Spring Clean Up for Home Decor: A Checklist to Start With
Let’s Be Real About Spring Cleaning…
Spring clean up gets all the hype, but let’s be honest—it’s usually about baseboards, closets, or things that involve a lot of sweat and a magic eraser. This isn’t that.
Ready for a spring refresh but not looking to bust out the mop and bucket just yet?
This one’s for you, friend.
➡️ Not Your Typical Spring Clean Up List
Let’s talk about the kind of spring clean up that makes your home feel fresher—not because you deep-cleaned your floors (though gold star if you did), but because your home decor got a little love.
These are the quick wins. The “I can knock that out while the coffee brews” kind of tasks. The little things that collect dust all winter and quietly dull your space without you realizing it.
Whether you love cleaning or avoid it like the laundry pile, this spring clean up checklist is for you. You don’t need to overhaul your whole house—you just need a little direction, a feather duster, and maybe a good playlist.
Want the full list (including the forgotten spots most people miss)? You can grab the printable version here.
Spring Clean Up Tasks for Home Decor That Actually Make a Difference
- Dust your plants—real and fake.
Yes, even the one you tucked in the corner and forgot about. I give mine a quick rinse in the sink or shower (depending on size), or a feather duster if I’m feeling fancy. If the weather’s right, set ’em outside for a soft mist with the garden hose. Instant spring refresh. - Top shelf treasures? Time to reset.
Pull everything off those high-up shelves. Dust the surface and give your knick-knacks a rinse or wipe-down. It’s amazing how different things look when they’re clean and rearranged. I almost always end up re-styling it better than before. Give it a go. - Wipe your picture frames—especially the tops. All of them.
Wall art gets neglected. Run your duster or a microfiber cloth over every frame (I’m talking gallery walls too). You’ll thank me when the sunlight hits them just right and there’s no dust halo. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to give the glass a quick swipe - Check your candles. Some of mine are strictly “look pretty” candles, but they still get dusty. Rinse off the tops, trim the wicks, and toss any that look a little sad. Bonus: light one just because it’s Tuesday.
- Rethink your shelf styling.
Take a sec to refresh your shelf décor. Switch things up, swap out anything too wintry. Lighter, airier pieces make everything feel more in season. And if you’re stuck–I’ve got a post on that – 7 Simple Shelf Styling Tips - Shake out your rugs.
Yes, all of them. Even the one you think looks clean. Give them a good shake or vacuum, and snip any loose threads. For an added refresh, sprinkle them with baking soda (to absorb odor, dirt and oil) and let sit for at least 15 minutes before vacuuming them. - Take down your curtains and wash them.
It sounds like a pain, but I promise it’s worth it. Bonus for hanging them outside to dry. They’ll smell incredibly fresh and just feel so much cleaner! - Shower curtain refresh, too.
Toss that fabric curtain in the wash (and while you’re at it—if you’re still using a plastic liner, it’s time to upgrade). I switched to a fabric liner years ago and haven’t looked back. - Throw blanket cleanup.
Gather all your throw blankets and wash them according to the tag—seriously. I recently shrunk a gorgeous white-and-aqua throw into something barely big enough for my cats. It could legit pass as a doll blanket. Oops. (Though the laugh I got when my teenage son tried to use it? Almost worth it. I still keep it out as décor because the colors are a perfect match for my living room.) - Pillow patrol.
Wash what you can, and take the rest outside for a good ol’ fashioned pillow beating. Yes, you’ll feel ridiculous. Yes, it helps. Then use this as a perfect time to swap out heavy winter covers for lighter, breezier ones. - Glassware and pretty dishes on display? Wash ’em.
Open shelving? Dust. Glass-front cabinets? Dust. Just trust me and give those items a rinse. Everything will sparkle again. - Dust your lampshades—and your light bulbs.
Lampshades = sneaky dust catchers. A lint roller works like magic. And while you’re there, swipe a damp cloth or duster across the top of the bulb. More light, less grime. - Ceiling fan check.
Before you flip it on and create a dust tornado, clean the blades. Then flip the direction switch to counterclockwise for a summer breeze effect. Bonus tip: peek at the ceiling right above the fan—if it’s been spinning clockwise all winter, it may have been quietly launching dust upward. Yikes. - Wipe down hardware and handles.
Cabinet pulls, drawer knobs, and even lamp switches collect more gunk than you think. Give them a warm, soapy wipe or polish them up if they’re looking dull. And you know that one loose knob you keep ignoring? Tighten it while you’re there—you’ll feel weirdly accomplished. - Purge those piles of papers, magazines, and random reminders.
Friend… that issue of Coastal Living from 2022? Let it go. Clear out your coffee table stack, countertop clutter, and command center. Take down old schedules and reminder cards. You’ll feel 10 pounds lighter. - Towel check— Take Inventory.
Take a good look at your hand towels—especially the ones in your kitchen and guest bath. They get used all the time (by you and every guest who pops in), and if they’re feeling rough, fraying or just look tired, it’s probably time to swap in something fresher. While you’re at it, peek through your bath towels and kitchen cloths too. You know the ones that have seen softer days? Time to let those go live their best life… as cleaning rags.
Bonus: If you’re replacing them, make it fun—bring in a fresh color or seasonal pattern to add a little pop!
Bonus Tip: Don’t Just Clean—Reconsider
Use this mini spring refresh as a moment to pause and reassess:
- Does that vase still bring you joy?
- Do your shelf colors feel fresh or stuck in February?
- Could you swap in something a little brighter or more “you” this season?
Love this idea? Keep it handy.
Email this to yourself so it’s ready when you are!
Even if you don’t change much, thinking about it helps you reconnect with your home decor.
🖨️ Think You’re Done Cleaning? Not Until You Check This List
I made you a printable spring cleaning checklist:
→ Over 25 forgotten spots, sneaky tasks, and cheeky little flair tips to help you make progress fast—and feel way more accomplished doing it.
👇 Click below to get your checklist sent to your inbox!👇
💡 “Wait… I’m supposed to clean that?!” Decor Maintenance Ideas Most People Forget
This isn’t just the obvious stuff. The checklist includes all those sneaky spots you totally forgot need love—like the inside of your decorative baskets, your pillow inserts, and the smudge trail around your light switch that’s basically a fingerprint museum.
It’s the kind of list that makes you say, “Ohhh yeah, I should probably do that…”
Not a cleaner by nature? No problem.
Pick a few of these spring clean up tasks to tackle this week. Don’t wait for a full deep-clean Saturday to feel good in your home. Sometimes all it takes is clean curtains and a fresh candle.
✨ Psst… Need a thoughtful gift idea too? This easy color-by-theme gift basket guide is perfect for Mother’s Day—but with 7 ready-to-copy combos, it works for birthdays, teacher gifts, and “just because” surprises too.
