Spring is now in full swing, which may mean cleaning is around the corner for many. Read what our team has to say about this seasonal tradition.
Spring is the time of year associated with more daylight, greenery, a fresh start, and … cleaning?
People don’t know the exact origin of this tradition, but it may have existed long before someone coined the term in the early- to mid-1800s.
Data that the American Cleaning Institute collected in 2024 estimated that 80% of households in the United States spring clean.
Our team at Healthline wanted to chime in with their spring cleaning wisdom.
Health and wellness touch everyone’s lives differently. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Healthline Media. All quotes are strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Spring and fresh air go hand in hand. I love finally being able to open my windows again instead of breathing the same recycled, stale air in my apartment.
Heidi embraces this fresh air, too, and uses that as her motivation.
“Being able to open the windows after the long, cold winters motivates spring cleaning! During the winter months, unnecessary items accumulate, and spring is a great time to donate, toss, or sell, which then leads to organizing and cleaning.
“Our garage also gets very dirty and cluttered in the winter, so it’s nice to get that organized. I love getting the stink of hockey equipment out of the house when it’s warm enough to keep it in the garage!” — Heidi Smith, manager, Real Appeal coaching operations
What goes into a spring deep clean likely varies by household. For Mogan, Ren, and me, one of our organizational strategies involves selecting items to donate.
Looking for unused or unwanted items
“Spring cleaning for me usually involves donating any unused items and clothes. This year, I’ve been focusing on organizing my chaotic second bedroom (which mainly works as a storage room), giving away a bunch of things I don’t need or want anymore, and rearranging furniture, art, and other things in my apartment to freshen up the space.” — Morgan Mandriota, newsletter editor
Scouting out donation groups
“I start with whatever room needs the least work, such as a guest bedroom, and work my way to the rooms that need more attention (usually ending with my garage).
“Instead of bringing items to a donation bin or store, I use my Facebook Buy Nothing or Gifting with Grace groups to donate directly to those in need.” — Ren Dias, editor
While most people may focus on cleaning physical spaces, Sarah is sure to declutter her digital space, too.
“I do a digital cleanse, organizing my personal email inbox, unsubscribing from email lists and subscription services I don’t use or need, going through my camera roll, and even setting a new background/wallpaper.” — Sarah Choi, associate editor
Maybe it’s finally time to parse through those spam messages.
I definitely need to free up some storage by going through my photos.
If you live with children, you may be all too familiar with cleaning up after them.
Spring cleaning offers an opportunity to finally get rid of the items they’ve grown out of, broken, stained … you get it. Megan has this process nailed down.
“I use the changes in the season as a time to refresh my kids’ room. I sort through the closet and clear out anything that doesn’t fit, won’t fit once the last season rolls back around, and has holes or stains.
“I also do a sweep of the toys, books, and stowaway items they’ve outgrown (if they don’t ask for them by the next season, then they get donated) and toss trash or broken-beyond-repair toys.” — Megan Severs, senior editorial director
It might not be your first instinct to clean your washing machine since it’s technically getting cleaned every time you run a cycle, but Tim has a way to make this step easier.
“A dishwasher tablet on a hot cycle is good for cleaning a washing machine, allegedly.” — Tim Snaith, newsletter editor.
Just be sure to check with the manufacturer of your washing machine, as some may advise against this.
Once you check, and if you decide to go ahead with this hack, make sure you run a hot cycle on an empty washing machine to ensure that the tablet fully dissolves and you don’t potentially ruin any clothes.
Some people may enjoy cleaning because messiness can be a source of stress, which cleaning may help relieve. Few experiences can live up to sitting in a freshly cleaned home, in my opinion.
Cleaning often, not just in the spring, may also be good for your immune system, and if you have allergies or asthma.
Dust, dirt, pet dander, and pollen (especially when trees and plants are flowering, budding, or blooming) can accumulate in your living space through air filters and open windows.
These potential irritants may affect your lungs, eyes, and skin. Cleaning frequently and thoroughly may help relieve some discomfort they may cause you.
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