Check Your Mattress

Flip or rotate your mattress. Check the warranty card for the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.




Wash Pillows

Wash pillows and curtains to help reduce allergens and dust mites.




Clean and Ventilate the Basement

Open windows and give your cellar a good airing, then sweep the area thoroughly or vacuum.




Clean Carpets

Clean carpets as soon as the spring mud season is over. Vacuum them thoroughly, then shampoo with a spray foam or powder, or rent a steamer from a hardware store for an even deeper clean.




Wash Your Windows

Clean the residue left behind by winter storms by tackling the job while the weather is still cool to prevent streaking. Start indoors before installing your screens, then finish the job outside on a dry day.


Clean the Deck

Clean the deck to remove grime, pollen, fungus, and mildew. Scrub the surface with a deck cleanser or this homemade cleaning formula: Add 1 cup of powdered laundry detergent to a gallon of hot water, and add 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach to kill moss or mildew.




Prep Your Pool

If you have a swimming pool, ensure that cleaning equipment is in good shape and your water-testing kit is complete. Stock up on chemicals. If you lowered the water level in the fall, fill the pool now.




Fertilize Your Lawn

A high-nitrogen fertilizer should be applied twice a year, once in spring and again later in fall. If a weed killer is needed, try an organic brand.