Spring Cleaning 2025: What’s Actually Happening (And What’s Not)

Spring cleaning season is here! Some people go all in, scrubbing every corner of their homes, while others… well, let’s just say they’ll get to it eventually.

To find out how people are actually tackling spring cleaning this year, we ran a survey-and the results were pretty eye-opening. Some people are obsessed with decluttering, while others have literally never done a full deep clean. We’re breaking down the stats, the struggles, and the best cleaning hacks people swear by.

Do People Really Stick to the “Once-a-Year” Rule?

The idea of spring cleaning is that once a year, you do a full reset of your home. But does anyone actually do that? According to our survey:

🧼 40% only deep clean when things get really messy.
📅 25% clean thoroughly every few years (yep, years).
🛑 15% never do a big clean-they just tidy as they go.
✨ 20% actually commit to an annual deep clean.

Clearly, the traditional “spring cleaning” mindset isn’t for everyone. Many people wait until their space feels out of control before doing a deep clean, while others prefer to keep things manageable all year long.

The Biggest Spring Cleaning Struggles

So, what’s stopping people from getting their deep clean on? The answers might sound very relatable:

😩 30% struggle with motivation (a.k.a., “I’ll do it tomorrow”).
🪟 35% say certain tasks-like scrubbing windows or deep-cleaning carpets-are the worst.
🗑️ 20% feel overwhelmed by decluttering decisions (Do I really need this sweater from 2013?).
💪 15% find the physical effort exhausting (cleaning is basically a workout).

Turns out, the hardest part of spring cleaning isn’t always the scrubbing-it’s getting started.

Cleaning Checklists: Helpful or Overrated?

Some people love a detailed to-do list. Others prefer a more go-with-the-flow approach. When we asked if people follow a structured cleaning checklist, here’s what they said:

📌 60% clean whatever needs it most (aka, “I’ll figure it out as I go”).
📋 30% rely on a checklist to stay organized.
🤷 10% avoid structured cleaning altogether.

If you’re the type to procrastinate, creating a simple checklist could make spring cleaning way easier. Start with one small task (like decluttering a drawer), then move on to bigger areas-it helps keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

What Happens to Unwanted Stuff?

Decluttering is a huge part of spring cleaning, but what do people actually do with the things they don’t want anymore?

🎁 40% donate their unwanted items.
📦 25% store things “just in case” (but let’s be honest, that box is never getting opened again).
💰 20% sell stuff to make extra cash.
🗑️ 15% just throw things away.

Holding onto clutter “just in case” is super common, but if you haven’t used it in the last year, it’s probably time to let it go.

Is Spring Cleaning a Solo Mission or a Team Effort?

Some people love cleaning alone-it’s like a therapy session. Others prefer backup. Here’s how people approach it:

🧍‍♂️ 55% clean solo (and maybe blast their favorite playlist while doing it).
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 35% get help from family or a partner.
🧹 10% bring in a professional cleaner to get it done fast.

If you struggle with motivation, making it a group effort can help (or at least make it more fun). Try setting a timer and racing to finish tasks, or turn it into a game with family or roommates.

The Weirdest Things People Found While Cleaning

Spring cleaning = discovering long-lost things. Some of the strangest finds from our survey included:

🎟️ Old concert tickets (from artists people forgot they even liked).
💎 Lost jewelry that had been “gone” for years.
🍪 Expired pantry items… dating back way too long.
🧸 Childhood toys hiding in storage bins.

If nothing else, spring cleaning might turn into a fun nostalgia trip.

The Best Cleaning Hacks (Straight From Survey Respondents)

We asked people to share their top cleaning hacks, and these were the most popular:

✔️ “Tackle one area at a time-don’t try to do it all at once.”
✔️ “Clean a little every day so deep cleans aren’t overwhelming.”
✔️ “Use white vinegar and baking soda-it’s cheap, natural, and works for everything.”
✔️ “Declutter before cleaning, so you’re not just moving things around.”

Final Thoughts

Spring cleaning looks different for everyone. Some people go all in with a structured checklist, while others just clean what they can when they can. Based on our survey, motivation (or lack of it) is the biggest challenge, and decluttering is often the hardest part.

Whether you’re a once-a-year deep cleaner or someone who avoids it altogether, the key is finding a system that works for you.

How do your cleaning habits compare? Share this with your friends and see where they fit in!