7 Essential Deep Cleaning Tips for Spring in Long Island

March 7, 2025 by Neal Zott

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Spring cleaning in Long Island? Here’s a quick rundown to make it easier for you:

• Improve Indoor Air Quality: Use HEPA filters, clean ducts, and vacuum with allergen-trapping tools.
• Declutter and Organize: Sort items into keep, donate, or discard piles. Donate to local centers like BBBSLI or Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
• Deep Clean Carpets and Furniture: Consider professional services like Stanley Steemer or Zerorez for allergen removal.
• Wash Windows and Screens: Remove salt residue and grime with vinegar solutions and proper tools.
• Tackle Outdoor Areas: Clean decks, patios, and outdoor furniture; prep gardens for spring.
• Address Moisture and Mold: Inspect basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces for signs of mold or water damage.
• Inspect Your Home: Check roofs, gutters, foundations, and insulation for winter damage.

Quick Tip: Professional cleaning services like NLZ Cleaning can save time and ensure thorough results.

Dive into the full guide for detailed steps and local resources to make your spring cleaning a success.

10 Spring Cleaning Tips & Shortcuts

1. Clear Out and Sort Your Space

Start your spring cleaning journey by tackling clutter one room at a time.

Step-by-Step Room Organization

Kick things off in high-traffic areas like the foyer, where winter gear and dirt tend to pile up. Dust light fixtures, wash walls and baseboards, and clean doors and doorknobs.

For bedrooms and living areas:

• Air out the room: Open windows for 15–20 minutes to let in some fresh air.
• Sort your belongings: Create three piles – Keep (items in good condition), Donate (gently used), and Discard (damaged or unusable).
• Deep clean the space: Once cleared, dust furniture, wipe down light fixtures, clean under beds, wash windows and doors, refresh mattresses, and launder curtains and linens.

Once you’ve sorted everything, donating unused items to local charities can make the process easier and more rewarding.

Where to Donate in Long Island

Long Island is home to several donation centers that accept a variety of items, some even offering free pickup services.

"The Donation Center was established in 1997 to enable Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island to continue serving and increase service to the children and families across Long Island." ^[1]

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) is a great option. They accept clothing, home goods, electronics, sporting equipment, small appliances, and books (limited to one box). Impressively, they divert 212,000 pounds of textiles from landfills every week ^[1].

For larger items like furniture or building materials, check out Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Ronkonkoma. Located at 2111 Lakeland Avenue, they offer free pickup for items like:

• Furniture in good condition
• Kitchen cabinets
• Appliances
• Building materials ^[2]

Store Winter Items Properly

After setting aside donations, properly store your remaining winter gear. Clean and dry everything thoroughly to prevent mold or mildew.

Winter Clothing Storage Tips:

• Wash or dry-clean items before storing.
• Use sturdy hangers for coats and fold sweaters neatly.
• Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to keep pests away.
• Store in a climate-controlled area – avoid damp basements or unheated garages.

"Sustainable editing should always be the choice before tossing items into the garbage." – Brenda Scott, Tidy my Space ^[3]

2. Clean Carpets and Furniture

Once your space is organized, it’s time to focus on carpets and furniture, which can collect dirt and allergens during the colder months. Professional services like Stanley Steemer can remove up to 94% of common household allergens, making them a great option for deep cleaning ^[4].

Home Cleaning vs. Professional Services

Trying to decide between DIY cleaning and hiring a professional? Here’s a quick comparison:

Local services like Zerorez (with their Zr™ Water process ^[6]) or Clean ‘n’ Fresh (steam cleaning ^[5]) are excellent options for professional cleaning.

"Unlike most carpet cleaners, we don’t use soaps, detergents or harsh chemicals. Instead, we use a patented cleaning process which includes our Zr™ Water️ – which is water that’s been electrolyzed, making it powerful enough to clean." – Zerorez ^[6]

Whether you go with a pro or tackle it yourself, the right cleaning products make all the difference.

Safe, Non-Toxic Cleaners

If you’re going the DIY route, here are some safe and effective options for carpets:

• Puracy Natural Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo ($16.99/25oz)
• Method Stain and Odor Treatment Spray ($7)
• Bissell Professional Stain & Odor Remover ($16) ^[7][8]

For furniture, check the care tags for cleaning guidelines:

• W: Safe for water-based cleaners
• S: Use solvent-based cleaners only
• WS: Both water and solvent-based cleaners are fine
• X: Professional cleaning or vacuuming only ^[8]

For leather furniture, the Furniture Clinic Leather Care Kit ($38) offers a complete solution ^[8]. For fabric upholstery, Woolite INSTAclean ($20) works well for stains and odors ^[8].

3. Clean Windows and Screens

Winters in Long Island often leave windows and screens coated with salt residue, dirt, and hard water stains. Keeping them clean not only makes your home look better but also lowers energy costs and improves indoor ventilation.

Window and Screen Cleaning Steps

Pick an overcast day with temperatures above freezing to avoid streaks caused by rapid drying ^[10].

For a cleaning solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water, adding a few drops of dish soap to tackle salt residue ^[9].

1. Prepare the Area: Take down curtains, place towels under windows to catch drips, and dust frames and sills with a microfiber cloth ^[9].
2. Clean the Glass: Use a microfiber tool to scrub in circular motions. For stubborn hard water spots, apply a paste made from vinegar and baking soda, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub gently ^[9].

"If you want a great t-bar, I would definitely suggest the Sorbo t-bar with the Ettore Pro + Microfiber sleeve. Why? This is going to retain the most water of any sleeve I’ve tried and I’ve tried every sleeve out there."
– Stephen Richardson, SteveO the Window Cleaner ^[11]

For window screens:

• Rinse them with a garden hose to clear loose debris.
• Wash using mild soap and warm water with a soft-bristle brush.
• Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before reinstalling ^[12].

Clean windows don’t just look better – they can also improve energy performance in your home.

Save Energy with Clean Windows

Keeping windows clean has more than just aesthetic perks. Dirty windows can block up to 50% of natural light, forcing you to rely on artificial lighting ^[13]. Clean windows also help your HVAC system by:

• Allowing better natural insulation
• Reducing drafts and heat loss
• Maximizing solar heat gain in early spring ^[13]

Aim to clean your windows every 1-2 months ^[14]. Pay special attention to screens, as dirty ones can cut airflow by 25-50% ^[16].

"Keeping windows clean with proper care can help keep Low-E coatings and Low-E insulation functioning as intended."
– Pella Corporation ^[14]

For homes near the coast, check for salt buildup monthly and clean more often during pollen season ^[15].

Incorporating these steps into your spring cleaning routine will boost energy efficiency and keep your home looking its best.

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4. Improve Indoor Air

As Long Island homes transition out of winter, it’s a great time to focus on improving indoor air quality for a fresher, healthier spring.

HVAC Care and Maintenance

Your HVAC system is essential for keeping indoor air clean. Regular upkeep not only ensures better air quality but can also help you avoid expensive repairs.

Clear the area around your heating units to prevent blockages, and seal ductwork gaps with caulk or weather stripping to improve efficiency and airflow ^[17].

Beyond professional maintenance, simple natural solutions can also make a big difference.

Clean Air Without Chemicals

Skip artificial air fresheners and opt for these natural alternatives:

• Add spider plants to your home – they help remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide ^[21].
• Make a DIY air freshener by mixing 2 cups of water, 20–30 drops of essential oil, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda ^[22].
• Simmer cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peels in water for a warm, inviting scent ^[18].

These methods not only freshen your home but also support efforts to minimize allergens.

Remove Common Allergens

Spring in Long Island often means more pollen in the air. Use these tips to keep allergens at bay indoors:

• Vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap pollutants ^[19].
• Dust with damp microfiber towels to lock in allergens ^[19].
• Place air purifiers with medical-grade HEPA filters in main living spaces ^[19].
• Open windows for just five minutes daily to bring in fresh air – even on cooler days ^[21].

"Preventing and getting rid of house dust naturally is the key to improving indoor air quality and is beneficial to your health." – Marilee Nelson, Environmental Toxins Expert ^[19]

Wash bedding regularly with fragrance-free detergent and vacuum furniture and carpets using a HEPA-filtered vacuum. Groom pets in a designated area to reduce dander, and consider a "shoes-off" rule to limit outdoor allergens from entering your home ^[19][20].

5. Clean Outdoor Areas

Get your outdoor spaces ready for spring after the long winter months. Focus on decks, gardens, and furniture to refresh your exterior spaces.

Clean Decks and Patios

Choose the right cleaning method based on the surface type:

For a more eco-friendly approach, EXOCLEAN recommends biodegradable cleaners. If you’re cleaning yourself, mix mild dish soap with warm water to maintain your deck between professional services.

Clean Garden Areas

Start garden maintenance after seven consecutive days with daytime temperatures above 50°F.

Key steps include:

• Initial Cleanup: Remove winter debris carefully to avoid harming helpful insects. Bundle dead plant stems but leave about 8 inches of stubble intact.
• Soil Preparation: Wait for the soil to warm before adding mulch. Use corn gluten meal to help prevent weeds from sprouting.
• Plant Care: Feed shrubs with fertilizers like Holly-tone or Plant-tone. Prune damaged branches, but inspect for cocoons before cutting.

Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture

For POLYWOOD furniture, follow these steps:

• Vacuum off loose dirt.
• Clean with a mix of mild dish soap and warm water.
• For stubborn stains, use a pressure washer set to 1,500 psi, keeping it 8 inches away from the surface.

Cushions can be cleaned with a solution of ¼ cup dish soap per gallon of warm water. Let them dry on their sides, flipping occasionally to prevent mildew.

"POLYWOOD is the best. I can leave it outside on the patio and don’t have to worry about wood rot. Easy to clean and always looks good. The most durable ever." – Andrea L., Long Island 26" Counter Side Table ^[23]

In coastal areas, clean weekly to combat salt air exposure. Apply clear car wax to metal hardware and use furniture covers when not in use for added protection.

6. Fix Moisture and Mold Problems

Spring is a great time to tackle moisture and mold issues left over from Long Island’s wet winter. Addressing these problems now can prevent them from getting worse.

Check Problem Spots

Start by examining areas where moisture tends to build up. In Long Island homes, these are common trouble spots:

Basements are especially prone to problems after heavy spring rains. Long Island’s high water tables and dense soil can create pressure that pushes moisture through foundation walls ^[24]. Once you’ve identified problem areas, you can start handling small mold patches.

Fix Small Mold Issues

If the mold covers less than 10 square feet, you can handle it yourself ^[25]. Here’s how:

• Preparation: Ensure good ventilation and wear protective gear, including an N-95 mask, rubber gloves, and eye protection.
• Cleaning: Use a mild detergent with warm water. Skip bleach and opt for borax-based cleaners to prevent mold from coming back ^[27].
• Drying: Use dehumidifiers and air movers to keep indoor humidity between 30%–50% ^[27].

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call in professionals.

Professional Mold Help

For larger mold areas (over 10 square feet), extensive water damage, or contamination in HVAC systems, professional help is essential.

"Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it can cause." – US EPA ^[25]

Local experts, like Moldbusters, are experienced in dealing with Long Island’s specific moisture challenges. For instance, they recently handled a major basement mold issue in Suffolk County caused by storm surge, adding measures to prevent future flooding problems ^[26].

7. Check Home Condition

Spring is the ideal time to inspect your home after Long Island’s tough winter. Catching and addressing any winter damage now can save you from expensive repairs later. With heating accounting for up to 42% of energy costs ^[28], a thorough inspection can also help improve energy efficiency while enhancing comfort and safety.

Home Inspection Checklist

Here are the key areas to review:

• Roof: Look for missing or damaged shingles and bent flashing.
• Foundation: Check for cracks larger than 1/4 inch and signs of water pooling.
• Windows and Doors: Inspect frames and seals for drafts, condensation, or gaps.
• Gutters: Ensure they are clear of debris and securely attached.
• Attic: Examine insulation and ventilation, and look for any wet spots or water trails.

Keep in mind, just one inch of wet snow can weigh up to 20 pounds per square foot on your roof ^[28].

Addressing Winter Damage

Certain problems caused by winter weather should be tackled immediately. Here are some common issues to look out for:

1. Foundation Problems
   Cracks larger than 1/4 inch may indicate structural concerns ^[31]. Be alert for:
   • Horizontal or stair-step cracks
   • Gaps between windows and walls
   • Warped floors or ceilings
   • Musty odors in the basement
2. Roof Damage
   Ice dams and snow buildup can wreak havoc on roofs.
   Watch for:
   • Water stains on ceilings
   • Peeling paint or wallpaper
   • Missing or damaged shingles
   • Bent or damaged flashing

   "Early detection and prompt repairs are essential to nipping these issues in the bud" ^[29]

3. Energy Efficiency
   Small upgrades can lead to noticeable savings. For example, improving attic insulation can cut energy costs by 10%–50% ^[28]. Focus on:
   • Sealing air leaks around windows and doors
   • Adding or replacing weatherstripping
   • Re-caulking worn areas
   • Ensuring your HVAC system is running efficiently

These fixes not only protect your home but also help maintain a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment.

Local Repair Services

If the scope of repairs feels overwhelming, local professionals are ready to help:

• Long Island Fixer Upper
  • Rating: 5.0 (19 reviews)
  • Services: 24-hour emergency repairs, insurance work accepted, free estimates ^[33]
• Habitat for Humanity of Long Island
  • Provides subsidized repairs for qualifying residents
  • Offers sliding scale payment options for critical home repairs
  • Special focus on veterans, seniors, and disabled homeowners ^[32]

For urgent issues, contact a professional as soon as possible.

"The sooner you can get a professional involved with your roof leak, the less damage you’ll have to pay for and repair" ^[30]

Conclusion: Get Help with Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning on Long Island calls for a detailed and thorough approach. Hiring professional cleaners not only saves time but also ensures every corner is properly taken care of. If you’re looking for a trusted option, here’s a solution worth considering.

NLZ Cleaning Services specializes in tackling Long Island’s spring cleaning needs. Their eco-conscious methods effectively remove allergens and handle those hard-to-reach spots. With standard services starting at $152.15 per session, they address common issues like salt residue and stubborn allergens.

"Excellent, I always feel that cleaning services only clean the dust you can see. This was the first service that actually met my expectations. I will be using them twice a month and I highly recommend Neal and his team." ^[34]

While doing it yourself might seem cheaper upfront, professional cleaning saves you time and delivers better results. NLZ Cleaning Services offers flexible scheduling and backs their work with a 150% service guarantee, serving Nassau County, Queens County, and Kings County.

Let the professionals handle the cleaning so you can enjoy a healthier home and make the most of your spring.

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