I love everything about spring, including spring cleaning! It’s a great time to throw your windows open and shake up some dust. Here are my favorite SUPER SIMPLE spring cleaning tips you can do today. These tips will also make cleaning easier year round.
*This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a small commission but if you use one of my links but it won’t increase the price for you.*
5 Super Simple Spring Cleaning Tips
1.) Spring clean your wardrobe.
If there are winter items you haven’t touched yet – because they don’t fit, you don’t like them, or they’re really not that useful – throw them in a donate bag. Also, go through your spring and summer items before the seasons hit. Weed out what you didn’t touch last year but for some reason keep holding on to.
As to what you do with that stuff – you have some options. First, you could sell them. I hear Poshmark is hot these days for making money off old items. But there is also Craiglist, garage sales or just eBay. If that doesn’t work or you don’t want to bother then donate your clothes. Someone else out there may be looking for just that item and you will now make their day.
Personally, I like to offer items to my family and friends first before donating and then what’s ever left heads to the Salvation Army, and hopefully to a new good home.
For more information, I write in detail about how I clean out my wardrobe (and how it made me a better dresser!)
2.) De-clutter the rest of your home.
While this may seem like a daunting task, now that you’ve practiced with your wardrobe you can handle the rest, too. If you need a little help, here is a post I wrote on de-cluttering your home or office.
Hint: Ask yourself three questions:
- Do you love it?
- Do you need it?
- Can it make you money?
If not…out it should go. If you can’t tell, I’m a big proponent of only keeping what you absolutely love and need. Why? Because you find you don’t need 10 of the same items, or to keep items you never use. It not only makes cleaning easier, but you appreciate what you have more.
3.) Keep counters clear and clean and get in the habit of putting stuff away immediately.
Yes, this tip is two-fold: First, keep your kitchen, bathroom and other surfaces free of stuff (within reason of course). For instance, I use my toaster once or twice a week but store it in my pantry and only get it out when I am going to use it. I then put it away as soon as I am finished.
But that seems like so much hassle! -You may want to shout at me.
Not really. It takes me a total of maybe 20 seconds to do both and for the rest of the time, my counter is clear.
Think about it, if you load up your surfaces with stuff how often are you likely to clean your counters? Not very often. It will take so much time to move everything off them, clean them, then put the stuff back there. Why not store it away in the first place?
That way, say in the morning, I’m able to just do a quick swipe of my bathroom or kitchen counters before I head to work without using up any time moving items. Even if it sounds like too much of a bother just give it a shot for a week. Once you get in the habit it will help keep your home more organized and fresher heading into spring.
Plus, it’s a good excuse to re-organize and clean out some of those cupboards. I’m looking at you, Tupperware drawer.
If you’re looking for more kitchen organizing inspiration, check out what April over at Love Your Real Life says about efficient kitchen organize to ideas to maximize your space!
4.) Use up chemical-filled cleaners.
Here are 5 (fresh) ways to go green in your home, including getting rid of those chemical-filled cleaners. For more information, you might enjoy this piece outlining hidden toxins in cleaning products.
However, similar to going on a diet I don’t believe you need to make the switch all at once. Don’t throw out your Oreos today. Eat them. Just don’t buy them tomorrow.
Similarly, don’t throw out your cleaners today. You already paid for them. Use them to clean your home first, then buy natural, chemical-free and/or organic cleaners next time.
Which happens to be tip #5.
5.) Make the full switch to all-natural organic cleaners.
The good news is that since more people are concerned about chemicals in their cleaners, companies are making cleaner brands. Personally, I love mom and pop shops because I know I am getting the good stuff. Right now I love ALL Better Life products, soap nuts for laundry, and wool dryer balls.
Make sure to check out my weekly cleaning routine schedule for more inspiration.
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Great article!! I love spring cleaning!! It makes me feel like summer is right around the corner.
Favorite tip to share: make a schedule and don’t overwhelm yourself with doing it all in one day. If you spread it out it won’t be so bad. Also, get the family involved…. who says spring cleaning has to be Momma’s job?!
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Here’s hoping I get the opportunity to try this line of products .
Love the article and the pictures you’ve included! Thank you for sharing.
I subscribe thru email, Pinterest, Instagram and face book. I love microwaving and baking pans of sliced lemon to freshen my cooking areas
Cassidy – that is an awesome tip! I put them down my garbage disposer.
I prefer to make all my own household cleaners. Some recipes for these cleansers don’t really work or just incorporate toxic products. Like all your tips and look forward to your cleaning recipes.
I so need this . . . especially #3. I’m working at it, but sometimes I get in such a hurry that I slip. I really really need to get better at putting stuff away as soon as I use it, so I don’t end up in a cleaning frenzy panic when someone wants to come over. XD
I’m always looking for new carpet cleaners, having two cats myself who love to puke all over it, lol. I’m definitely going to try Essential 8.
Ha someone else knows my pain of cat puke!
I entered the giveaway. Tip for Spring cleaning: Wait until you furnace days are over before dusting all of your knick knacks, otherwise you will just have to do it again. I also liked and followed all of the options you offered on your site.
That is a great tip Catherine! And good luck on the giveaway.
Okay, I am now on your email list, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram, and I followed Essential 8 on Instagram. 🙂
My favorite spring cleaning tip is to declutter using the “did I use this in the last year?” question. If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s probably fine for it to go.
Thanks for hosting this giveaway! I’ll be sharing it on my Facebook page. 🙂
Thanks, Laura! I love that tip for myself too – especially with clothes and cooking items. Good luck on the contest!
I’m definitely all about using up what you have. I’ve slowly but surely been replacing not just my cleaners, but also my beauty products with cleaner and safer brands as I finish up an item.
Katie – me too! I feel better because I don’t waste anything, but also that I know I am going to make a better decision next time.
These are great tips, now i just need to make them a habit (ugh!). I’m a work in progress!
Huge fan of organic cleaners. I’ve been in transition for all of our products for over a year now. (including shampoos and soaps and even makeup.) I feel it makes a great difference. Our house is very busy, and in need of a deep, yet efficient, spring cleaning. Your post is perfect and timely 🙂
Thanks, Candy!
This a great cleaning schedule. I have been wanting to make the switch to all natural cleaners.
A some would like to try it
Im big about putting stuff away right away
I always look forward to Spring cleaning! I’m currently trying to make the switch to natural cleaners. Thanks for the product recommendation!
My tip it start out small, I always start with the frig and then move to the pantry. By the time I get to the big stuff, the closets (!), I’m on a roll treat it like a game.
Woohoo Angie – that does sound like great advice!
I can’t believe it is almost spring, eek! I am excited. I need to hop on these, I have been meaning to do them for weeks.
I am a newsletter subcriber, follow on facebook and pinterest.
My tip: Tackle one room at a time. You will feel a sense of accomplishment when each room is done and won’t feel overwhelmed.
I have been using green cleaners for a while now. I had a special needs grandson who had a trach and could not be around chemicals. I find it more refreshing than the usual pine sol and the like. You just made spring cleaning easier for me with your tips! Thanks so much
Well that’s a great reason to use natural cleaners! And agreed I can breathe better too 🙂
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These are all such great tips! And I’m with you, I start getting the desire to spring clean well before spring, usually it’s slightly after the new year and all the holiday craziness has dies down.
Oh yah! We had a few warm days this winter when I started!
I like the donate my clothes or sometimes we put a garage sale to clean my closet O follow pinterest,Facebbok,Instagram and Twitter.
Oh gosh – now that I live in a city I miss garage sales!
I have never heard of that brand before, but the packaging alone makes me want to buy it. haha.
I often make my own cleaner.
It is pretty, isn’t it?
I liked on facebook and follow on pinterest and signed up for email
These are great ideas! I make all my own cleaning supplies but I love the idea to make decluttering a part of spring cleaning.
I’ve been making the switch to organic cleaners in my house as well! Loving the fresh feeling they leave behind!
Kassy – that’s great! I know, you can just breathe better it seems.
I signed up for your newsletter and followed on Facebook, Pinterest, and instagram. I also liked essential 8 on Facebook and instagram!
My favorite tip is #3 keeping the counters clear!
Thanks, Siri! That happens to be one of my favorites as well 🙂
Awesome tips! When the seasons change I usually like to put all my winter clothes into another closet that is not my main one. Spring is near, time to start cleaning! Thank You
Thanks for the great article! I try to wash everything once a week to make sure there are no germs in the house. I love your blog and you are a great writer. I followed as charnwil 🙂
I’ve been wanting to go on a chemical cleaner ‘diet’ too. My husband loves using them, but I can’t stand how they smell or what harm they could potentially cause. I am going to have to convince him that it’s the way to go!
Yes! Maybe start small and swap out just a few things.
We are heading towards autumn here in SA and will not see spring until September! I love the decluttering that comes with spring. You look beautiful in your clean kitchen
Wow it is so weird to think about other people heading into different seasons. Autumn cleaning, then? haha
signed up for your newsletter and liked on fb and pinterest <3 My tip is to break up parts of the house into separate days. So maybe do the bedrooms in one day and the kitchen, bathroom and living room on other days.
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Great, tip Kayla: manageable chunks! and good luck!
Great tips! I’m also trying to use up off of my products with chemicals in them so that I can move on to homemade cleaning products. It might take a while. 🙂
favorite cleaning tip is wiping my counters down with simple soap and water- avoiding chemicals is big for me. I participated completed. followed on facebook & pinterest. Thank you
Thanks, Kayla! Avoiding chemicals is a great tip 🙂
Heyhey!! I want to start using reusable kitchen wipes…that’s my spring cleaning goal. Following on Ig too 😉
I use my husband’s old undershirts (washed of course) cut up. And then keep washing and using until they are gross and I can just throw out.
And Heyyyy! 🙂
These are some great tips. I want to start making my owm cleaners and be more consistent with my cleaning routine.
Great tips dear!
Xx,
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“…if the weather is nice outside I’d also rather be, well outside, than stuck instead cleaning up after winter.” – Such wise words! I’m off to spring clean before spring comes. Thanks for the inspo!
Love these tips! I’d add- keep up on laundry! There is nothing more daunting than pikes and piles of dirty clothes and linens. For me it’s really important to use an actual detergent as well- the homemade stuff doesn’t cut it for us.
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With two little explorers in my home, I’m always looking for a great, safe way to clean
Good luck, Amanda! And agreed. I’ve heard the homemade detergent doesn’t work either. Bummer!
Did all entries! Love this. I’ve been switching over to all natural cleaners. we’re moving in a few days so I’m going to be going through ALL my sh!t and only moving the stuff i want to keep!
Haley – Amen to that!
I joined the giveaway!!! love these tips too1
Good luck!
What a great giveaway! I want to switch to using only chemical-free cleaners as well. That’s one of my household goals.
Woohoo great goal!
Thanks for sharing these awesome spring cleaning tips! I love spring cleaning, getting rid of the old to get some new stuff! {clothing} lol! Xo
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Great Tips! I have been working on getting better at being on top of cleaning at our house. #3 has been my biggest focus lately. Clean up as you go and then it isn’t so bad when you have to tidy up for guests. Love the ideas on cleaners. My Hubby loves clorox… so I don’t know if I could every get there 🙁
Well to be fair, when the flu is involved I grab the bleach!
I’ve gotten so bad lately about leaving stuff on the countertops, but I need to start working on that again! It makes me feel so much better when they’re clean!
These are some great cleaning tips! I always love some fresh new ideas on how to spring clean my home more effectively! Thanks for sharing!
I signed up for you newsletter, followed you on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as Essential 8.
I love adding houseplants to my living room and kitchen to freshen my house, purify the air, and add a little color.
Love and needed this!
Cleaning out my wardrobe was one of the best things I ever did! I had clothes upon clothes everywhere, and now I’m down to just my dresser, which is so nice (and keeps the whole house a lot cleaner!) I have to work on the counter clutter, for some reason everything makes it’s way to one specific counter daily, I don’t even understand haha.
I’ll be back to see your chemical free posts, I’m also using up my cleaners and hoping to go chemical free this spring!
Woohoo! Cleaning out closets is the best – after the fact!
I hope I’m a winner 🙂 I’ve been searching for some organic cleaners that work! I’ll definitely check out Essential8! Thanks for sharing!
These are great tips! I struggle so much with declutter, I’m trying really hard to get better at it. I recently made the switch to natural cleaner and loving it!
I LOVE these tips, Sarah! I am on spring break next week and plan on doing a little bit of spring cleaning to get my apartment back in order. Thanks for the ideas for making it less daunting of a task!
I also entered the giveaway, so I have my fingers crossed!!
Found you on Pinterest and now following on Facebook!
I’ve never used organic products and never understood the importance till recently, really hope I win!
Super cool. Good luck, Ashley!
I liked all the tips. I’m thinking of starting at the top and doing 1 per day or week until my house looks great. Wish me luck as I also have 3 daughters who tend to not always clean up themselves. I followed everything except twitter as either Wendy or Moments For “Me” depending on what account is on each. I don’t have a twitter account yet.
– http://www.momentsformeonline.com
Wendy – good luck with the cleaning and good luck with the contest!
Great tips, Sarah Jean! I love switching out which oils I diffuse to match the season. My new favorite oil to diffuse is Lemongrass and my favorite blend is eucalyptus and peppermint! Both make my home feel clean and airy!
Mmm those sound amazing! I love lemongrass too.
I participated! = ) My favorite tip is probably is probably to always have baking soda!
Excellent, excellent tip!
I loved this! I am the worst cleaner ever..it always takes me hours XD
Love these tips! I usually do all but going to organic. We are moving into a new house though and the counters will not tolerate lysol or chlorox wipes so organic it is! Very excited!
I signed up for the newsletter. 🙂
I’m following on FB (https://www.facebook.com/danabeeman) & Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ASunshineBride/)
And my favorite spring cleaning tip is waiting for a nice day so I can open the windows wide and enjoy a nice breeze while I’m working hard. 🙂
I’m following on IG as @viridisxx.
Also following essential 8 on IG – @viridisxx.
Following essential 8 on FB – https://www.facebook.com/danabeeman
Subscribed following and essential8. Thank you very much.
I Signed-up for the newsletter/Following Pretty Simple Ideas on Facebook and Pinterest.
My favorite spring cleaning tip is using vinegar to wash bath towels to get rid of mildew smell.
I Liked Pretty Simple Ideas on Twitter.
@askviv
I am Following Essential 8 on Facebook.
Im participating in the giveaway, signed up for you email.followed on Pinterest,Facebook and Twitter. Before i start cleaning I get all my supplies organized for each room and then dig in!
Great tip – good luck!
Hi! i subscribed to your newsletter, and I follow you on FB (as Rose Santuci-Sofranko), and on Pinterest (as @Artists4God). My Spring cleaning tip? Keep a canister of Lysol wipes in each room for quick sanitizing and cleaning! Thanks and God Bless!
Also, I like Pretty Simple on Twitter as @Artists4God2 . BTW, your link above doesn’t go to your Twitter account, but I found you anyways. Thanks and God Bless!
And, last but not least I follow “Essential 8” on FB as Rose Santuci-Sofranko . Thanks and God Bless!
I participated – really like your idea of keeping the counters clean by not keeping out more than you need. I’m short on space everywhere, although maybe that means I just need to do some cleaning and make space. I also agree with you that
I live in an apartment so i’m short on space too and feel your pain!