9 Tips for a Stress Free Spring Cleaning
Spring is the perfect time to shake off the winter dust, freshen up your home, and make it feel brand new again. Whether you are just giving it a refresh or secretly gearing up to sell, a good deep clean can make a world of difference. A tidy, well-maintained home is not just nice to live in, it also keeps a judgy in-law from side-eyeing your baseboards. So, let’s dive into some spring cleaning tips that will make your place look its absolute best. If selling your Cincinnati home is on your mind, these tips will help make sure it is ready to impress.
Step 1: Declutter Before You Clean
Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming. We all want to go from chaos to spotless overnight, but let’s be real. Some of us have kids, pets, or a spouse who conveniently disappears when it is time to clean. While I cannot help with that, I can give you a game plan to make it manageable.
Start with decluttering, one room at a time. The pantry, spice rack, junk drawer, refrigerator, and closets all count.
Trying to do everything at once will burn you out and leave a bigger mess than when you started. Give yourself some grace and be realistic about what you can actually accomplish.
Plan ahead, set small goals, and remember that once the extra stuff is sold, donated, or tossed, it is not coming back.
This reminds me of Breaking Bad when Jesse went down to Mexico to cook. While the chemists were busy making phenylacetic acid, Jesse had everyone else scrubbing every inch of the lab. He was prepping. You should do the same. Once the clutter is gone, you are ready for the deep clean.
Step 2: Work from Top to Bottom
Now that the clutter is gone, it is time to clean smart, not hard. There is nothing worse than cleaning the floor only to wipe the counters and drop crumbs all over your freshly mopped walking surface.
Tackle high surfaces first, like ceiling fans, vents, fart fans, and cabinets.
move down to countertops
Then furniture
and finally, the floors
This method saves time and ensures nothing gets overlooked. It is the difference between cleaning efficiently and playing an endless game of whack-a-mole with dust.
Step 3: Refresh the Walls and Baseboards
Walls and baseboards take a beating, but we rarely notice until we step back and really look. A lot of those “marks” you see are usually just grime and dirt, especially around door handles, light switches, outlets, and window frames. These spots collect buildup fast since we touch them constantly.
Grab a damp microfiber cloth and wipe down the most touched areas, or for tougher spots, a magic eraser works wonders.
Once the grime is gone, have that extra paint ready for touch-ups. Always test in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it blends—no two-tone designs required.
Clean walls and baseboards make a room feel crisp and well-maintained, which is exactly what you want, whether you are staying put or getting ready to sell.
TREO Realtors knows that small details like this can make all the difference in attracting buyers and repelling judgement.
Step 4: Wash the Windows Inside and Out
Nothing makes a home feel brighter than clean windows. Over time, dust, fingerprints, and streaks build up, making them look dull and blocking natural light.
Grab a streak-free cleaner or mix up a DIY solution with vinegar and water, then wipe down the glass inside and out.
Do not forget the window sills and tracks because they collect an alarming amount of dirt and dead bugs.
HACK: to get those corners clean is to use a dry, cheap electric toothbrush. The vibrations break up built-up grime, making it easy to wipe away for a spotless finish.
Pop out the window screens and rinse them off, and let them dry before putting them back. Clean screens help keep the air fresh and your view clear.
Whether you are soaking in the sunshine, making a great first impression on buyers, or just giving your pet some extra sunbathing light, sparkling windows make all the difference.
Step 5: Freshen Up Bedrooms and Living Spaces
These are the rooms where we spend the most time, so they deserve some extra attention.
Start by vacuuming and rotating your mattress to extend its life and improve comfort.
Wash all bedding, including pillows and comforters, because they trap dust and allergens over time.
If you have curtains, take them down and throw them in the wash or give them a good shake outside.
Dust and wipe down furniture, paying special attention to shelves, nightstands, and the tops of door frames.
Blinds tend to collect a ridiculous amount of dust, so give them a good wipe-down.
If you have carpets or rugs, now is the time to steam clean them. You would be surprised at how dark that water turns on your first pass.
A deep clean makes everything feel and smell fresher, whether you are kicking back after a long day or making sure your home looks inviting for guests and potential buyers.
Step 6: Deep Clean the Bathroom
Bathrooms are small but mighty when it comes to collecting grime.
Start with the grout and tile by scrubbing them with a grout cleaner of your choice to lift stains and brighten the space.
Move on to the sink, faucets, and shower, using a descaling cleaner to cut through hard water buildup.
If your shower curtain or liner is looking rough, toss it in the wash or replace it.
Sanitize high-touch areas like light switches, toilet handles, and cabinet knobs.
Do not forget the fart fan because dust builds up fast and reduces efficiency.
Wash or replace bath mats, restock bathroom essentials, and give everything a final wipe-down.
A fresh, spotless bathroom makes a huge difference whether you are enjoying it yourself or making sure buyers see it at its best. After all, nothing invites silent judgment faster than a grimy bathroom.
Step 7: Deep Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the house, which means it collects grime faster than we realize.
Start with the refrigerator by tossing anything expired, wiping down the shelves, and giving the drawers a good scrub.
Move on to the pantry and spice rack, checking dates and organizing as you go.
Don’t you dare forget about that junk drawer
Grease builds up quickly on cabinets and appliances, so use warm soapy water or a vinegar solution to cut through the grime.
Clean the stovetop, oven, and microwave. One of my new favorite cleaning agents is Dawn Platinum Plus Power Spray. Spray this on the inside of your oven, let it sit for up to 15 minutes, and wipe clean. It is less harsh than Easy-Off and works surprisingly well.
If your coffee maker or kettle has seen better days, run a cycle with your descaling product of choice to freshen it up. Finish by sanitizing countertops, scrubbing the sink, and deodorizing the garbage disposal with baking soda and lemon.
Now, just like Jesse from Breaking Bad, you are ready to cook.
Step 8: Do Not Forget the Exterior
A clean home is not just about what is inside.
Clean out the gutters to prevent water damage.
Power wash the porch, driveway, and siding to instantly brighten everything up.
Do not forget outdoor furniture and entryways—wipe down patio furniture, sweep porches, and freshen up the front door with a quick wash or a new doormat.
First impressions start outside, so keeping the exterior clean not only boosts curb appeal but also makes your home more inviting. If you are selling your Cincinnati home, curb appeal plays a huge role in attracting buyers, so do not skip this step.
Step 9: Final Touches and Keeping It Clean
Now that your home is sparkling, the goal is to keep it that way. If you have kids or pets, consider donating them to a friend or family member to maintain the cleanliness of your house. Kidding. Mostly. A little effort goes a long way, and if there are any tasks on this list that you absolutely dread doing, hire a professional to tackle them for you. No shame in outsourcing the dirty work.
Get a Non-Judgy Second Opinion (for Free!)
Spring cleaning is not just about freshening up your home, it is about making it feel its best, whether you plan to stay or sell. If you are thinking about selling your Cincinnati home and want to make sure it is in top shape for buyers, I offer a free pre-sale house prep walk-through consultation. I will walk through your home with you and give expert advice on what will make the biggest impact so you can maximize your home’s value.
If you want a fresh set of eyes before listing, let’s chat. Send me a message, give me a call or fill out the form below!
It may seem like times are a bit crazy (and maybe they are). Good thing I specialize in helping buyers and sellers cut through the clutter and misinformation to deliver the most enjoyable, stress-free real estate experience imaginable.
K. Micah Maupin
REALTOR®
(513) 978-9773
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Email: micah@treorealtors.com
I look forward to helping you on your journey.
