While we always welcome the chance to deep clean and declutter our homes each spring, we also could use a refresher on how best to approach a huge, home overhaul.

Sometimes, it’s because we moved house in the past year. Other times, our messiest pain points have shifted since the last deep clean. Whatever the reason, it’s best to tap the experts and ask these critical questions.

We turned to Marla Mock, the president of Molly Maid, to find out her top spring cleaning tips and hacks for all the critical zones at home.

Stock Up On Your Must-Have Supplies

Before you get started, Mock says now is a great time to assess your spring cleaning supplies and get everything in order. 

If you’re not sure what you need or you could just use a handy reminder, Mock gave us a list of her essentials.

• Microfiber clothes
• All-purpose cleaners
• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Disinfectants

If you’re looking to replace a big-ticket item this year, Mock says her first suggestion would be to spring for a new vacuum.

“Investing in a HEPA vacuum cleaner can help improve indoor air quality,” she says.

Step One Is Always the Same

It doesn’t matter what you’re tackling first. Whether you’re clearing out a drawer, a room, or a whole garage, Mock says you cannot begin spring cleaning until you’ve fully decluttered your targeted zone.

“It’s essential to declutter each room by sorting items into keep, donate, or trash piles,” she says. “This clears space and makes the cleaning process more manageable.” 

Don’t Skip This Forgotten Room

Kitchen, check. Bathroom, check. Living room, check. It might seem like all of your rooms are decluttered and accounted for ahead of spring cleaning, but Mock says there’s one common room almost everyone neglects: the laundry room.

“Spring is an ideal time to thoroughly clean this space,” Mock says. This includes cleaning appliances like the washer and dryer—don’t forget to clear out lint traps and vacuum behind and beneath appliances.

Deep Clean Your Appliances

Speaking of appliances, Mock says spring cleaning is the perfect excuse to give your hardest working home items some extra care and attention.

“Start by emptying and cleaning the refrigerator, defrosting the freezer, and wiping down shelves,” she says. “Clean the oven and stovetop thoroughly, paying attention to spills and grease buildup.”

While you’re at it, Mock also suggests sterilizing the sink, and always be sure to clean behind and beneath your appliances, too. 

Make New Habits

The need for a deep clean isn’t necessarily a reflection on your home’s cleanliness throughout the rest of the year, but it can still be a welcome excuse to assess your problem areas and fix them long term. 

As you get your home back in order, Mock says you might also want to create new habits. These can be small, simple items that you usually neglect, like making the bed each day, loading the dishwasher promptly after a meal, or wiping down counters and surfaces regularly.

“Using doormats at entry points can help minimize dirt tracked into the house while decluttering regularly prevents buildup,” she says.

When All Else Fails: Dust

If you’re losing momentum or you’re doing a lot of small tasks that don’t seem to be making a difference, it’s okay to shift focus and tackle something guaranteed to make a noticeable improvement. Try dusting!

“Dusting is a simple yet effective task that instantly improves the appearance of a room,” Mock says. “Dusting surfaces, light fixtures, and ceiling fans remove accumulated dirt and allergens, making the space look cleaner and more inviting.”

If you need something even smaller, throw open the windows, let the fresh air in, and enjoy the fact it’s finally spring.