March marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, and what better way to usher in the new season than by cleaning away the metaphorical winter cobwebs for a fresher home?
It's no coincidence that March is the perfect month to get out your cleaning supplies and get stuck in. Late winter to early spring is the best time to clean your home of any dirt buildup from winter and prepare for the seasonal changes as summer approaches.
Below are the six base cleaning tasks to tick off your spring cleaning checklist to bookend winter and summer. These spring home maintenance jobs not only contribute to a more hygienic and aesthetically pleasing home but also prolong the lifespan of various home features and appliances.
Things to clean in March
From improving air quality to removing mold spores, these are the cleaning tasks that make it clear why you should start your spring cleaning early, ensuring your home is more efficient and safe after winter.
1. Clean Windows
With the arrival of longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, your windows are likely to see more attention, making March the perfect time to give them a thorough clean.
Removing any trapped debris or pollutants will not only enhance their appearance but also help to improve indoor air quality indoors and brighten your space by maximizing natural light.
During winter months, condensation forms on windows, creating an environment conducive to mold growth. By cleaning your windows in March, when condensation is less likely to form on windows overnight, you can remove any mold and eliminate moisture build-up. This will improve the air quality and prevent the need for emergency mold removal.
Increasing natural light in your home by cleaning windows is also a great way to harness the heat of daylight, which can help lower energy consumption and cut energy bills.
2. Clean curtains and shutters
'As part of your March cleaning routine, make sure to dust and clean your curtains and shutters. These can accumulate dust, allergens, and other pollutants over winter, reducing your indoor air quality,' says Gabriella Dyson, Head of Solved at Homes & Gardens.
'Curtains and shutters can also be prone to mold and mildew growth due to condensation forming on windows. Cleaning them in March can help to eliminate mold spores and prevent any further growth.'
Ensuring your curtains and shutters are clean can also reduce reliance on cooling systems during warmer months. This is because clean window dressings assist in improving home ventilation, helping to regulate the indoor temperature. Dirty curtains and shutters, on the other hand, can trap heat, which is not ideal during warmer months.
Gabriella Dyson is Head of Solved at Homes & Gardens, editing and writing practical advice for homeowners in the process of cleaning, decluttering, or attempting home improvements and DIY projects. Gabriella previously worked on Homebuilding.com, writing features about issues surrounding historic and listed building projects.
3. Clean and service your HVAC system
Cleaning your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system in March is the most essential step in improving your indoor air quality in the transition from winter to spring. It will also ensure optimal performance, and extend its longevity.
Replace or clean HVAC filters
'One of the simplest yet most important Match cleaning tasks is to replace or clean your HVAC filters,' explains Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of Air Conditioner Lab. 'Throughout the winter, filters can become clogged with dust, pet dander, and other particulates, reducing system efficiency and air quality.'
We recommend checking and replacing these filters in March to ensure clean air circulation and prepare for increased use in spring and summer.
Clean vents and registers
'Another critical task is cleaning vents and registers, which often accumulate dust and debris during the colder months,' continues Josh Mitchell. 'This can be as simple as using a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently clean these areas to remove obstructions and improve airflow.'
This easy step not only enhances system efficiency but also contributes to better indoor air quality for you and your family.
Inspect and clean the outdoor unit
'Don't forget to inspect and clean the outdoor unit of your HVAC system. Over the fall and winter, outdoor units can gather leaves, twigs, and other debris, hindering airflow and efficiency,' says Josh Mitchell. 'Take the time to clear away any visible debris and trim back vegetation to ensure unobstructed airflow around the unit.'
Josh Mitchell is, a plumbing expert and HVAC technician and the owner of Air Conditioner Lab and Plumbing Lab.
4. Clear gutters and downspouts
The best time to clean gutters and downspouts is during spring, making March the perfect time to tackle this task.
It is essential to remove debris such as leaves, twigs, and sticks that may have accumulated over winter since these can block your gutters if left unchecked.
'It's also important to clean gutters and downspouts before the onset of rains in April and storms in summer to maintain the integrity of your home drainage system, prevent allergen build-up, and avert potential leaks or overflow,' advises Gene Caballero, Co-Founder of GreenPal.
5. Clean and repair outdoor furniture
As the weather warms, you'll likely spend more time outdoors, so this is the ideal time to give your outdoor furniture a deep clean to make sure it's ready for use.
As well as simply improving the aesthetic appeal, cleaning outdoor furniture can protect it and prolong its lifespan. Removing the debris and moisture by cleaning and thoroughly drying the furniture can prevent mold and protect the material from damage caused by dirt and weather exposure. This will also make it easier to reseal certain items to further preserve them and boost their aesthetic appeal.
While you are outside and enjoying the spring sunshine, you may also want to complete some spring patio prep.
6. Dust and wipe ceiling fans
Dusting and wiping down your ceiling fans will remove any allergen buildup from disuse in winter which can impact your air quality if not cleaned. This can be especially problematic for those with respiratory issues.
Ceiling fan cleaning can also prolong a unit's lifespan, as dust and debris buildup can cause damage to the fan blades and motors if left unchecked. It also ensures optimal airflow and smooth operation during the summer months, while minimizing your home's energy consumption. A clean ceiling fan is more energy efficient since it requires less energy to operate effectively compared to dirty ones.
While there are plenty more household tasks that can be ticked off in spring – such as refreshing mattresses, rotating seasonal clothes, and sanitizing high-traffic areas –completing these 6 tasks means you can rest easy knowing that your home is a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable living environment.
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