss in citrus peels and ice cubes, running cold water afterward. Follow up with baking soda and vinegar for natural deodorizing.
We suggest using ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda from Walmart for this task.
7. Behind Furniture
Don't forget to clean behind and under furniture to prevent dust accumulation.
Lastly, move furniture and clean the areas beneath to reduce dust that can trigger seasonal allergies, advises Jessica Ek.
"When was the last time you cleaned behind your furniture?" she asks, highlighting that dust can accumulate and worsen allergy symptoms.
For these hard-to-reach spaces, vacuum attachments and extendable dusters can be incredibly useful.
This extendable duster is designed to trap dust effectively, making cleaning a little easier.
Meet the Experts
Alicia has over 17 years of experience in cleaning, focusing on healthy and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cleaning products.
Karina has contributed to various publications, offering expertise on monthly cleaning tasks.
Carolina leads a well-regarded cleaning service, known for its outstanding reputation in Chicago.
Will's cleaning service provides various cleaning options, from regular housekeeping to move-in/out services.
Jessica advocates for health and environmental safety in cleaning practices.
Jon specializes in eco-friendly cleaning solutions, helping clients achieve a healthier home.
FAQs
When is the best time for spring cleaning?
After creating your spring cleaning checklist, wait for warmer weather and longer days. Tackle tasks throughout March, April, and May before summer arrives.
