11 Things to Clean Before May to Give Your Home a Fresh Start for Summer

Wool Sweaters and Outerwear

As you shift your wardrobe toward your summer favorites, you’re probably just about ready to pack away your heavy sweaters and outerwear for the season. But before you do, make sure to give them a good cleaning. If you put them away dirty, any food or body oil that’s in the fibers could become set-in stains or attract pests that could damage the garment.

Don’t forget to do your hats, mittens, and scarves while you’re at it—they often get neglected when it comes to winter laundry, but they can collect just as much dirt and grime through regular use.

Baking Pans

Is baking season ever truly over? (Never!) But if your baking sheets are looking a little worse for the wear after a season of cakes, cookies, and muffins, they’re definitely due for a deep clean, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and CEO of AspenClean.

Oven

Same reasoning as the baking pans: You’ve likely been putting your oven to use over the winter, and a good deep cleaning of your oven now will clear away all the stuck-on bits—and the blackened remains of every drip and drop of your wintry baking delights.

Doormats

“Winter boots usually bring in a lot of dirt and salt,” Sokolowski says. “Spring cleaning is an ideal time to shake out and deep clean your doormats.”

Duvets and Bedding

Unless you and your partner have very different standards regarding bedroom temperature, you’re probably going to be ready to switch out your flannels and big fluffy duvet for cooling sheets and summer-weight blankets, says Cian Ballentine, owner of Cannonball Cleaners. Even if you are planning to keep the duvet in service, spring is the perfect time to launder it, and leave it out on a sunny day to fluff up; the heat of the sun can help dry any moisture in the feathers and get it back to full volume.

Windows and Screens

Windows are often a big part of any spring-cleaning plan, but we just wanted to make sure you don’t neglect them after a season of winter grime. A deep clean both inside and out ensures you can enjoy every bit of that late spring sunshine.

But while you might think of windows, you probably aren’t thinking of the screens—and they could use a good cleaning with a hose and a scrub brush to remove built-up dirt, Sokolowski says.

Throw Pillows and Blankets

Your throw pillows and blankets have likely faced some food and drink stains as you enjoyed a little cocooning on your couch this winter. (And we all know we’re not washing our throws as often as we should!) Give the throws and the pillow covers a thorough laundering (make sure to hand-wash any that have embroidery or beading that could get thrashed in the washing machine). The pillow inserts can be washed and dried separately, then let them spend a few hours out in the sunshine for extra freshness and loftiness.

(Now’s a good time to switch over to your summer throw pillow covers, if you swap them for the season!)

Outdoor Furniture and Accessories

So many of us have upgraded our outdoor entertaining setup, and now’s the time to give it all a good cleaning, so any winter grime or spiderwebs are washed away. And don’t forget your outdoor cushions, especially if you’ve left them out in the elements all winter long or put them away somewhere where they’ve gotten a little musty or dusty.

Grill

Even if you deep cleaned your grill before the winter started (or never stopped using it all winter long), spring is a good time for a reset. Clear away any cobwebs or left-on ick before barbecue season hits full swing.

Ceiling Fan

The ceiling fan is an often neglected spot that attracts plenty of dust and dirt—and the season change can be a perfect time to take care of that, Ballentine says. “I recommend cleaning your ceiling fan every time you switch it from winter to summer and back again.” (Yes, you need to change your ceiling fan’s direction as the seasons change!)

Beach Towels and Gear

Gear up for the season by hosing off any dirt and grime on pool floats and beach chairs, giving your tote a good clean, and running your beach and pool towels through a laundry cycle so you’re ready to go on that first perfect beach or pool day.