April Home Maintenance & Spring Cleaning— How to Deep Clean & Get Ready for Outdoor Living

Why Is April the Perfect Time for Spring Cleaning and Home Maintenance?

April is when spring fully settles in, bringing warmer weather (doesn’t feel like it currently), longer days, and the opportunity for deeper cleaning and outdoor preparation. For homeowners, this is the month to focus on refreshing your home’s interior and getting your yard and outdoor spaces ready for summer.

If you skipped any March tasks, now is the time to catch up on winter damage inspections and shift focus toward outdoor projects to beautify your property. Time to roll up your sleeves, prepare to get wet and dirty, and get the entire family involved. 

Interior Spring Cleaning— How Do You Refresh Your Home for Warmer Weather?

How Do You Clean and Refresh Window Treatments and Blinds?

Your curtains, blinds, and shades collect dust, pet hair, and allergens over the winter months, affecting indoor air quality and making your home feel stuffy.

Useful Tip: Remove and wash machine-washable curtains, vacuum heavy drapes, and wipe down blinds with a damp microfiber cloth. For stubborn dust, use a vacuum brush attachment.

Be sure to change your home air filter. Depending on your model and HVAC system, this should be done every 3-6 months. 

Why Should You Deep Clean Kitchen Appliances in April?

Spring is the perfect time to clean your oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher to remove food buildup, grease, and odors. Dirty appliances work less efficiently and can even become fire hazards.

Useful Tip: Pull out your refrigerator, vacuum the dust off the coils, and wipe down all shelves with a mixture of baking soda and warm water to remove stains and odors. If you have an older refrigerator, you should consider replacing it as the cost of these are likely to go up.

How Can You Declutter and Reorganize the Pantry?

A cluttered pantry makes it harder to find what you need and leads to wasted food.  Taking time to organize, discard expired goods, and wipe down shelves will make cooking easier. If you do have food you don’t plan to use, and it’s not expired. Consider donating it to the Amherst Survival Center. 

Useful Tip: Store similar items in clear bins and label them for quick access. Place older items at the front so they get used first.

Why Should You Polish Wood Floors and Furniture in the Spring?

Winter heating can cause wood surfaces to dry out and lose their shine. April is a great time to polish furniture, condition wood floors, and remove scuff marks. Any product you find at the big box stores will suffice. 

Useful Tip: Apply a wood-safe polish or beeswax to restore shine and make your floors sparkle, and place felt pads on furniture legs, like dining room tables, to prevent scratches.

How Do You Prevent Mold and Musty Odors in Bathrooms?

Mold and mildew can thrive in bathrooms with warmer temperatures and higher humidity. April is the perfect time to deep clean showers, sinks, and ventilation fans to keep moisture in check. If your bathroom fan is not working as it should, you can go up into your attic and check on it or hire a trained professional to do the job for you. 

Useful Tip: Spray tile grout with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a toothbrush for a fresh, mold-free finish.  Assess the mold and mildew type: condensation buildup or is it a leak within the walls or ceiling. 

How Can You Prepare Your Home’s Outdoor Spaces in April?

How Do You Prepare Your Garden and Landscaping for Spring?

Spring planting is approaching, so it’s best to get the gear out now. April is the best time to clear out dead leaves, aerate the soil, and fertilize your lawn and garden. Don’t wait until it gets too warm to do this; it’s great to get outside even on a wet April Saturday.

Useful Tip: Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. If you plan on planting flowers, opt for perennials like daylilies or coneflowers for long-term curb appeal.

Why Should You Inspect and Repair Decks and Fences?

Winter weather can cause wood to crack and loosen nails. Inspecting and repairing now prevents larger, more expensive issues later. Worn and gray-looking wood needs new life, and now is a good time to plan your approach and assess the damage. Are you going to have to sand? Or just apply a deck cleaner with some elbow grease? 

Useful Tip: Check for rotting wood, missing nails, or chipped paint. If your deck looks dry or faded, consider re-staining or sealing it.

How Can You Clean and Refresh Outdoor Furniture?

After months in storage, outdoor furniture can be covered in dust, pollen, or mildew. Cleaning it now ensures a comfortable outdoor space for spring and summer. Most outdoor furniture can be cleaned with a garden hose and a good nozzle attachment, others may need a more powerful spray washer to get the job done. 

Useful Tip: Use a mixture of warm water, dish soap, and vinegar to wipe down plastic or metal furniture. For fabric cushions, spot clean with a baking soda paste to remove stains.

Why Should You Check Your Home’s Exterior for Needed Repairs?

April is the time to inspect siding, shutters, and trim for winter damage. Cracked paint or siding can lead to moisture damage and higher energy bills. Make a list, mark the spots that need to be addressed, and wait for a nice dry stretch to tackle these problems. 

Useful Tip: Power wash your home’s exterior and touch up any chipped or peeling paint to keep everything looking fresh and well-maintained.

How Can You Prevent Pests from Entering Your Home?

As temperatures rise, ants, termites, and rodents start looking for food and shelter. Sealing entry points now can prevent future infestations. I like to use an organic, non-toxic peppermint spray. It seems to keep some of the critters away. Spray around your home and target trouble spots.

Useful Tip: Check for gaps around windows, doors, and utility pipes, and seal them with caulk or expanding foam to keep pests away.