Spring in the UK is tricky. One minute, you’re freezing in March drizzle, and the next, you’re squinting at actual sunshine, wondering if you’ve teleported to the Mediterranean.
But whenever it arrives, spring is your home’s chance at a proper reset after months of wet boots, radiators on full blast, and windows sealed shut like you’re hibernating.
So, let’s tackle this together. Here are ten ways to get your home spring-ready without losing your weekend.
Declutter Your Space
De-clutter first before you clean. Winter has a way of stashing itself in our homes, with every surface holding a spare blanket, a pair of boots stationed by every door, and secret stashes that no one wants to confront.
Tackle it room by room, and create three piles for everything: keep, donate, and toss. Just be decisive about what to keep. That decorative candle you’ve never lit and the jumper with the obvious stain? Let them go.
You will be amazed at how light your home feels when you’re not tripping over things you’re not really using.
That said, if the clutter is simply out of control, bringing in some cleaning help can make the whole process less overwhelming.
Deep Clean Your Carpets and Floors
Once you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time to address what’s underfoot. After you’ve spent months trudging through rain and mud, your carpets are probably hiding some grim layers of dirt that your regular vacuum can’t quite get rid of.
This is where you want to do a good, deep clean. You can rent a steam cleaner by the day. Just be sure to work in small areas and not over-wet the carpet. Too much water flattens the fibres, and it makes the fabric take forever to dry.
Remember to do your hard floors, too. Begin with the areas you normally neglect: corners and edges. And if you have wooden floors, use very little water and once they’re dry, buff to your heart’s content.
Tiles, on the other hand, need a bit more elbow grease, so you want to scrub the grout well before you mop.
Clean Your Windows for a Clear View
There’s no point in enjoying spring sunshine with your windows still covered in winter residue. Dirty windows not only block light, but they make the entire house look dingier than it really is.
To remedy this, concoct a solution of water and vinegar, take a microfibre cloth and go over every window.
When cleaning the glass, work from top to bottom, not left to right, otherwise you’ll end up dragging streaks over the clean part.
If you can safely get to both sides, you should. Cleaning alone inside makes a difference, but the real change is when you clean the outside, too. Your rooms will look brighter, and things will feel fresher — and you won’t need to change anything else.
Freshen Up the Walls and Ceilings
This may sound strange, but after all, your walls and ceilings have been harbouring dust and cobwebs all winter long while you were too busy staying warm to realise it. Now that the light is stronger, you’ll find them staring at you from corners.
So, take a long-handled duster, or a damp cloth and go from room to room. Don’t forget to look at light fixtures and the tops of door frames where cobwebs often lurk.
If you notice marks or gunk, some soapy water should take care of that. Repainting is optional, but it can make everything feel fresh if you’re up for a little work.
Give Your Kitchen a Thorough Scrub
Your kitchen has been running non-stop this winter , and it shows. Grease has congealed on surfaces you didn’t know existed, and your fridge is probably home to science experiments masquerading as leftovers.
Take everything out of your fridge and give each shelf a wipe down. Then, make your way through your cabinets, throwing out expired food and wiping up crumbs.
But your oven, microwave and dishwasher deserve a little TLC while you’re at it. These hardworking household appliances do not show up on our cleaning radar.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget the tops of your cabinets or the space behind your bin. These areas can also trap dust and contribute to that general sense that ‘something looks off.’
Refresh the Bathroom
Bathrooms are subject to a lot of wear and tear in the winter between the steamy showers and lack of airflow. So, it’s time to give yours a makeover.
Concentrate on tiles and grout. They likely have soap scum and mildew. Scrub them well or if you have a steam cleaner.
Also, wash or give your shower curtain a new one, and polish your mirrors to get rid of streaks and toothpaste. residue.
While you’re at it, switch out heavy winter towels for lighter ones in brighter colours. It’s a small tweak, but it will immediately make the space feel more spring-like.
Revitalise Your Outdoor Spaces
Even if you have nothing more than a small balcony or patio, it’s in spring that you reclaim it.
Start by sweeping out months of leaves, dirt and whatever else the wind has brought in. Then give your patio furniture a good scrub; a full clean-up is required after being neglected for months.
If you have wood items, check if they need to be treated or repainted to make it through another year of British weather.
A pressure washer really comes in handy on dirty patios and walkways, but a good scrub will work if you don’t have one. And finally, put in a few planters with spring flowers to make it a place worth sitting in.
Swap Out Seasonal Bedding and Curtains
As the weather warms up, it’s time to trade in your winter layers for lighter ones. Put away the heavy duvets and wool blankets, and use cotton sheets that don’t make you sweat at night.
Do the same with your curtains. Lighter materials allow more sunlight to penetrate and significantly alter the atmosphere of a room. It’s like an instant mood boost for your bedroom, without the need to spend a fortune.
Wash your winter bedding before you put it away. You’ll thank yourself in the autumn when everything is clean and ready to use.
Organise Your Closets and Wardrobes
Now you’re done with the bedding, let’s move on to your wardrobe!
Group like items together. Store your pants all together, your shirts in one section, and your dresses in a place where they won’t get wrinkled.
You can also take advantage of drawer dividers for tiny bits, like socks and underwear, so you’re not digging through chaos every morning.
If you have the space, buy some slim hangers to make the most of the room, or get some shelf risers for additional storage. The point is to know where everything is, so dressing doesn’t feel like hunting for treasure.
Air Out Your Home
After months of keeping everything sealed tight against the cold, your home probably smells a bit stale, even if you can’t quite put your finger on the reason. The solution is wonderfully simple: open your windows.
Let fresh air flow through every room for a few hours each day. It’s amazing how much difference this makes to how your home feels.
While you’re airing things out, you might spot forgotten corners or dusty vents that need attention. Take advantage and clean them quickly while you’re at it.
Conclusion
Now, you have ten practical ways to drag your home out of winter survival mode and prepare it for the warmer spring days.
By the time you’re done, you’ll have a home that feels right for evenings spent with friends. So, grab your cleaning supplies, put on a decent playlist, and get started.
