Ohio winters leave their mark. Months of snow, ice, salt, and cold air take a toll on homes inside and out. When temperatures finally climb in spring, it is time to undo the damage, deep clean, and clear out everything that accumulated over the long winter months. This checklist is built specifically for Ohio homeowners dealing with the aftermath of a Great Lakes winter. Use it room by room to get your home in shape for the warm season ahead.

What Should Ohio Homeowners Tackle First in Spring?

Start with the areas most affected by winter: the exterior, basement, and garage. Ohio winters cause unique damage including ice dam effects on roofing, salt damage on entryways and concrete, moisture buildup in basements, and months of clutter piled in the garage because nobody wanted to deal with it in February. Addressing structural and moisture issues first prevents bigger problems. Then move inside room by room, saving the lightest tasks for last. Budget two to three weekends for a thorough whole-house spring cleaning.

Exterior and Curb Appeal Checklist

Ohio's freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on home exteriors. A spring walk-around catches problems before they become expensive repairs.

Inspect and Repair

Walk the perimeter and check foundation for new cracks

Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles from winter storms

Clean gutters and downspouts clogged with fall leaves and winter debris

Check downspout extensions to ensure water flows away from the foundation

Examine window caulking and weatherstripping for winter damage

Inspect deck and patio for boards loosened by freeze-thaw cycles

Check the driveway and sidewalks for salt damage and new cracks

Clean and Refresh

Power wash siding, deck, patio, and driveway

Clean exterior windows inside and out

Wash outdoor light fixtures

Clean and inspect outdoor furniture before bringing it out of storage

Remove dead plants and winter debris from landscaping beds

Edge sidewalks and driveways

Clean the mailbox and house numbers

Garage and Storage Area Checklist

The garage becomes a dumping ground over winter. Spring is the time to reclaim the space.

Sort and Purge

Pull everything out of the garage and sort into keep, donate, and junk piles

Dispose of expired chemicals, paint, and automotive fluids properly

Check for mouse droppings and nesting material from winter rodent activity

Test all power tools and equipment after months of cold storage

Assess holiday decorations and toss anything broken or unused

Sort through sporting equipment and donate gear kids have outgrown

Organize

Sweep and mop the garage floor

Install or reorganize shelving and wall storage

Group items by category: automotive, lawn care, tools, seasonal

Label storage bins clearly

Create a designated donation staging area

Hang bikes and bulky equipment on wall hooks to free floor space

How Do You Handle the Basement After an Ohio Winter?

Ohio basements take abuse from winter moisture. Snowmelt, ground saturation, and condensation create conditions for mold, mildew, and water damage.

Moisture and Damage Check

Inspect walls and floor for new water stains or dampness

Check for musty smells indicating mold or mildew growth

Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit

Replace sump pump battery backup if it is more than three years old

Inspect stored items for water damage, especially cardboard boxes on the floor

Check window wells for debris that could cause leaks during spring rains

Deep Clean

Move stored items away from walls and sweep behind them

Dehumidify the space and maintain 30 to 50 percent humidity

Clean dryer vents and check for lint buildup around the dryer

Wash the concrete floor with a disinfecting cleaner

Organize storage and elevate everything at least four inches off the floor

Dispose of water-damaged boxes, furniture, and items that have developed mold

Kitchen Deep Clean Checklist

The kitchen gets heavy use during Ohio's long indoor season. Spring is the time to deep clean every surface.

Appliances

Pull the refrigerator out and clean behind and underneath it

Clean refrigerator coils for better efficiency

Defrost and clean the freezer, discarding anything past its date

Clean the oven interior, racks, and stovetop drip pans

Run a cleaning cycle on the dishwasher with vinegar

Clean the microwave interior and exterior

Wipe down all small appliances

Cabinets and Pantry

Empty all cabinets and wipe shelves

Check expiration dates on spices, canned goods, and dry goods

Organize cabinets so frequently used items are accessible

Clean cabinet fronts and hardware

Line shelves with fresh liner paper if used

Donate unexpired food items you will not use

Bathroom Deep Clean Checklist

Fixtures and Surfaces

Scrub tile grout with a grout cleaner or baking soda paste

Clean exhaust fans and check that they vent properly

Check caulking around the tub, shower, and toilet base

Recaulk anywhere you see cracking or mold growth

Deep clean shower heads by soaking in vinegar overnight

Wash shower curtains and liners or replace them

Medicine Cabinet Purge

Check all medications for expiration dates

Dispose of expired medications at a Lake County drop-off location

Toss old cosmetics, sunscreen, and personal care products

Consolidate half-used products

Bedroom and Living Area Checklist

Bedding and Upholstery

Wash all bedding including comforters, mattress pads, and pillow protectors

Rotate or flip mattresses

Vacuum upholstered furniture and under cushions

Spot clean or steam clean carpet and rugs

Wash or dry clean curtains and drapes

Closet Purge

Try on clothing you have not worn this winter

Donate anything that does not fit or has not been worn in a year

Rotate seasonal clothing by moving winter items to storage

Organize shoes and donate pairs you no longer wear

Check for moth damage on wool and cashmere items

When Should You Call a Junk Removal Service?

Call a professional when your spring cleaning generates more junk than fits in your regular trash pickup. Common spring cleaning items that require junk removal include old furniture, broken appliances, mattresses, exercise equipment, electronics, boxes of clutter from the garage and basement, and yard debris. A single junk removal appointment can handle everything at once instead of spreading it across weeks of trash pickups or multiple dump runs. Most Lake County junk removal services offer same-day or next-day availability in spring.

Items That Need Professional Removal

Furniture that is too large for curbside trash

Appliances including refrigerators, washers, and dryers

Mattresses and box springs

Electronics and old televisions

Construction debris from winter repair projects

Large volumes of yard waste and branches

Hot tubs, play equipment, and outdoor structures

How Do You Maintain a Clean Home After Spring Cleaning?

The key to avoiding another overwhelming spring cleaning next year is maintaining habits throughout the seasons. Apply the one-in-one-out rule: for every new item that enters your home, one old item leaves. Do a fifteen-minute daily pickup before bed. Schedule quarterly mini-cleanouts of one problem area like the garage, basement, or a closet. Set calendar reminders for seasonal tasks like gutter cleaning and furnace filter changes.

Need Help With Your Spring Cleanout?

When your spring cleaning generates a mountain of junk, Evergreen Removal is ready to haul it away. We serve Mentor, Painesville, Willoughby, Kirtland, Chardon, and all Lake County communities. Call for a free estimate and we will handle the heavy lifting while you enjoy your freshly cleaned home.

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist for Ohio Homeowners