4 Ways to Jump Start Your Spring Cleaning: Beginner Tips!

Spring is coming, and you know what that means — time to freshen things up. Here are 4 ways to jump start your spring cleaning that are doable.

We’re all busy, and the thought of spring cleaning can feel overwhelming. The trick is to start small, build momentum, and let yourself keep going if you hit a rhythm.

Here are a few tasks to jump start your spring cleaning without burning yourself out.

1. Clean Up the Fireplace Area

If you’ve been burning wood all winter, now’s the time to tackle that mess. Start by cleaning the glass naturally using some of the leftover ashes. A natural cleaner and some paper towels or a scraper will help get rid of the buildup.

Dump the ashes, vacuum the area, and dust around the mantle. Don’t forget to straighten up the wood pile or kindling area while you’re at it. This is a good time to give it a thorough cleaning since you won’t be using it until next season. 

2. Wipe Down Doors and Baseboards

This one makes a big difference but often gets overlooked. Grab a damp cloth and wipe down all the baseboards and door frames. Make a mental note about doing some touch-up painting later on if you think they need it.  

You don’t need a ton of fancy cleaning products. They just end up in the back our your bathroom cabinets anyhow. 

Mix a capful of Murphy’s Oil Soap with a gallon of water. It’s a great natural product that I highly recommend. 

Rinse your cloth often as you go. Hit every baseboard, even behind furniture, and wipe down doors from top to bottom. 

3. Vacuum Those Hidden Edges

You know those spots where the vacuum never quite reaches? Grab a shop vac or a vacuum with an edging attachment and hit all those corners and edges along the walls.

Dust and crumbs collect there over time, and clearing them out makes your whole space feel fresher. This is a great time to clean out any hidden treasures lurking under beds! 

4. Wipe Down Kitchen Cabinets

Use that same Murphy’s Oil Soap mixture and a good cleaning cloth (I love Norwex for this). Wipe down all the cabinet doors, handles, and those spots where fingerprints tend to gather.

If you’re feeling extra motivated, empty a cabinet or two and clean the inside as well. While you’re at it, check for any dishes or gadgets you never use and set them aside for donation.

Bonus Tip: Declutter 10 Things

While you’re cleaning, challenge yourself to find 10 items to get rid of. It could be clothing, kitchen utensils, decor, or random stuff from the garage. Toss them in a bag and drop them off at Goodwill or your local thrift shop next time you’re in town.

If you’re really ambitious, sell a few things — but honestly, the goal here is to keep the momentum going.

It is so much easier to clean a tidy home that isn’t full of clutter. Get a few trash bags, throw those items in, and take them to your local charity drop-off location. Done!

Don’t Quit

Before you know it, you’ll have that snowball effect going. And hey, once you get into a rhythm, keep going. You might just knock out your whole spring cleaning list without even realizing it.

Why now?

Spring feels like the perfect time for a fresh start. The living space has been used all year, and now is the best way to welcome the new season with a little bit of spring cleaning.

Deep cleaning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Small steps will help you build momentum without feeling like you have to tackle the entire house all at once.

Set Clear Goals

Before you start, decide what you want to accomplish. Maybe you’re focusing on one area at a time or giving extra attention to spots that get overlooked. Setting clear goals will help you stay on track.

This time of year is a great way to refresh and reset without getting overwhelmed.

Use Simple Cleaning Supplies

You don’t need an overflowing cabinet of products. The better time to clean is when you have what you need on hand.

A quality all-purpose cleaning supply, a microfiber cloth, and maybe a natural spray are all you need for most jobs. Keeping supplies minimal helps you move through tasks quickly.

The magic is in the motion. Use a little elbow grease and scrub where needed. 

Space It Out

There’s no need to rush through everything in one weekend. Spring cleaning works best when you spread it out. Start with high-traffic areas of your home, then move to deeper projects like organizing closets or scrubbing baseboards. Tackling things little by little ensures the process stays manageable.

Bonus Tip #2: Freshen the Air

Once your cleaning is done, take a moment to make your home feel even fresher. Open the windows to bring in the freshness of spring. Use a diffuser with essential oils or simmer citrus peels on the stove for a light, natural scent. Small touches like this make your home feel renewed for the new season. 

Even warmer weather is around the corner so letting in the cool, fresh air now is an added benefit. Unless you have allergies, of course. We do, so this is the time of year that we like to change out our air filters. 

This is meant to get you going in the right direction. No need to put it off! This is the best time to reset, get out that spring cleaning checklist, and take the first step towards getting things done! 

Spring Cleaning Project Ideas (in case you’re ready to tackle more)

1. Clean light fixtures.

2. Replace or wash shower curtains. 

3. Wipe down fake indoor plants.

4. Clean out your pantry.

5. Clean out the medicine cabinet, first aid kits, and beauty products. Make sure you check the expiration dates. 

6. Wash bedding.

7. Clean ceiling fans.

8. Wash down walls. You wouldn’t believe the amount of dust that collects on them.

9. Clean out bathroom drawers. Yes, even the back of your bathroom cabinets. 

10. Step back and enjoy your clean home! 

Let’s do this!

Anna Sue