Spring cleaning: a complete guide to deep cleaning your home
Spring cleaning is the annual deep clean where you tackle what the regular routine doesn't reach: behind furniture, inside cabinets, windows, baseboards, and textiles. Start by airing out well, decluttering items you don't use, and working room by room from top to bottom. Set aside a weekend for a standard apartment, or divide the job over two to three evenings if you prefer to take it step by step.
What is spring cleaning, and where do you start?
Regular cleaning keeps surfaces under control. Spring cleaning goes deep: dust on top of cabinets, grease behind the stove, limescale under the tap, and everything you walk past the rest of the year. The idea is simple – one thorough round a year makes the home easier to keep clean afterwards.
Start by decluttering, not washing. It is difficult to wipe down a shelf full of items. Clear away what shouldn't be there, throw away or donate what you don't use, and gather your cleaning supplies in one place. Always work from top to bottom, and from the inside out, so dust and dirt fall to the floor, which you clean last.
How to get started
- Air out and declutter. Open the windows, gather loose items, and empty trash and cardboard before you start.
- Make a plan per room. Write a short list so you avoid jumping back and forth.
- Clean from top to bottom. Ceilings, baseboards, and lamps first; floors last.
- Take one room at a time. Finish the room before moving on – it feels more manageable.
- Set textiles aside early. Start the washing machine with curtains or throws while you work on something else.
- Finish with floors and windows. The final surfaces that often get dirty during the process.
Which room-by-room plan should you follow?
A fixed routine saves time. The table below shows the tasks that are easily forgotten during regular cleaning, but belong in a spring cleaning routine.
| Room | Don't forget these |
|---|---|
| Living room | Behind and under the sofa, baseboards, lamps, curtains, dust on bookshelves |
| Kitchen | Extractor fan filter, behind and under appliances, inside cabinets, refrigerator |
| Bathroom | Grout, showerhead, drain, mirror, behind the toilet |
| Bedroom | Flip mattress, wash bedding at 60 degrees, dust behind the bed |
| Hallway | Move shoes and outerwear out, clean shoe rack and door frames |
Many choose to take on the heavy rooms – kitchen and bathroom – first while they are fresh. That makes the rest a lighter task at the end.
How do you clean windows without streaks?
Clean windows on a cloudy day or when the sun is not shining directly on them. In direct sunlight, the cleaning agent dries too quickly and leaves streaks. Use lukewarm water with a little dish soap, a squeegee to pull off the water, and a clean microfiber cloth for the edges. Clean the inside and outside panes separately, so you can easily see which side any streaks are on.
The frames accumulate winter dust and dead insects. Vacuum them first, then wipe with a damp cloth. If you want the full approach, we have a dedicated guide to streak-free windows.
What do you do with textiles in spring?
Textiles gather dust, odors, and pollen throughout the winter. Address these during your spring cleaning round:
- Curtains: wash at the recommended temperature, ideally while working in the same room.
- Bedding and duvets: wash at 60 degrees to get rid of dust mites.
- Throws, pillows, and rugs: air outside on a cold, dry day, or wash what can handle it.
- Mattress: flip it, vacuum the top side, and air out the room thoroughly.
- Sofa and armchairs: vacuum in crevices and under cushions.
Never shake rugs and bedding indoors during pollen season – it will swirl up everything you wanted to get rid of. Do it outside, or beat textiles on a rainy day when the air is clean.
How do you clean the kitchen and extractor fan?
The kitchen is where spring cleaning makes the biggest difference, because grease builds up where you cannot see it. Remove the extractor filter and soak it in hot water with dish soap, or run metal filters in the dishwasher. Wipe down the fan unit itself and the wall behind the stove – there is often a thin layer of grease there that binds dust.
Pull out the stove and refrigerator if you can, and clean the floor and wall behind them. Empty the refrigerator, clean the shelves, and check expiration dates while you are at it. Wipe the inside of upper cabinets with a slightly damp cloth. Finish by washing out the trash can and replacing the filter or bag.
How do you get the bathroom properly clean?
The bathroom needs a bit of chemistry and some time. Spray the grout and shower walls with an anti-limescale and soap scum cleaner, let it work for a few minutes, then scrub. The showerhead can be soaked in vinegar water if it has limescale buildup – but not for too long on chrome or plated finishes (nickel, brass, gold); rinse off after about 30 minutes. Do not use vinegar on natural stone or marble. Remember the drain – lift the grate, remove hair and debris, and flush thoroughly. Take mirrors and taps last with a dry microfiber cloth for a shiny finish.
Replace old shower curtains and decorative cushions if they have developed mold or odor. It is often easier and cheaper than saving them.
What about the terrace and outdoor furniture?
When the sun comes out, life moves outside. Hose down the terrace or balcony, sweep away winter dirt between the deck boards, and clean the railing. Wipe outdoor furniture in wood, plastic, or metal with mild soapy water – harsh chemicals can damage the surface. Air out cushions and pads before putting them to use. At the same time, check if anything needs repairs or oiling before the season.
How do you keep pollen out during spring cleaning?
The pollen season in Norway often starts with alder and hazel in February–March, followed by birch in April–May, and grass into the summer. That makes timing important. Air out early in the morning when pollen counts are lowest, and keep windows closed in the middle of the day during peak periods.
A few simple steps help a lot:
- Dust with a damp cloth, not a dry one – a dry cloth swirls pollen back into the air.
- Wipe flat surfaces more frequently during the season, as that is where pollen settles.
- Change bedding more often, and do not hang it outside to dry on high pollen days.
- Change clothes and remove outerwear in the hallway to track less pollen into the home.
When should you bring in a professional?
If you want to skip the job entirely, or simply do not have time during a busy spring, you can outsource the deep clean. An agency typically charges NOK 450–550/hour in 2026, and a thorough round in a standard apartment often costs a few thousand kroner – prices vary by size and condition. It can also be worth it if you have high ceilings, many windows, or simply want the window cleaning done professionally.
Always check that the company has legal status in Renholdsregisteret. All cleaning companies in Norway must be registered, and it is illegal to purchase cleaning services from an unregistered company. Approval requires HMS cards for everyone performing cleaning work, including sole proprietors working alone. Companies with employees must also have an agreement with an approved occupational health service.
If you are moving, that is a different exercise than a spring clean – separate standard requirements apply. See the checklist for move-out cleaning and what a move-out cleaning costs. If you are wondering how often you should clean throughout the year, we have an overview of how often you should clean your home.
