Quick Answer
Spring cleaning in San Diego priorities: (1) Prep for pollen season by replacing HVAC filters, (2) deep clean windows after winter rain spots, (3) tackle hard water buildup, (4) prep AC for summer, (5) refresh outdoor living spaces, (6) organize closets, (7) deep clean kitchen, (8) refresh soft furnishings, (9) address garage/storage, (10) create an ongoing maintenance schedule. Best time: March-April after winter rains end.
Spring in San Diego is special. Those perfect 70-degree days between winter rain and summer heat make it ideal for throwing open windows, airing out your home, and tackling the deep cleaning you've been putting off.
But spring cleaning in San Diego isn't quite the same as in other cities. We don't need to worry about salt from winter roads or snow boot mud tracked through the house. Instead, we're dealing with pollen season, hard water buildup from winter, and getting our outdoor living spaces ready for the months we'll spend outside.
Here are our top 10 spring cleaning tips, tailored specifically for San Diego homes—whether you live in a Coronado beach cottage, a La Mesa ranch house, or a downtown high-rise.
10 Spring Cleaning Tips for San Diego
Prep for Pollen Season
San Diego's pollen season peaks March through May. Start spring cleaning by replacing HVAC filters, washing bedding in hot water, and vacuuming with a HEPA filter. If you have allergies, tackle one room at a time to avoid stirring up too much dust.
Pro Tip: Run air purifiers for 24 hours after deep cleaning to capture airborne allergens.
Deep Clean Windows Inside & Out
After winter rains, San Diego windows are coated with water spots, pollen, and grime. Clean both sides of all windows, including tracks and screens. Our year-round sunshine means streak marks show up immediately—use a squeegee and microfiber cloth for best results.
Pro Tip: Clean windows on a cloudy day or in shade. Direct sun causes cleaner to dry too fast, leaving streaks.
Tackle Hard Water Buildup
Winter months often reveal the full extent of San Diego's hard water damage. Spring is the perfect time to descale showerheads, clean faucets, and remove white mineral deposits from glass doors. Use vinegar or a commercial descaler.
Pro Tip: Apply Rain-X to glass shower doors after cleaning to repel water and slow future buildup.
Prep AC for Summer
Before San Diego's dry summer heat arrives, get your AC ready. Replace or clean filters, vacuum vents and returns, and schedule professional maintenance if needed. Clear debris from outdoor units. This prevents dust from circulating when you first fire up the AC.
Pro Tip: Mark your calendar to replace AC filters monthly during heavy summer use.
Refresh Outdoor Living Spaces
San Diegans live outdoors. Spring clean your patio, deck, and outdoor kitchen. Pressure wash hard surfaces, wipe down patio furniture, and clean your grill. Check cushions for mold or mildew from winter moisture and replace if needed.
Pro Tip: Apply fabric protector to outdoor cushions to extend their life through summer.
Clean and Organize Closets
Swap out heavy jackets and sweaters for lighter clothes. Donate what you didn't wear this winter. Wipe down shelves, vacuum closet floors, and consider adding shelf liners. San Diego's smaller closets make organization essential.
Pro Tip: Use the 'one-year rule'—if you didn't wear it in the past year, donate it.
Deep Clean the Kitchen
Go beyond daily cleaning: pull out the refrigerator and stove to clean behind them. Degrease range hood filters. Clean inside the dishwasher and garbage disposal. Organize pantry items and check expiration dates.
Pro Tip: Run ice cubes and lemon peels through the garbage disposal for a fresh, clean smell.
Refresh Soft Furnishings
Vacuum upholstery, including under cushions. Steam clean sofas and chairs if possible. Wash throw blankets, decorative pillows covers, and curtains. These collect dust and allergens all winter and benefit from a spring refresh.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle baking soda on mattresses, let sit 30 minutes, then vacuum to deodorize.
Address Garage and Storage
The garage often becomes a dumping ground over winter. Sweep and mop floors, sort through stored items, and donate or discard what you no longer need. Check for any pest issues. Organize tools and seasonal items.
Pro Tip: Before fire season, reduce clutter and store flammables properly.
Create a Maintenance Schedule
Use spring cleaning as a reset for the whole year. Set up a cleaning schedule to maintain your hard work: weekly standard cleaning, monthly deep clean of high-traffic areas, and quarterly deep cleans to prevent buildup.
Pro Tip: Schedule your next deep cleaning now—summer fills up fast as vacation season approaches.
Spring Cleaning by San Diego Neighborhood
Different parts of San Diego face different challenges:
🏖️ Coastal Communities (La Jolla, PB, OB, Coronado)
Focus extra attention on salt air residue, especially on windows, outdoor furniture, and stainless appliances. Check for any moisture/mold issues in closets or under sinks from winter humidity.
🏔️ Fire-Prone Areas (Rancho Santa Fe, Scripps Ranch, East County)
Use spring cleaning as a chance to clear brush near structures, clean gutters, and ensure outdoor storage is organized for quick evacuation if needed. Check and replace HVAC filters that may have captured smoke from previous season.
🏢 Downtown/Urban Condos
Maximize your limited space by decluttering aggressively. Clean balcony/patio areas. Dust often-neglected spots like top of cabinets, HVAC vents, and behind furniture. Schedule window cleaning if your building allows.
🏡 Older Neighborhoods (North Park, Normal Heights, South Park)
Charming older homes often have original wood floors, vintage fixtures, and smaller closets. Use gentle cleaners on historic materials. Check for any water damage from winter storms in these pre-1960 homes.
Your Spring Cleaning Quick Checklist
Week 1: Prep & Bedrooms
- Replace HVAC filters
- Declutter closets
- Wash all bedding
- Flip/rotate mattresses
- Deep clean bedroom floors
Week 2: Kitchen & Bathrooms
- Deep clean appliances
- Descale fixtures
- Check pantry expiration
- Sanitize bathrooms
- Clean exhaust fans
Week 3: Living Areas
- Vacuum upholstery
- Clean windows
- Dust ceiling fans
- Wash curtains/blinds
- Deep clean floors
Week 4: Outdoors & Garage
- Pressure wash patio
- Clean outdoor furniture
- Organize garage
- Clean grill
- Prep AC for summer
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I spring clean in San Diego?
San Diego's mild climate means you can spring clean anytime from February through April. Aim for after winter rains (typically ending in March) but before fire season prep begins in May. Many San Diegans tackle spring cleaning during the cooler mornings of March and April.
How long does spring cleaning take?
A thorough spring cleaning takes 1-3 days for most San Diego homes, depending on size and how much decluttering is needed. Spread the work over a weekend or several evenings. Professional deep cleaning takes 4-8 hours and handles the heavy lifting.
What's the difference between spring cleaning and deep cleaning?
Spring cleaning typically includes deep cleaning PLUS seasonal tasks like decluttering, organizing closets, swapping out winter items, washing outdoor furniture, and prepping your home for warmer months. It's more comprehensive than a standard deep clean.
Should I hire cleaners for spring cleaning?
Consider professional help if you're short on time, have a large home, or want a thorough reset. Many San Diego homeowners hire cleaners for the deep cleaning portion, then handle decluttering and organizing themselves.
Need Help with Spring Cleaning?
Let Metla House Cleaning handle the hard work. Our San Diego professionals offer spring deep cleaning packages to get your home guest-ready and allergen-free.
Art Machekin is the founder of Metla House Cleaning. Before starting the company, Art worked as a professional cleaner — hands-on experience that gives him a deep understanding of the techniques and details that matter most in delivering a spotless home.