Spring is right around the corner, making now the perfect time to start fresh. Getting ahead on spring cleaning means less stress later, and a cleaner, more inviting home. Whether it's tackling overlooked areas like your fireplace and closet or prepping your outdoor space for warmer days, these simple tasks will help you refresh your home and make it shine.

Spring Cleaning Your Closet

When was the last time you deep-cleaned your closet? If it's been a while, it's time to tackle it, says Will Cotter, COO of HappyCleans.

“Deep clean the shelves,” he advises. “Remove the clothing stacks and shoe rows to wipe down each surface, then place everything back in an organized way.”

Using a microfiber cloth and a quality all-purpose cleaner, such as Great Value Bleach-Free Lemon Scented All-Purpose Cleaner, will help keep dust at bay.

While you're at it, sort through your clothes and donate or sell anything you haven’t worn in the past year. “This will make room for new items and help you stay organized,” says Will.

Refresh Rugs and Carpets with Spring Cleaning

One of the biggest spring cleaning mistakes is neglecting your rugs and carpets. Winter foot traffic drags in dirt, salt, and grime, which can wear down your floors.

Josh Miller, CEO and owner of Clean Carpets, explains, “A thorough clean-up refreshes your interiors and extends the life of your carpets.”

Whether using a carpet cleaner, baking soda, or a professional service, avoiding carpet cleaning mistakes will prevent issues like dampness, mold, and mildew.

Spring Cleaning Your Fireplace and Chimney

If you have a fireplace, now is the time to clean up soot and residue left from winter use.

“A clean fireplace and chimney not only improve the look of your space but also help prevent fire hazards,” says Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless.

If you're not sure where to start, check out this fireplace cleaning guide for expert advice on cleaning brick, stone, marble, and cast iron fireplaces.

Make Your Glassware Shine for Spring

After a season of entertaining, your glassware may need a refresh.

“Having a nice bottle of wine? Serve it in glasses that are spotless,” says cleaning expert Will Cotter.

To clean wine glasses properly, hand-wash them with a gentle dish soap like Method Dish Soap, rinse thoroughly, and buff dry with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and water spots. If your glasses look cloudy, vinegar can restore their sparkle.

Spring Cleaning for the Dining Area

After months of holiday hosting, your dining space could use some TLC.

Start by cleaning your dining chairs, whether upholstered or wood, then wipe down the table and dust any décor elements. Using a damp duster is an effective way to remove dust, but a microfiber cloth works well, too.

“This will make your space look great and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests,” says Karina.

A Fresh Start for Your Bathroom

Bathrooms see a lot of traffic in winter, making spring cleaning a great opportunity for a deep clean.

“Take the time to clean shower grout, wipe mirrors, disinfect surfaces, and descale faucets and showerheads,” says Joseph Passalacqua, CEO of Maid Sailors.

For most tasks, an all-purpose cleaner like Lysol Power Foaming Cleaning Spray for Bathrooms works well. You can also use household staples—try cleaning mirrors with shaving foam or removing hard water stains with toothpaste for an easy fix.

Outdoor Spring Cleaning: Patio Furniture and Grill

Even if it’s still too cold to spend much time outside, now is the perfect time to clean your patio furniture and grill.

“Wipe down chairs, tables, and cushions to remove winter dust, and clean the grill so it's ready for your first BBQ,” suggests Karina.

These handy guides on how to clean a charcoal grill and how to clean a grill without a brush contain all the information you need to get started – and yes, you can clean a grill with an onion, but when it comes to household methods to clean a grill, Alex David, author of the 'household methods' article and avid tester, says a lemon works much better. Who knew!

What Should Be Cleaned Every Three Months?

Some cleaning tasks don’t need to be done weekly but shouldn’t be ignored for too long. Wood floors, guest rooms, and even dish racks can go on your quarterly cleaning list to keep your home in top shape.

Looking to Refresh Your Home Beyond Cleaning?

If looking at your home through a spring cleaning lens has you thinking about upgrades, I’d love to help. Whether it’s reimagining a space or making design updates, I can meet with you to discuss possibilities and create a plan that brings your vision to life.

You can call me at (407) 743-2399 or email me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com to set up a consultation. You can also reach out through my website’s contact page, and together, we can discuss upgrades to your home that truly make sense for you and your needs.

Now that the sun is setting later and the ideal weather is settling in, it's the perfect time for open-air cocktail parties and lazy afternoons.

But first, and being spring, you likely need to do a patio makeover to create that backyard oasis.

Not sure where to start with your patio makeover? I hear you.

Check out this handy guide, which has everything you need to know to get your outdoor space in shape in no time.

Start Your Patio Makeover with a Deep Clean

Give your deck or patio a good clean. Sweep up leaves, cobwebs, and debris with a broom that has outdoor-grade bristles, then wash away the winter with your hose.

Note: Don’t power wash stained wood — only concrete, brick and stone. (No power washer? Most big-box hardware stores allow you to rent them for the day.)

Refresh Your Outdoor Furniture

Instead of investing in new pieces, try restoring them. Hearty woods like teak and acacia are meant to survive harsh weather; however, if the woods start to turn gray and muted, give them a facelift with a fresh coat of teak cleaner.

Wash your table with soap and water, sand the gray spots and apply two coats of cleaner. Scrub pieces made of plastic or composite materials, such as Polywood and Trex, with liquid dish soap and water.

Add Color to Enhance Your Patio Makeover

Most outdoor furniture pieces come in wood styles and neutral colors, which makes for a palette that blends in well with the great outdoors.

Layering in a few pillows in bright colors and fun patterns will give your patio a fresh look.

Brighten Your Space with Rugs in Your Patio Makeover

Rugs are a fun and easy way to brighten your outdoor living space. If you spot a stain, vacuum up the dirt and dust, then give the rug a good wash with a hose.

These days, stylish designs that will also hold up to outdoor living should be pretty easy to find.

Prep the Grill

Use a stiff wire brush to clean your grill’s grates before inviting the neighbors over for a backyard feast.

If you’re ready for an outdoor kitchen upgrade, let me know and I can steer you in the right direction for your outdoor cooking inspiration.

Add a Few Side Tables for Spring Sips

Freshly squeezed cocktails and chilled glasses of Sauvignon Blanc deserve to rest on a chic side table.

Consider a ceramic stool for easy maintenance and cleanup. The right color or pattern will add some pop to your patio makeover.

Create Ambiance with Lighting in Your Patio Makeover

Create ambiance for your al fresco dinners with twinkling lights. Wrap them around trees, line them along your pergola roof, or string them from tree to tree for an instant mood lifter.

Choose bistro lights with bigger bulbs for more impact.

Hanging string lights from tree to tree is an instant mood lifter for any outdoor space.

Mulch and Refill Pots for a Fresh Patio Makeover Look

Late spring is the best time to mulch your planters, pots, and containers. Add a fresh layer to discourage weeds and keep your plants nicely hydrated.

Depending on where you live, flowers like pansies, marigolds, and petunias add beautiful seasonal color, while plants like cacti and succulents add texture and greenery.

Consider hanging baskets filled with hearty begonias to add dimension.

Create Seating Vignettes

Keep the conversation flowing with cozy arrangements. Arrange Adirondack loungers around a fire pit to encourage a warm chat, or take your patio to new heights by adding a whimsical hanging chair or hammock.

Throw Some Shade

Shaded spots are necessary for a respite from the Florida sun. If your deck or patio isn’t covered, add a stylish umbrella to the mix. From freestanding styles to patio tables with umbrellas, there are plenty of options.

Take it one step further and add a gazebo to your backyard’s scheme. Talk to me first, I'll steer you in the right direction for an incredible patio makeover!

If you're considering sprucing up your outdoor patio or deck for spring – and year-round enjoyment – talk to me! Especially if you're considering an upgrade. Let me come by and see the areas you're thinking of enhancing, and I guarantee I'll have some ideas for you that will make your outdoor spaces delightful!

These ideas are just the beginning of possibilities – let's talk about it! Message me here, right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com You can call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

spring cleaning

Get a Head Start on Spring Cleaning