A Fresh Start: 8 Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring cleaning often focuses on the obvious tasks—clearing closets, washing windows, or deep cleaning carpets. But what truly transforms a home is paying attention to the smaller details: the overlooked corners, baseboards, light switches, cabinet handles, and inside drawers that all quietly accumulate grime over time.

Paying attention to even the smallest areas can have a meaningful impact on well-being. Our environments influence how we feel, even when we’re not consciously aware of it. Tiny visual clutter and subtle buildup can create a low level of mental noise—small distractions that make a space feel unsettled. When those details are addressed, the result is a deeper sense of calm and clarity. In the spring especially, when many people are craving renewal and fresh energy, these small resets help a home feel truly refreshed.

In other words, it’s not just the big seasonal purge that makes a difference—it’s the thoughtful attention to the details that allows a space to feel fully cared for and ready for the season ahead. 

Here are eight places that are easy to miss, and how to get them ready for spring! 

Filters. Coffee machines, air purifiers, and range hood screens collect mineral buildup, dust, and residue over time—yet almost no one cleans them regularly. Not only does cleaning them improve their efficiency, it also helps them last longer over time. So, before you put away that humidifier for the season, give it a deep clean!

Dishwasher (and Washing Machines). You run your dishwasher regularly, but when was the last time you cleaned the filter? If the answer is never, you’re not alone. Remove the filter from the bottom of the drum, rinse it under warm water, and use a soft brush to clear away residue. Wipe the rubber door gasket and run an empty hot or sanitize cycle to finish the refresh. Front-loading washing machines have a similar hidden spot: the drain filter at the bottom of the machine. Open the small access panel, place a shallow tray underneath, and slowly remove the cap to drain any trapped water.

Cabinet Doors. You wipe your counters daily, but cabinet doors? Rarely. Grease, fingerprints, and splatter build up slowly—especially in kitchens. Use a simple all-purpose spray to cut through buildup, leaving surfaces refreshed and polished. Our favorite is by Branch Basics—their plant and mineral-based formulas are powerful enough for a deep clean, but free of chemicals that have no place in the kitchen.

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You can shop their Starter Kit using our exclusive link and enter code OFSPACEANDMIND for 15% off.

Glass. Spring sunlight reveals every streak, but the glass we notice most isn’t always the dirtiest. Lightbulbs, picture frames, and light fixtures quietly collect dust all year long. Take a few minutes to wipe bulbs (once cool), remove and clean fixture covers, and polish the glass in frames or decorative objects. These small details make a surprising difference in how light moves through your home.

Walls and Ceilings. Counters and floors get regular attention, but walls and ceilings are hardly ever part of cleaning routines. Over time, dust and everyday residue collect in corners, along trim, and near vents. A gentle wipe down a few times a year can instantly brighten the room and make the whole space feel renewed.

Forgotten Linens. Spring is a great time to clean linens you may be neglecting: pillow inserts, mattress pads, shower curtains, and decorative pillow covers. These items collect dust and absorb odors over time. Wash what you can, and air out the rest—adding an oxygen booster to the wash can help brighten whites and lift lingering stains. We love the Branch Basics Oxygen Boost—it can even be mixed with water to create a gentle scrub for tougher spots around the home.

High-Touch Surfaces. Light switches, door handles, remotes, appliances—these are some of the most handled surfaces in your home, yet they’re very easy to forget. Spray a microfiber cloth with a gentle cleaner (never directly onto electronics) and wipe thoroughly.

Bonus: Cleaning Tools. Ironically, some of the dirtiest items in your home are the ones you use to clean everything else. Vacuum filters, mop heads, dusters, and broom bristles all collect debris over time. Empty canisters, rinse filters, and wash reusable tools regularly. For upholstery, rugs, and mattresses, a light sprinkle of baking soda can help lift trapped odors.

The result is immediate: when these smaller elements are taken care of, a space feels calm, clear, and fully reset—proof that what’s often overlooked matters most.