A complete spring cleaning checklist for Vancouver homeowners. Room-by-room guide covering indoor deep cleaning, outdoor areas, and seasonal tasks specific to BC's wet climate.
After months of Vancouver rain, shorter days, and closed windows, spring cleaning is your reset. It is the best time to address moisture-related issues, deep clean areas that have been neglected over winter, and prepare your home for the warmer months ahead.
Kitchen
- Clean inside the oven: racks, door glass, interior walls
- Pull out the fridge and clean behind and underneath
- Clean inside the fridge: shelves, drawers, door seals
- Degrease range hood and filter (soak filter in hot water + dish soap)
- Wipe inside all cabinets and drawers — check for expired pantry items
- Descale the kettle and coffee maker with vinegar
- Deep clean the dishwasher: run empty with vinegar on hot cycle
- Scrub sink and drain with baking soda
- Wipe all light fixtures and switch plates
Bathrooms
- Scrub grout with baking soda paste — check for mildew from winter moisture
- Clean exhaust fan cover and blades (prevents mould buildup)
- Descale showerhead: soak in vinegar for 30 minutes
- Check caulking around tub and shower — reseal if cracked or mouldy
- Clean inside medicine cabinet and vanity drawers
- Wash shower curtain liner (machine wash or replace)
- Scrub toilet base and behind tank
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Flip or rotate mattresses
- Wash all pillows and duvets (check labels for instructions)
- Vacuum under and behind all furniture
- Wipe all baseboards, door frames, and window sills
- Clean window glass inside and out (first time since fall for many Vancouver homes)
- Clean window tracks — use a toothbrush to reach corners
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and high shelves
- Vacuum upholstered furniture and throw pillows
- Wash curtains or blinds
- Check closets for moisture or musty smell — air out and wipe shelves
Laundry and Utility
- Clean washing machine: run empty hot cycle with baking soda and vinegar
- Clean dryer lint trap and vent hose (fire prevention)
- Wipe down water heater exterior and check for leaks
- Clean furnace return vents and replace filters
Vancouver-Specific: Outdoor and Seasonal Tasks
Vancouver's wet climate creates unique spring cleaning needs: moss removal, mildew treatment, and moisture damage checks that inland cities don't face.
- Power wash patio, deck, and walkways — remove winter moss and algae
- Clean gutters and downspouts — critical after Vancouver's rainy season
- Check exterior window seals for mildew — treat with appropriate cleaner
- Sweep and clean garage floor
- Clean outdoor furniture — remove covers, scrub with mild soap
- Check deck boards for rot or soft spots from winter moisture
- Clean exterior light fixtures
- Inspect door weatherstripping — replace if cracked or compressed
Hire a Pro for the Heavy Lifting
You do not have to do everything yourself. Many Vancouver homeowners handle the decluttering and light tasks, then hire a professional for the heavy-duty deep cleaning — inside appliances, windows, carpet shampooing, and outdoor power washing. SpruceUp has a "Seasonal / Spring Clean" service type designed exactly for this.
Book a spring clean in Vancouver
Get started — it's freeFrequently asked questions
When should I do spring cleaning in Vancouver?
Late March through May is ideal. Vancouver's rainy season typically ends in April, making it a good time to deep clean after months of closed windows and indoor moisture buildup.
How long does a full spring clean take?
A thorough spring clean for a 2-bedroom home takes 6–10 hours if done yourself, or 4–6 hours with a professional team. Breaking it into weekend sessions (one room per day) is a practical approach for DIY.
Should I hire a professional for spring cleaning?
It depends on your time and the size of your home. Professional spring cleaning ensures nothing is missed and typically includes tasks like inside appliances, windows, and carpet deep cleaning that are difficult to do well yourself.
What is unique about spring cleaning in Vancouver?
Vancouver's wet winters create specific issues: mildew on window seals and bathroom grout, moss on patios and walkways, moisture buildup in closets, and salt residue on entryway floors. A good spring clean addresses all of these.