Spring Cleaning That Makes a Difference (and Doesn’t Take All Weekend)

by Sherry Ajluni

Every spring, most of us have the same idea: this is the year I’m going to deep clean everything. Then life happens and before you know it, spring has come and gone, and you got nothing done! So instead of trying to tackle your entire house, focus on the things that will actually change how your home looks, smells, and feels.

These are the cleaning habits and shortcuts we’ve seen which make the biggest difference, especially in homes that feel fresh the second you walk in.

Start with the flat surfaces you see every day

You don’t need to clean everything. Start with what your eyes go to first.

Kitchen counters.
Bathroom vanities.
Entry tables.
Nightstands.

Easy Hack: Skip store-bought cleaners and make your own. For a small spray bottle, combine 1-squirt Dawn dishwashing liquid with 1-cup white vinegar and 1-cup water. If using a large spray bottle, double the vinegar and water using 2 squirts of Dawn. Use a damp microfiber cloth with your cleaner, and you’re good to go! It cuts through grime and grease buildup better than most store-bought products and doesn’t leave residue. Plus, it’s safe for most surfaces (not wood) and more environmentally friendly.

If you have granite counters, skip the vinegar and only use a little Dawn, warm water, and a soft cloth. Rinse well after.

Time saver: Write the “recipe” on the spray bottle so you’re not having to hunt for the ingredients and instructions. Keep a microfiber cloth and paper towels under each sink so you can wipe things down in under a minute instead of putting it off.

Floors: the fastest way to change how your home feels

Nothing impacts a space faster than clean floors! Clean floors contribute to improved air quality by reducing allergens, dust, and dirt buildup. Also, keeping your floors and carpet clean extends their longevity.

Vacuum first and often, always.
Mop high-traffic areas more often than doing the whole house.
Use less product than you think you need.

Easy Tile Hack: Again, you can make your own eco-friendly tile floor cleaner by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water or baking soda and water for stubborn stains, especially grout lines.

Easy Hardwoods Hack: Use a hardwood floor-dedicated cleaner and a microfiber mop in the direction of the grain. Turn on ceiling fans to quickly dry any remaining moisture.

Time saver: Do just the kitchen, entry, and main living area. These areas are where people notice it the most.

More floor cleaning tips and products can be found on Consumer Reports.

Windows and light (the most underrated upgrade)

If a home feels dark or dull, dirty windows and light fixtures are usually why.

Clean interior window glass.
Wipe down sills and tracks.
Dust light fixtures and bulbs.

Easy Hack: A simple mixture of 1/4-cup rubbing alcohol, 1/3-cup vinegar, and 2-cups distilled water makes for streak-free cleaning. This homemade mix offers a natural alternative to store-bought cleaners.

Time saver: Focus on the main living spaces first. You’ll notice the difference immediately.

Bathrooms that feel clean (not just look clean)

Bathrooms are where people tend to overcomplicate things.

Clear counters.
Wipe mirrors and faucets.
Clean grout lines where buildup shows.

Easy Hack: Clean showerheads with a baking soda and water paste, being generous in your application. Wait 15 minutes and scrub with a toothbrush. Another alternative is to mix a little baking soda with hydrogen peroxide, again waiting 15 minutes and scrub with an old toothbrush. Whatever solution you use, be sure to rinse well.

Time saver: Keep a small cleaning caddy with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide under the sink so everything is within reach.

Kitchen cleaning that doesn’t take hours

You don’t need to reorganize your entire kitchen to make it feel fresh.

Wipe cabinet fronts (they collect more grime than you think).
Clean your sink and faucet thoroughly.
Toss expired items and wipe one shelf in the fridge.

Easy Hack: Baking soda works well for scrubbing sinks without scratching. Bar Keepers Friend works wonders on stainless steel sinks.

Easy Hack: Use washable fridge shelf/drawer liners to absorb oils, spills, and moisture. They’re inexpensive and on Amazon.

Time saver: Clean one section at a time instead of trying to do the whole kitchen at once. For the fridge liners, do a 5-second swap when you bring home new groceries.

Odors (ugh): the one thing people notice instantly

A home can look clean and still feel off if it doesn’t smell fresh.

Wash throw blankets, pillow covers, pet beds, and rugs.
Take out trash and clean bins.
Open windows when you can.

Easy Hack: Simmer water, lemon slices, 4 sprigs of thyme, a handful of mint leaves and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Time saver: Focus on soft surfaces first. That’s where most odors live.

A simple routine that keeps it from piling up again

This routine will keep your home feeling clean in the long-term.

10-minute reset at the end of the day.
One small task each weekend.
Keep supplies where you use them.

Small, consistent habits like this add up over time. They’re also some of the first things buyers notice the second they walk through a home. The National Association of Realtors breaks down how cleaning, decluttering, and simple prep shape first impressions in their Consumer Guide: Staging Your House for a Sale.