
Spring Cleaning Checklist Raleigh NC | Pet-Friendly Guide
🍃 Spring Cleaning in Raleigh: The Ultimate Checklist for a Fresh, Pet-Friendly Home
🌸 Why Spring Cleaning Still Matters (Even If You Clean Year-Round)
As the pollen settles, windows open, and fresh air flows in, spring is the perfect time to reset your space. Whether you're a homeowner in Raleigh, Cary, or Apex, or just someone who’s ready to swap cozy blankets for lighter days, a good spring cleaning helps clear not just your home — but your head.
It’s not about scrubbing every corner to perfection.
It’s about being intentional — freshening up the air, letting go of clutter, and starting the new season lighter (literally and mentally).
This guide breaks it down room-by-room — with pet-friendly tips, time-saving ideas, and realistic ways to refresh your home this spring.
🧹 Before You Begin: Prep for Spring Cleaning Success
Get your tools and mindset ready:
Microfiber cloths and dusters
Vacuum with attachments
Mop or steam cleaner
Pet-safe, non-toxic cleaners
Bins or bags for donations
Lint rollers, gloves, air fresheners
🎯 Pro Tip: Make a playlist or podcast queue to keep the energy up — this isn’t punishment, it’s a spring reset!
🛋️ Living Room
The most-used room usually hides the most dust — and fur.
Spring cleaning tasks:
Vacuum under and behind furniture
Lint roll or deep clean upholstery
Wash throw blankets and pillow covers
Dust blinds, ceiling fans, and vents
Wipe remotes, light switches, and handles
Shampoo rugs or hire a deep cleaning service
Pet Tip: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and let it sit before vacuuming to eliminate pet odors.
🍽️ Kitchen
Spring is a great time to tackle those “later” projects that always get put off.
What to clean:
Wipe down cabinets and backsplashes
Clean the oven, microwave, and fridge shelves
Toss expired pantry items
Disinfect trash can lids and pet food bowls
Mop under appliances if you can move them
Degrease handles and light switches
Pet Tip: Use a vinegar-water solution to wipe food areas — safe for pets and effective for messes.
🛏️ Bedrooms
Your sanctuary deserves some fresh energy, especially with allergy season around the corner.
What to refresh:
Wash all bedding, including mattress covers
Flip or rotate mattresses
Vacuum under beds
Dust nightstands and lampshades
Clean windows and window sills
Donate clothes you haven’t worn this year
Pet Tip: Add a washable throw blanket to the bed if your pets sleep with you — makes laundry easier.
🧸 Kids’ Rooms & Toy Areas
This is the seasonal excuse you need to finally declutter the toy bins.
What to tackle:
Donate or store unused toys
Wipe down plastic toys with pet/kid-safe disinfectant
Clean under furniture (hello, lost crayons)
Vacuum and mop high-traffic play areas
Wash soft toys in a mesh laundry bag
Bonus Tip: Involve your kids — let them pick 3 toys to give to “another family.”
🚿 Bathrooms
Often the smallest rooms, but packed with hidden dirt and moisture buildup.
Spring cleaning checklist:
Scrub tile grout and reseal if needed
Clean behind the toilet and under sinks
Wash bath mats and shower curtains
Toss old products and expired meds
Wipe light fixtures and mirrors
Check for mold in corners or crevices
Pet Tip: Clean the tub or pet bath area with baking soda and vinegar to remove buildup without harsh chemicals.
🚪 Entryways & Mudrooms
Spring = more outdoor time = more dirt, mud, and fur tracked in.
What to clean and organize:
Wash doormats (or replace them)
Vacuum/mop entry floors
Add a bin for leashes, toys, and poop bags
Wipe baseboards and door handles
Shake out shoe racks or cubbies
Pet Tip: Place a towel by the door to wipe paws before coming inside — a small habit with big impact.
🧼 Pet Zones (Beds, Crates, Litter Boxes, and More)
Your furry friends need a spring refresh too!
Don’t forget to:
Wash pet beds and crate pads
Clean food/water bowls thoroughly
Sanitize litter boxes and feeding mats
Toss old toys and grooming supplies
Wipe down pet carriers and storage areas
Freshen the air: Add a small air purifier near litter boxes or crates to reduce dander and odors.
🌿 Outdoor Spaces (If You Have Them)
Don’t ignore porches, patios, and backyards — your pet’s playground!
Quick wins:
Sweep and hose off decks or patios
Wash outdoor furniture cushions
Wipe muddy paw prints from doors
Organize garden tools or pet toys
Refresh bird feeders or outdoor decor
🗓️ A Simple Spring Cleaning Plan (So It Doesn’t Feel Overwhelming)
Break it into manageable chunks:
Week 1: Living Room + Entryway
Week 2: Kitchen + Bathrooms
Week 3: Bedrooms + Kids’ Areas
Week 4: Pet Zones + Outdoor Spaces
🎯 You don’t have to do it all at once. A little progress each week keeps it sustainable.
📍 Raleigh-Specific Spring Tips
Pollen season = more dust inside. Use HEPA filters and wipe surfaces more often.
If your pets shed more in spring, vacuum at least twice a week.
Humidity rises fast in Wake County — run dehumidifiers to reduce mold risks.
Open windows on mild days to air out rooms naturally — just brush pets after!
Looking for help in Raleigh, Cary, or Apex? Our Neat Freak service is designed for seasonal deep cleaning, especially in busy pet- and kid-friendly homes.
💬 Ready to Spring Forward?
Spring is a chance to reset — not just your home, but your mood, your habits, and your routines.
Whether you tackle it all in a weekend or space it out over a month, a cleaner, fresher home can improve your focus, reduce stress, and give your pets and kids a healthier space to thrive.
Need an extra hand with the heavy lifting? Contact Val’s Cleaning Maids and let us help you welcome spring the clean way!