Anyone who has lived in the Lowcountry knows the sign that spring has arrived: a yellow layer of pollen on cars, porches, and window sills. That pollen does not stay outside. It comes in on shoes, clothes, and pets, and settles on floors and furniture all over the house. This spring cleaning checklist for Charleston homes shows exactly what our team cleans during a spring deep cleaning, and a few simple habits you can follow between cleanings.
Our Spring Cleaning Checklist: What Our Team Takes Care Of
This is what the Excellent Cleaning team takes care of. Our team does not move furniture.
Kitchen
- Outside of appliances
- Cabinet fronts
- Stovetop
- Microwave, inside and out
- Sink and faucet
- Countertops and backsplash
- Floors
Bathrooms
- Toilet, inside and out, including the base
- Tub, shower, and shower glass
- Sink, faucet, and mirror
- Exhaust fan cover
- Floors and baseboards
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Baseboards, door frames, and doors
- Light switches and outlet covers
- Window sills and window glass
- Dusting shelves and furniture
- Floors
Extras You Can Add
- Window tracks
- High or hard-to-reach windows
- Porches
If you want any of these, just mention them when you request your quote.
What You Can Do Between Cleanings: Homeowner Tips
These are simple habits you can follow at home between our visits.
- Keep windows closed on high pollen days
- Make your home a shoes-off home during pollen season
- Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly in hot water
- Dry bedding indoors instead of on an outdoor line
- Change your HVAC filter at the start of the season
- Brush or wipe down pets after time outdoors
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology also recommends keeping windows closed during high pollen periods and using air conditioning to help keep pollen out of the home.
Why a Spring Cleaning Checklist Matters in Charleston
Charleston is surrounded by pine trees, oaks, and grasses that release heavy pollen every spring, and our warm, humid weather can make the season start early and last for weeks. Pollen collects on flat surfaces, around windows and doors, and along baseboards. A professional deep cleaning at the start of the season clears out that buildup, and a recurring cleaning schedule helps keep it under control until the season ends. Not sure which schedule is right for you? Our guide on how often you should have your house cleaned can help you decide.
Where Pollen Hides in Charleston Homes
Pollen is fine and light, so it travels farther into the house than most people expect. These are the spots where it tends to build up during the season:
- Window sills and the area around windows, especially windows that face trees
- Entryways, door mats, and the floor just inside each door
- Baseboards near exterior doors, where dust and pollen settle along the floor
- Ceiling fan blades, which collect pollen and spread it around the room when they turn on
- Shelves, tabletops, and other flat surfaces near windows
- Pet beds and the spots where pets like to rest after coming inside
- Bedding and pillows, since pollen clings to hair and clothes
Because pollen keeps coming back for weeks, these areas can look dusty again just a few days after cleaning. That is normal during the peak of the season, and it is one reason many Charleston households choose a more frequent cleaning schedule in the spring.
When to Use Your Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Late winter, before pollen peaks: book a deep cleaning so your home starts the season with a clean baseline.
- During peak pollen season: follow the homeowner tips above, and consider weekly or bi-weekly cleaning to stay ahead of the buildup.
- After the season ends: a second deep cleaning clears out the pollen that settled into your home during the spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on your spring cleaning checklist?
Our spring deep cleaning covers the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas, including baseboards, ceiling fans, light fixtures, window sills and glass, and all floors.
Is the inside of the oven, refrigerator, and cabinets included?
Not in a deep cleaning. Cleaning the inside of the oven, refrigerator, and cabinets is included in our move-in and move-out cleaning.
When is pollen season in Charleston?
Pollen usually peaks in the spring, often from late winter through April. Timing can shift from year to year depending on the weather.
When should I book my spring cleaning?
Booking early in the season is a good idea, since spring is a busy time of year. Please give us at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Book Your Spring Cleaning in Charleston
Excellent Cleaning LLC helps homes across Charleston and surrounding areas stay fresh through pollen season. Our goal is for you to be 100% satisfied with every cleaning. Request a free quote or call us at (843) 367-4161 to plan your spring cleaning.
