Five 20-Minute Things to Clean Now That It’s Spring

Today marks the first day of spring, which means the weather will be getting better, the days will be getting longer, and the tradition of “spring cleaning” can officially commence. As determined as you might be to deep-clean your whole home this season, knowing where to start (and finding motivation to even begin) can be a major deterrent. That’s why it’s so important to not only ease yourself into the process, but also find a spring-cleaning plan that actually works for you. 

To help you spring into action, you’ll want to sign up for Apartment Therapy’s upcoming Spring Cleaning Cure, a free 10-day spring cleaning plan that’s adaptable to any home and begins on April 1, 2026. And while you’re waiting for the Cure to kick off, you can ease yourself into this deeper-level cleaning by completing any one of all of the following quick-yet-rewarding tasks to build up momentum. 

It might not be the time to totally abandon your winter wear just yet, but, weather permitting, it can be helpful to pull out some of your springtime attire. Get ready for the full seasonal clothing swap by getting out your storage bins from the back of your closet or under your bed. (Bonus points if you already have a dedicated bin of transitional clothing for these moments.)

When you want to instantly uplift your home, try “postage stamp vacuuming.” This involves vacuuming the easiest, most accessible spots in a room. The idea behind it is that it’s a fast-yet-satisfying task that you can actually accomplish when you have a free moment, instead of waiting around to do that “deeper level” vacuuming.

Cleaning highly touched surfaces should be done more often, but take this as your sign to get to these spots right away. Doorknobs and handles are often overlooked, as well as light switches and faucets.

Now’s the perfect opportunity to check on and replace any batteries in your smoke detectors, fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and/or leak detectors that you have in your home. Additionally, check on your home security system and make sure it’s up to date and that any batteries or devices are replaced, as needed. 

If you outsource any of your maintenance, make some time to get those scheduled and on your calendar. For example: carpet or upholstery cleaning, exterior or yard work, AC maintenance, or overall home deep cleanings.