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Spring cleaning tips that go beyond dusting and mopping

Lettecha Johnson | Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 5 months, 4 weeks AGO
by Lettecha Johnson
| March 8, 2026 7:00 AM

When it's time for a seasonal refresh, things like dusting, window treatments, linen washing, and carpet deep cleaning are the norm. However, spring cleaning tips beyond the norm include deep cleaning your tiles, using plant therapy, experimenting with citrus, a digital purge, and focusing on making some money.

According to the American Cleaning Institute, 80% of Americans spring clean their home annually. If you're one of them, find different ways to make your big cleaning project easier and have other lingering positive effects.

What Are Some Unique Spring Cleaning Tips for Floors?

While you may be ready to mop dirt away as quickly as possible, use a dry mop first to remove the initial layer of debris and dirt. If you don't have a dry mop, get an old rag, cloth, or torn piece from old clothing and attach it to a Swiffer mop.

Calling in the pros to remove pet danger, musty odors, dirt, and germs from a carpet with their steamer tool is common, so why not do the same for that visibly dirty floor tile grout? If you live in Utah, call TruRinse to deep clean your tile floors well enough to restore them to their original appearance. Keep up your refreshed tiled-floor appearance by using baking soda and water on a scrub brush instead of a sponge mop.

Enjoy Tea Time

Next time you have a cup of tea, put some in a bucket of water to dampen your microfiber mop. The tannins can enhance your hardwood floor shine, but test first to ensure the tea won't discolor it. 

Spread the Dish Love

Dish soap mixed with essential oils can create a gentle and aromatic floor cleanser instead of harsh ingredients. After the Friday fish fry, combine dish soap with white vinegar to cut through grease on kitchen floors after cooking.

Give It the Cold Shoulder

Do you see gum stuck somewhere? Fill a plastic bag with ice and place it over the gum until it hardens, which makes it easy to pull the gum off the floor and other surfaces.

Channel Serena Williams

If you have unsightly scuff marks on tile, hardwood, or laminate flooring, get a tennis ball. It's a safe, non-abrasive way to remove rubber scuffs that outdoor shoes can leave.

What Home Refresh Ideas Help Air Purification?

One of the easiest and most multi-purpose spring cleaning hacks for fresh air involves adding plants. Real plants produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. They also filter out toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.

Some of the best plants to add for year-round spring cleaning include:

  • Spider plants
  • Peace lily
  • Bamboo palm
  • English ivy
  • Golden pothos
  • Snake plant

Aim to include one plant per 100 sq ft as a general guideline to maximize effectiveness.

Should I Do Seasonal Organizing?

Before using spring cleaning tips related to cleaning, mopping, or shopping for plants, declutter what you're no longer using. Doing so can help your mental health, especially if you focus on your closet. Target high-traffic areas and don't be afraid to categorize things. 

Use custom labels on drawers in closets to easily find what you need and quickly put things away daily. Mix things up and keep certain things in bins, wire racks, clear containers, etc.

Clean For Your Budget

After cleaning out your closet and drawers, stop before throwing or just giving things away. If you're short on cash, now is the perfect time for an estate sale or Facebook Marketplace post. 

Many people have a nice side hustle going for "flipping" old but stylish items that most thrifters love. Check out organizations like Thrifty for an easy way to get store rebates or cash for your closet declutter.

Can I Reuse Old Food?

Cleaning out the fridge for the first time in months or finding things that fell in the pantry may present some scary finds. However, just because it can't go in your stomach anymore doesn't mean it isn't suitable for your garden's microbiome

Dry goods like coffee grounds, old fruit and vegetables, crackers, and expired pasta can go in the compost for organic nitrogen sources that gardens crave. FYI, those eggshells are also great for this.

Is It Time for a Digital Purge?

Good seasonal cleaning techniques can cover every aspect of your home and life, such as what you mentally ingest. If you have 30 apps and only use 5 of them, start deleting them. You can also trade in or recycle old electronics instead of dumping them in the worst of places, a landfill. 

Are you overwhelmed by hundreds of unread emails that never seem to end? Take a few hours and delete those junk emails and archive important ones. Unsubscribe from accounts and clean up your social media footprint where needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Considered Spring Cleaning?

This refers to the time of deep annual cleaning that creates a fresh start in the home for the upcoming season. People usually focus on areas that are overlooked, like certain appliances and windows.

It usually includes:

  • Decluttering
  • Organizing closets
  • Washing textiles like bedding
  • Prepping outdoor spaces

How Much Should a Spring Cleanup Cost?

When getting professional help for your lawn's seasonal transition, your final fee depends on your state, yard size, and the amount and type of debris being removed. Instead of waiting for spring, you can save by having quarterly or monthly services.

According to Lawnstarter, the average yard cleanup in 2026 cost range is between $200 - $462 for a standard 1/4-acre property.

In New York, the average cost for yard cleanups (which includes labor and materials) can range from $245 - $591. However, you may pay between $195 - $385 in Dothan, AL.

Use Innovative Cleaning Tips to Refresh Your Home

Unique spring cleaning tips can leave your home looking new, smelling fresh, and with some extra coins in your pocket. Professionals can help with your tough floors, but you can also use natural ingredients from baking soda to tea tags. Don't be afraid to label things, create a plant oasis, and have fun with varied containers. 

Did you find these home cleaning tips helpful? Check our website for more news. 

This article was prepared by an independent contributor which helps us continue delivering quality content to our audiences.