AARP Smart Guide to Spring Cleaning

23. Disinfect the sink

​While you should clean your sink after each meal prep, it’s important to disinfect the bottom and sides once or twice a week to prevent bacterial growth. According to the National Science Foundation, the kitchen sink is the second-germiest spot in your kitchen (first place goes to your sponge). The organization recommends using 1 tablespoon of bleach mixed into 1 gallon of water. If you have a garbage disposal, run hot water through it and add lemon slices to help clean the cavity and add a fresh, citrusy aroma. Disinfect your sponge by soaking it in full-strength vinegar for five minutes or placing it on the top rack of your next dishwasher load.​

24. Clean wooden spoons

​Wooden spoons are great because they don’t scratch cookware or heat up too quickly — but they’re porous. “Wood easily sucks everything into it,” says professional cleaner Auri Kananen, which is why you should never use it for raw meat. Koch says to soak wooden spoons in equal parts vinegar and hot water for 20 minutes, or scrub with a paste of baking soda and lemon. “Then wash by hand, dry, and apply some food-grade mineral oil if they seem dry,” says Koch. “To sanitize, wipe them with hydrogen peroxide after cleaning and let sit for 10 minutes, then wash again in soapy water and dry.”​

25. Deep-clean the fridge

​​Remove everything from your fridge, including the shelves, which Kananen says you can wash in the dishwasher. Then spray kitchen cleaner into the fridge, scrub with a sponge and rinse with a damp microfiber cloth. “If the fridge smells, you can wipe the fridge with vinegar,” she says. “If you have dried-up stains, use a scraper.” Pull your fridge out from the wall and clean behind and around it, too.​

​26. Polish stainless steel

​​Wipe appliances down with soapy water, then dry them. “For stainless, wipe with the grain, and after cleaning use a little baby oil on the microfiber cloth to get rid of streaks,” says Koch. “Buff it in and use the dry side of the cloth to remove any excess.”​

​27. Clean the oven

​​Remove the grates, then spray oven cleaner inside and cover with plastic wrap. (Open your windows and wear long gloves, safety goggles and a face mask or respirator to protect yourself from the chemicals.) “Let it sit for an hour or more,” Kananen says. Then remove the plastic wrap and scrub with a scraper, steel wool or a Scour Daddy Steel. Wipe everything with a damp microfiber cloth. Use the same process for the racks. For a less toxic option, create a paste made from a 3:1 mix of baking soda to warm water plus a few drops of citrus-based essential oil, which has degreasing properties. Coat the oven with this paste. Let it sit for 10 to 12 hours (overnight works well) before wiping clean, then spray some vinegar before a final wipe-down.​

28. Reorganize junk drawers

​Remove everything from the drawer, evaluate, discard items and move what does not belong to other places in the house, says organization expert Jane Stoller, author of Decluttering for Dummies. “Add back in only the essentials you use,” she says. “This could include rubber bands, matchboxes, labels, scissors and tape. Use trays to keep them organized.”​

29. Organize and purge storage containers

​​After removing all plastic storage containers from their designated cupboard, Taylor says to wipe out the cupboard with a clean cloth and all-purpose spray. Use the hose on your vacuum to suck up crumbs. Next, match each container to its lid. “If they don’t have lids, it’s time to let them go,” he says. Arrange them by size and shape, and put them back in their home.​

​30. Swap out water filters

​​Your refrigerator’s water filter needs to be replaced at least every six months — sooner if your water tastes funny or your ice smells or tastes off. If you have hard water, you may need to change it more frequently, as that hard water can clog your dispenser with mineral deposits. Always reset the indicator light so it’ll alert you when it’s time to change the filter again.​

​31. Wipe walls and baseboards

​​Dust off walls and baseboards first, then start with a fresh mop that has a different head than the one you use to clean your floors. Oliveira says to dip the mop into a bucket of hot water and soap and remove excess water until it’s damp, not sopping. Then sweep the mop up and down your walls. Next, dust baseboards with a vacuum extension, then use the same mop from the walls to wash away any dirt. Wipe a new fabric softener sheet along your baseboard to help stave off dust.​

​32. Clean the microwave

​​Place a cup of water in the microwave and let it boil (1 to 3 minutes on high, depending on your microwave's power). “Let it sit for a few minutes so the steam softens the stains,” says Kananen. “If you have stains left, spray some kitchen cleaner and use a dish brush. It is great for reaching all the crevices and corners. Wipe with a damp cloth.” Leave the microwave door open until it’s dry.​

​33. Scrub your trash can

​​Empty your trash can and “use a scrub wand along with soap and vinegar to effectively clean” it, says Oliveira. After scrubbing, wipe down the trash can with a paper towel or clean rag to remove any remaining residue. For particularly stubborn stains or odors, she suggests applying a mixture of baking soda and water to the inside of the trash can and letting it soak for several hours before rinsing.​

34. Clean the dishwasher

​​There’s a filter in the bottom of most dishwashers that needs to be cleaned once a year to once a week. Your machine will run more efficiently the more often you clean it, so remove that along with the utensil holders and racks. “Next, fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup of vinegar, and place it on the bottom rack of the empty dishwasher,” says Oliveira. Run a hot-water cycle, which allows the vinegar to break down any grease, residue and soap scum. Then use a sponge to wipe any remaining stains or buildup. To dislodge grime, run water over the filter before replacing it, and use a soft brush on any stubborn areas.​

​35. Sanitize countertops

​​Dip a sponge into a soapy solution and scrub every inch, Oliveira says. Then follow up with a sanitizing solution that’s safe for your countertop material (for instance, she says it’s best to avoid using vinegar on marble or granite), such as a mixture of water and vinegar, isopropyl alcohol or disinfecting spray. Use a clean microfiber towel to dry. Don’t forget to seal your marble and granite countertops; follow the installers' guidance.​

​36. Wipe down the stovetop, and clean burners and vents

​​If you have burners, soak them in a large bowl filled with hot water and soap to release the grease, says Oliveira. “Spray degreaser onto the stovetop, and use a sponge to scrub it right to left.” For a chemical-free option, make a natural degreaser by pouring 1 cup distilled white vinegar, 1 cup hot water and ½ teaspoon dishwashing liquid into a spray bottle. If the burners are very dirty, use The Pink Stuff, Bon Ami or Bar Keeper’s Friend to clean them. Or sprinkle baking soda on the stovetop, spray vinegar on top of it and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge. Rinse the burners with water and dry them with a microfiber cloth. For vents, remove them and scrub with soap and water. If they’re extra greasy, use something stronger, like Oxiclean, Superclean or a soap degreaser.​

​37. Mop the floor and wash rugs

​​When it comes to washing different types of floors — such as linoleum, luxury vinyl planking, tile or wood — Oliviera says it’s important to consider the material’s specific requirements and adjust your cleaning method and solution to clean effectively without causing any damage. For instance, wood floors should be swept and damp-mopped frequently with cleaners specifically formulated for wood. Never use soap-based detergents on laminate floors. Vinyl floors are best cleaned with a damp mop and mild detergent, and water should be used sparingly on linoleum. But no matter which method you use, repeat the process once or twice to ensure a deep clean. Be sure to change the bucket water frequently so you aren’t spreading the same dirt and grime around. Toss your kitchen rugs in the washing machine if the label says it’s safe; otherwise, follow the instructions for washing your outdoor rugs.​

​38. Spot-clean cabinets

​​Cabinets can be cleaned with soap and water. But if they’re particularly greasy (usually around the stove, for instance), use a degreaser in addition to the cleaning solution, suggests Oliveira. Then wipe down the surface and dry with a microfiber cloth.​

​39. Check expiration dates on pantry items

​​Check expiration dates, but don’t start tossing anything just yet. The “use by” and “sell by” dates generally don’t refer to safety (baby formula is an exception). Instead, these dates indicate how long food will retain peak quality, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In many cases, you can stretch that out, but do prioritize those items in your pantry organization. Empty and clean the shelves and restock, placing the oldest food items in the front. Consider transferring packaged goods, such as cereals and pastas, to airtight storage containers to keep them fresh and organized.​

​40. Clean and descale your coffee maker

​​Remove any removable parts of your coffee maker — including the carafe, filter and water reservoir — and clean these with soap, warm water and a sponge. “Next, make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and pour it into the water reservoir,” says Oliveira, who recommends descaling your coffee maker once every two weeks or at least once a month. To descale the inside of the machine, run the coffee maker through the brewing cycle until all of the solution has been used. Then empty the carafe and rinse with cold water. Fill the reservoir with cold water and run a few more brewing cycles to flush out any remaining vinegar. Give the outside a good wipe to remove any grime, too.​

BATHROOM

​41. Scrub the tub and shower walls

​Follow the cleaning guidelines for your tub based on the material. Make a paste with water and baking soda, or your favorite powdered cleaner, apply it to all surfaces, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. “Then scrub the tub with a scrub brush or sponge, paying special attention to any areas with stains or buildup,” says Samahria Richie, founder of Two Sisters Maid to Clean in Tennessee. (Always test in a small area, as abrasive cleaners, scrub pads and hard tools can scratch the surface of a tub.) Richie says that baking soda isn’t going to harm most tubs but will damage stone resin. Finally, rinse the tub with warm water and dry it with a cloth to prevent water spots. Tackle the caulk and grout, too, which she says you can clean with a paste of baking soda and peroxide on a charcoal toothbrush. If your caulk is older than five years, is filled with mold and mildew or shows signs of wear and tear, it’s probably time for replacement.​

​42. Spruce up the showerhead

​​First, remove the showerhead from the wall. “Mix equal parts of CLR [a calcium, lime and rust remover] and water in a bowl, enough to cover the showerhead,” says Richie. Soak the showerhead in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub any remaining buildup with an old toothbrush. Rinse the showerhead with water and reattach it. Finally, run hot water through the showerhead to clear out any remaining buildup. Because it’s a chemical, follow the safety instructions on the CLR bottle and work in a well-ventilated area. Alternatives to CLR include Lime-A-Way and Simple Green.​

43. Clean the drains

​Drains can be cleaned with the remaining cleaning agent from your showerhead soak. “Simply pour the remaining solution down your tub or sink’s drain, followed by a rinse with hot water,” says Richie. If your drain smells bad, pour a pot of hot water down the drain, followed by a mixture of 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar. Insert the drain plug and wait 5 to 10 minutes. Then flush with another pot of hot water. For more stubborn blockages, a drain snake or plunger should do the trick. (Do not use boiling water, which can damage pipes, especially if they are older.)​

44. Disinfect the walls around the toilet

​You can’t see it, but there’s a good chance that your bathroom walls are coated in bacteria. “The walls around the toilet are constantly exposed to bacterial contamination from flushing the toilet,” says Cohoon, which is why it’s good practice to close the lid before flushing. Spray the walls with your disinfectant of choice, then wipe with a paper towel you’ll immediately dispose of to prevent cross-contamination.​

​45. Dispose of expired prescriptions

​​Expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications lose their potency and must be discarded. The best disposal option is to take them to a drug drop-off location, which may be found in retail, hospital or clinic pharmacies or law enforcement facilities. Don’t just toss expired medications in the garbage, though. The FDA has a handy flush list you can follow — if your medication is not on it, follow these instructions to properly discard it.​

​46. Throw out old makeup and cosmetic products

​​The shelf life of makeup and cosmetics varies by product, as each starts to degrade for different reasons. To add to the confusion, there are no U.S. laws or regulations that require cosmetics to have expiration dates. The shelf life for eye-area cosmetics (like mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow), for example, is two to four months. Stoller says a good rule of thumb is to go through all your cosmetics annually, though quarterly is better. “Get rid of what you don’t use, and evaluate anything that is over six months old,” she says.​

​47. Wash makeup brushes

​​Makeup brushes harbor bacteria, not to mention product residue, dirt and oil. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing them every seven to 10 days. First, rinse the brush tips under lukewarm water. Then fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a tablespoon of gentle shampoo. Swirl the brush tips in the mixture (feel free to create a lather by massaging into the palm of your hands), rinse under running water, and repeat the process as many times as needed until the water runs clear. Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean paper towel, and let brushes dry flat on a towel.​

​48. Launder your shower curtain and bath mats

​​To clean your shower curtain, liner and bath mats, Richie suggests washing them together in the washing machine with mild detergent at least once a month. “The mats will help scrub buildup off your shower curtain,” she says. Refresh between washes by combining water with a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle, then misting the mixture onto the shower curtain and mats. Air-dry for a long-lasting and chemical-free fragrance.​

​49. Remove soap scum from the shower door

​​Use a dryer sheet to clean water spots and soap scum from glass shower doors. “Simply wet the dryer sheet and scrub the door, then rinse with water,” says Richie. The fabric softeners in the sheet help loosen and remove the buildup, she explains, leaving your glass shower door sparkling clean. Plus, the sheet will leave a subtle scent behind.​

​50. Clean the toothbrush caddy

​​To remove residue and germ buildup, toss your toothbrush holder and soap dish in your dishwasher with your next load of dishes for a thorough cleaning. This should be done weekly.​

​51. Make rusty towel bars sparkle

​​A moist bathroom is the perfect breeding ground for rust. Spray rusty bathroom fixtures with white vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes. Then scrub with a sponge. For more stubborn spots, use a paste of baking soda, water and lemon juice. Another hack is to use wax paper to clean sink fixtures and to provide a protective coating that prevents future stains.​

52. Shine windows, mirrors and doorknobs

​For windows, mirrors and glass surfaces, Richie says to reach for a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner. Doorknobs can be cleaned with a damp cloth and disinfecting spray. Although there’s evidence that bacteria and germs — including E. coli and MRSA — can live on door handles, you can clean these infrequently. Bathroom doorknobs, however, should be cleaned every week. ​

​53. Scrub the toilet bowl

​​Richie says to clean your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves and using toilet bowl cleaner with a brush. Then use a sponge or cloth and warm water to clean the rest of the toilet. “For stubborn stains, use a wet pumice stone by soaking it in water and gently rubbing it on the stains,” she says, noting that you should avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent scratching the porcelain. Rinse the toilet bowl and flush to remove debris from the pumice stone.​

​54. Strip your towels

​Hanging in a humid bathroom, bath towels can harbor bacteria, so it’s best to use a freshly clean towel every other day. Laundry stripping — which removes residue from detergents, fabric softeners, hard water minerals, oil, dirt and bacteria — is a legitimate way to get your towels and bedding really clean. To strip your towels — a practice that went viral on TikTok a couple of years ago— fill your tub or a large container with hot water. Add ¼ cup Borax, ¼ cup washing soda (sodium carbonate) and ½ cup detergent, stirring until it’s dissolved. Submerge your towels and soak for hours until the water has cooled, stirring them occasionally. Run your towels through a rinse-only cycle, and tumble dry.​

​LIVING ROOM

​55. Purify the air

An air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove up to 99.97 percent of particles and allergens from the air, says Dr. John McKeon, CEO and founder of Allergy Standards Limited. When shopping for a unit, look for one that has a clean air delivery rate (CADR) commensurate with the Environmental Protection Agency’s suggestions based on room square footage. The organization also warns that products featuring bipolar ionization may generate potentially harmful by-products.​

​56. Wipe down light switches and electrical outlet covers

​Outlet covers and light switches get dingy and grimy, says Taylor. He recommends using a clean cloth with a little all-purpose or glass cleaner to wipe them down instead of spraying them directly, and to avoid direct contact with the electrical components. For stubborn stains, try a dry toothbrush to loosen the debris without scratching the plastic.​

​57. Wipe down electronics

​​To safely clean electronics, Richie says unplug them and use compressed air and a soft-bristled brush. “Hold the can upright, spray short bursts into crevices, and sweep away dust with the brush,” she says. “For delicate screens, avoid compressed air and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel on a cloth to gently wipe away fingerprints and smudges.” Turn off each device and unplug it from its power source, then wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust. For safe disinfection, Katie Dills, senior vice president at The Cleaning Authority, suggests a 1:1 solution of water to rubbing alcohol sprayed onto a microfiber cloth (never spray the solution directly onto a device). Then wipe away any excess moisture with a dry cloth. Alternatively, for items like earbuds, keys and cellphones, look into a UV light sanitizer that kills up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses, such as the Philips UV Light Sanitizer Box, Phonesoap 3 or Homedics UV Clean Sanitizer Bag.​

​58. Clean your computer keyboard

​​“You may be surprised by how much dust, crumbs, bacteria and more live in your keyboard,” says Nelson, who recommends cleaning your computer keyboard with an air duster followed by antibacterial wipes. Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean your computer screen to remove any smudges, but don’t use eyeglass cleaner, as the chemicals could damage the surface.​

​59. Wash throws and blankets

​​Throws and blankets should be washed once a month using a mild detergent and a cold-water setting. Richie’s trick for remembering this task is to pick a specific day of the month, such as the first Saturday or the last Sunday.​

​60. Tidy up bookshelves

​Clean bookshelves with a duster that attracts and traps dirt and dust — like Swiffer, EnviroCare or reusable Millifiber — without removing books and other items. Swipe each book and work down the shelf, cleaning spines and decor, says Richie. Extend the duster handle to reach the top shelves. Finish by wiping down the remaining debris with a dry cloth.​

​61. Refresh carpet

​​Before vacuuming, run a few dryer sheets over the carpet with your shoes. “The dryer sheet’s anti-static properties attract dust, dirt and hair to the surface, making it easier for the vacuum cleaner to pick them up,” says Richie. Move lighter furniture out of the way, and slip sliders under the bigger pieces so you can more easily maneuver them. After vacuuming, use a steam cleaner with a cleaning solution. (You can rent a steam cleaner from big-box stores, but some sell for around $200 and can clean more than just carpet, so buying one might be worth the investment.) To soften the fibers of your carpet and leave a clean scent, she suggests adding a few drops of your favorite fabric softener to the solution (but do a spot test first to ensure it does not discolor or stain your carpet).​

​62. Deodorize carpets in high-traffic areas

​Start by thoroughly vacuuming, making multiple passes over each area (and emptying the canister or replacing the bag as needed). Next, Taylor says to use the vacuum hose attachment and the edging tool to go around the perimeter of the area, picking up everything that got pushed to the sides. If you can still see hair, fur or debris in the corners next to the wall or baseboard, use a small whisk broom, then suck it up with the vacuum hose attachment. Sprinkle the area with baking soda, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum one last time.​

63. Dust furniture and wall art

​Clean upholstery with vacuum cleaner attachments. First, use the crevice tool to clean around the edges and corners of the upholstery, then attach the upholstery tool and vacuum the furniture’s surface. Richie says to consider using a brush attachment for deeper cleaning, and a rubber brush attachment or glove to remove pet hair. For tough stains, try a spot cleaner made for upholstery (test it on an inconspicuous area first). Finish by misting with fabric refresher, and then wipe down wood and hard surfaces with a microfiber cloth and mild cleaning solution. Run a damp microfiber cloth over picture-frame edges, and use glass cleaner on the faces if they are covered by glass.​

64. Spruce up curtains and throw pillows

​​Curtains and throw pillows should be washed every three months in cold water with a mild detergent, says Richie. Allow curtains to dry on a low heat setting in the dryer, and hang them up slightly damp. “Allow them to dry completely after misting with wrinkle-release spray,” she says. Once dry, mist curtains with a fabric refresher to give them a long-lasting scent. If possible, lay throw pillows flat to dry in the sun; otherwise, place them in the dryer on a fluff-dry cycle to maintain their shape.​

​65. Check your fireplace

​​Examine the exterior of the chimney for any signs of damage. “If you notice a lot of smoke or the smell of gas in your home when you use your fireplace, these are two obvious signs that there may be damage to your fireplace,” says Lance Sinclair, president of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and Mister Sparky, noting that cracks, rusting or stains may also be signs that your fireplace has some damage. Have the flue inspected by a certified chimney sweep yearly. If you use it often, have it cleaned once or twice a year. ​

BEDROOMS

​66. Dust fan blades

​​There are two ways to clean fan blades, explains Koch. The first is to take a pillowcase, place it over each blade and pull it off, which drags the dust into the pillowcase. You can spray some water or dusting spray on the inside of the pillowcase, too, if you’d like. This method traps all the dust inside the pillowcase so it doesn’t fall below. You can then shake it out outside or over the trash and toss it in the wash. But if you can’t reach the blades, use an extendable duster that bends so you can curve it over the blade and clean the top, then the bottom. Do this first, then clean everything below it. And now that it’s spring, switch your fan from clockwise to counterclockwise (this will create a cool downdraft).​

67. Freshen your bed

​​Mattresses should be cleaned about every six months, the Sleep Foundation recommends; dust mites, dead skin and dirt accumulate, even if you can’t see them. First, check the instructions on your mattress cover before removing it. If the label says “Do not remove the cover,” your mattress may contain fiberglass, which is a replacement for harmful chemical flame retardants. Consider buying a mattress protector to put over both the mattress and the cover to help keep your mattress clean.​​Sprinkle baking soda all over your bare mattress and let it sit for an hour before vacuuming it up. “For some added scent, I like to take dried lavender and grind it in a food processor with the baking soda and sprinkle that mixture all over,” says Koch, who suggests cleaning the mattress this way every three to six months. To remove stains from the mattress, spray peroxide onto them and let it dry. The stains should fade without scrubbing. For an extra-deep clean, use a steam cleaner — be sure to hold the steamer a few inches above the mattress surface. Open the windows, turn on fans and allow the mattress to air-dry completely. This can take several hours or more.​

​68. Get under the bed

​​The same dust mites, dead skin, and dirt that accumulate on your mattress hide under your bed. Cohoon says this accumulation creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and poor air quality. First, remove all items from under the bed, then sweep out the debris. If it’s carpeted and you can fit a vacuum (or robot vacuum) under there, do so. If there’s hard flooring, do your best to clean it with a mop and a solution mixed with warm water—not hot, as it can damage wood flooring.​

​69. Wash all bedding, including shams and dust ruffles

​​Remove sheets, shams, pillowcases and bedding. Shams and dust ruffles can often be placed in a delicates bag and washed on the delicate cycle. Koch says wash standard bedding (sheets and pillowcases) once a week; duvet covers once a month; shams, dust ruffles and duvets every six months. You can also “laundry-strip” these textiles following the instructions in the “Strip your towels” section. For children’s bedding, Koch recommends using a gentle, fragrance-free detergent that won’t irritate sensitive skin. For pet bedding, vacuum every week and wash twice a month. “If the bed is too large for your washing machine, take it to the laundromat,” Koch adds. “To dry, simply place it in the dryer on the hottest setting or set it outside in direct sunlight. Some stuffing can clump when dried in the dryer, so air-drying may be the better choice.” ​

70. Clean out your closet

​Once or twice a year, take items off the shelves and dust or wipe them down. “You’d be surprised how dirty these get, especially where shoes are stored,” says Koch. Don’t forget the hanger bars, which also get dusty — take the hangers off and run a cloth along them. Look through purses you don’t use often and discard any old chewing gum, candy, tissues or makeup. Remove anything else you find inside, like old wallets, loose change, sunglasses or pens.​

CLOSETS, PANTRIES AND PAPERWORK

​71. Clean out your clothes closet

​Starting the process with a mindset of “I’m going to declutter this entire closet, now!” can quickly lead to overwhelm, so Christina Giaquinto, a professional organizer at Modular Closets, recommends focusing on micro-zones. For example, pick a single category, like shoes or pants, to declutter first. Limiting your focus to one zone at a time will reduce decision fatigue and build momentum without feeling overwhelmed. Sort items into clearly labeled “keep,” “donate” and “toss” piles, and do not include a “maybe” pile, as that’s a surefire way to slow progress. Still struggling? Use the five-second rule: “With each item you are unsure of whether to keep or get rid of, take only five seconds to think about whether you have used it recently or if you think you may need it in the near future,” Giaquinto says.​​

72. Organize what’s left

​Giaquinto uses the following method when helping her clients. First, group clothing items (pants, dresses, tops, etcetera) by category, then organize each section by color. This will make it much easier to find the item you want to wear and to put it back in your closet after use quickly and efficiently. Having a structured visual system will reduce decision fatigue and keep your closet looking tidy with minimal daily effort. Next, use matching hangers and the same amount of spacing between each clothing item to prevent overcrowding and make your closet look and feel more streamlined. Then use clearly labeled bins or baskets for smaller items such as workout gear, scarves or accessories. These bins or baskets help prevent clutter buildup and make daily cleanup fast and intuitive.​

73. Tackle your linen closet

​“The biggest problems I see are overstocking linens, keeping mismatched sets and not having a clear organization system,” says Giaquinto, noting that her clients also keep too many worn-out or unused linens “just in case.” Here’s how she streamlines it: Store each sheet set inside its matching pillowcase to prevent pieces from getting lost and to make grabbing a complete sheet set quick and easy. Second, use clearly labeled shelf dividers or bins to separate linens by size or by room. For example, labeled categories like “Queen Sheets” and “Guest Towels” will eliminate any guesswork and save you time when restocking linens after they’re washed. Finally, roll your towels and stack them vertically in the closet so you can see each one at a glance. This maximizes space, improves visibility, prevents messy piles and makes it easy to grab a single towel without disrupting the entire shelf.​

74. Take inventory of your pantry

​It may sound like an intense undertaking, but Giaquinto swears by taking everything (yes, everything!) out of your pantry, because it is harder and less efficient to declutter with items still in place. Once everything is out of your pantry, sort the items into categories like grains, canned goods, snacks and baking supplies. While doing this, check each product’s expiration date, and toss out anything old or stale. During sorting, keep only what you realistically plan to use. Moving forward, implement a “first-in, first-out” rule, placing newer items behind older stock to prevent waste. ​

75. Purge paperwork piles

​Start by creating broad categories like bills, medical documents, personal items and miscellaneous papers, says Giaquinto. Then set up a box or tray for each category, and tackle one at a time. Quickly sort each document into “keep,” “shred” or “recycle” piles. How do you decide? Keep essential documents such as tax records (typically for the last seven years), legal papers, property deeds, insurance policies and medical records. Discard any old bills, expired warranties, junk mail and duplicate receipts once they are no longer needed. Shred anything with personal information on it. For ongoing maintenance and storage, use an accordion file with clear labels; implement a filing schedule (perhaps biweekly or monthly) to prevent accumulation; and digitize important documents. ​​

76. Clear out drop zones

​“Oftentimes entryways become clutter magnets simply because there are no designated spots for items,” says Giaquinto, noting that mail piles up on the entryway table, shoes are scattered by the doorway, and packages stack up by the door. This can feel chaotic and lead to tripping hazards. Instead, add a tray on the entryway console table for keys and mail, and sort or recycle it weekly so it doesn’t become another paperwork pile. Add hooks for coats, hats and umbrellas, and a shoe-rack storage solution to organize the area. Do a daily or weekly reset of this space to keep it functional. ​​

LAUNDRY ROOM

​77. Wash the washing machine

​Get rid of any leftover dirt and lint to ensure your appliances work effectively. Wipe the inside and outside of your washing machine with a solution of hot water and vinegar, Dills says. Then run a full cycle, adding 4 cups of white vinegar and a half cup of baking soda.​

​78. Defuzz the dryer

​Clear the lint traps after every load, but for a deep clean, unplug the appliance from the wall. Then remove the lint screen inside the dryer trap. Sinclair recommends using a vacuum crevice tool to grab any excess dirt or other materials from the lint screen. He says this built-up lint increases the probability of starting a fire, not to mention costing you more due to wasted energy. You can purchase a kit that attaches to a drill to clear lint traps yourself, or hire a professional once a year to clean the dryer vents. Look for spring specials and promotions.​

​79. Make your towels more plush

​​Taylor says you can make your towels hotel-luxe again by washing them in hot water with laundry detergent and either one cup of white vinegar or half a cup of baking soda. If your towels are particularly rough or lack bounce, soak them in hot water with baking soda or vinegar for a couple of hours before washing.​

80. Pay attention to the utility sink

​​Rinse the sink thoroughly, and use a sponge and your favorite powder cleanser to scrub the surface. Then pour vinegar over the sink and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water. To help prevent plumbing and drainage problems, Sinclair recommends installing a lint trap at the end of the washing machine hose to catch debris before it reaches the sink’s drain. For an extra layer of protection, place a lint or hair catcher on the drain.​

​81. Pour water down your floor sewer drain

​​If you have floor drains in your home and smell a foul odor coming from them, it’s because the traps have dried out. At least twice a year, dump 1 or 2 gallons, or preferably a whole 5-gallon bucket, of water down the drain. This will not only seal off sewer gases; it will also let you see if the drain is working properly.​

WHILE YOU’RE AT IT

​82. Check for cracks in the foundation

​Look at the walls and foundation of your home for signs of water damage or cracks. Inside, look for warped floors or ceilings, specifically signs of buckling, bulging or sloping. Also, examine your walls for cracks, leaning or bowing, and inspect support beams for cracks, too. If you have a chimney, check whether the structure is tilting or has cracks. Both can be signs of foundation damage.​

​83. Change out HVAC air filters

​​Most air filters are designed to last one to three months (check the packaging), but they may clog up faster depending on the amount of dirt, contaminants and pets in your home. Sinclair says that during the hottest or coldest months of the year, you may want to replace these filters more often to help improve air quality and make the system run more efficiently. ​

​84. Replace batteries in smoke alarms

​​Even if your alarms aren’t giving you a warning beep yet, Sinclair advises changing the batteries once a year — and replacing the smoke detector itself once every decade. But don’t forget to check your detectors once a month by pressing the test button. If any don’t respond, replace the batteries (and always keep an extra set or two on hand so you’re never without).​

​85. Clean or replace your vacuum’s filter or bag

​​If your bagless or canister vacuum has a foam filter, remove it. Submerge the filter in water, squeeze it out a few times until all the dirt is gone, and let it air-dry. Disposable vacuum bags for upright vacuums should be replaced when full. If the bag is reusable, empty it into the trash and tap out any lingering debris. If your vacuum has a round, pleated cartridge filter, remove it and tap it against a garbage can to loosen debris, then let all the sediment fall away. Finally, HEPA filters need to be replaced every two to three years.​

86. Test your sump pump

​​If you have a sump pump in your basement, test it to ensure it’s clean and operable, and that the outflow drains properly. It’s important to do this during the wettest weeks, whether due to rain or melting snow, as catching a problem early is crucial. Sinclair says the simplest way to do this is to slowly pour a bucket of water into the sump pit; if the pump starts up automatically, you’re in good shape. Over time, the sump pump’s filter screen will collect mud, leaves, pebbles and other debris that can lead to clogs, premature pump shutoff or standing water in your basement. He says to wipe the filter clean, unplug the sump pump and carry it outside, along with the drain. Disconnect the drain line and use a hose to flush out any debris or clogs, then flush the entire unit with water. Before putting the pump back in place, thoroughly clean the entire sump pit, taking care to remove anything that could clog the drain line. Then, with the pump reconnected, take an extra moment to pour a bucket of water into the pit and verify that the system is working.​

87. Get to know your home’s main energy supplies

​​Know where and how to shut off valves for gas, oil, water and your home’s main electrical supply. Put tags on these valves so you can find them quickly in a disaster or emergency. But have a professional turn them back on again, the Federal Emergency Management Agency warns. Over time, breakers in your electrical panel can wear out, so be sure to call a licensed electrician for preventive maintenance. Panels with fuses are outdated and should be replaced by a professional.​​