After months of Pacific Northwest rain, grey skies, and boots tracking mud through the house, spring is the perfect time for a thorough reset. But spring cleaning in the Seattle area is not quite the same as it is in other parts of the country. Our climate brings unique challenges — moisture buildup, mold-prone bathrooms, moss on exterior surfaces, and windows that haven't seen clear skies since October.
As someone who has been cleaning homes across Bellevue, Renton, Seattle, and the Eastside for over 20 years, I have developed a spring cleaning approach specifically designed for our region. Here is my room-by-room checklist that our crew follows every spring season.
Kitchen Deep Clean
The kitchen is where most families spend the majority of their time, and after a winter of hearty cooking and holiday entertaining, it needs serious attention. Start with the appliances: pull the refrigerator away from the wall and vacuum the coils, which improves efficiency and reduces energy costs. Clean the inside of the oven, the microwave interior, and the dishwasher filter — most people forget that dishwashers need cleaning too. Wipe down all cabinet fronts with a gentle degreaser, paying special attention to the area around the stove where grease splatters accumulate over months of cooking. Finally, sanitize countertops, clean the sink and disposal, and mop the floors including the edges and corners that get missed during regular cleaning.
Bathrooms: Fighting Pacific Northwest Moisture
Our humid climate makes bathrooms especially prone to mildew and mold buildup. Inspect the grout lines in your shower and around the tub — if you see any dark spots, these need attention before they spread. Clean and disinfect the toilet completely, including the base and behind the tank where moisture collects. Wash the shower curtain or clean the glass doors thoroughly. Check the exhaust fan — a clogged fan cannot properly remove moisture and leads to mold problems. Wipe down all surfaces including light fixtures, towel racks, and cabinet hardware. Replace old caulk that has turned dark or is pulling away from surfaces.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Start high and work your way down. Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the tops of door frames. Clean window blinds — in our area, they collect a surprising amount of dust and moisture residue over the winter months. Vacuum upholstered furniture and flip or rotate mattresses. Move furniture to vacuum underneath — you will be amazed at what accumulates over a season. Wash all throw blankets, pillow covers, and curtains. For homes with fireplaces, clean out any remaining ash and wipe down the hearth and mantel.
Windows: Finally Let the Spring Light In
After months of rain, Pacific Northwest windows are often covered in water spots, pollen residue, and grime. Clean both interior and exterior glass, and don't forget the window sills and tracks where moisture and debris collect. For multi-story homes in areas like Somerset, Issaquah Highlands, or Queen Anne, consider professional window cleaning for safety and the best results. Clean, sparkling windows make an enormous difference in how your home feels when the spring sun finally returns.
Entryways and Mud Rooms
The Seattle rain means our entryways take a beating all winter long. Deep clean entry mats and rugs, or replace them if they are worn out. Wipe down coat hooks, shoe racks, and storage benches. Mop hard floors with extra attention to grout lines. If you have a dedicated mud room, this is the time to reorganize it for the lighter spring and summer gear. A clean, organized entryway sets the tone for the entire home.
When to Call in the Professionals
Some spring cleaning tasks are best left to professionals — deep carpet cleaning, exterior window washing, pressure washing driveways and patios, and thorough deep cleans that reach every corner. At Ultimate Cleaning Service, our spring deep cleaning packages cover everything on this list and more. Call Jack at (425) 445-0077 for a free estimate and start the season fresh.