May 13, 2025

Spring home maintenance: the essential guide

Spring is the perfect season to breathe new life into your home after the winter months. Whether it’s to maintain your property value, prevent costly problems or simply boost your day-to-day comfort, proper spring maintenance is essential. Here is a two-part guide (outdoors and indoors) so that nothing slips your mind.

Outdoor maintenance: prevent damage and prepare your yard

The outside of the home has weathered the harshness of winter. Spring is the perfect time to prepare it for sunnier days by tidying your yard and garden and checking for any damage the water could have caused.

1. Get the yard and garden ready

Rake up any remaining leaves and care for the lawn: remove dead leaves, branches and other winter debris. Aerate your lawn by making small holes in the ground to allow nutrients to penetrate the soil. In May, sow grass seeds anywhere the grass is sparse and fertilize the soil .
Trim shrubs and trees and prepare flower beds for planting: As soon as the soil thaws, remove the covers from your shrubs . Trim any dead or damaged branches from your plants according to their specific needs: some types are pruned in the spring, while others are pruned in the fall. Carefully weed the flower beds and add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weed growth. The soil can also be enriched with compost to help your future plants grow!
Check the irrigation system, if you have one: if there is water build-up or abnormal humidity in the yard, this could indicate a problem with the French drain , in which case an inspection would be required. It’s also important to clean the other drains on the property. For example, in urban areas, a patio on a flat roof must be cleared of debris, just like a gutter.

Person tending to flower beds outside

2. Clean and repair the building envelope

Inspect the roof: check the condition of the shingles or membrane. Look for missing, cracked or damaged tiles. Check the seals.
Fireplace: if your house has a wood stove or fireplace, the chimney should be swept to reduce the risk of fire and extend its life.
Inspect the foundation: look for cracks or signs of moisture around the basement. Small cracks in the foundation (less than 2 mm wide) are usually normal. However, if a crack is more than ¼ inch wide or changes in size over time, it’s best to consult a professional.
Check the exterior siding: clean the exterior siding and check the caulking seals around the windows and doors. If there are cracks, apply sealant around the frames and doors to prevent air from getting in.
Clear eavestroughs of dead leaves and debris: remove dead leaves, branches and other debris that has accumulated over the fall and winter. Blocked eavestroughs can cause water ingress issues and damage the foundations or exterior siding. Using a leaf blower is a handy way of getting the job done.
Check that the eavestroughs are directing the water away from the foundation: if water is released too close to the foundation, you can easily lengthen the downspout. It is recommended that water be released five to six feet from the foundation.
Fix cracks and seals: check walkways, pavements and foundations for cracks and make the necessary repairs to prevent further damage from freezing and thawing.
Check the deck, railings and stairs: check the strength and condition of railings and stairs to keep users safe. Look for signs of rot, loose nails or cracked wood. To clean a wood deck , a pressure washer is a useful tool, but be careful to use low pressure (up to 1300 PSI). If the wood looks dry or discoloured, consider cleaning and sandblasting it and applying a new coat of stain or sealant to extend its durability.
Clean window wells: washing your window wells is essential in the spring to ensure the area around the basement windows is draining properly. Remove dead leaves, debris and accumulated soil to prevent drain blockages and water infiltration. Regular maintenance helps keep the foundations waterproof and prevent moisture indoors.

Person pressure-cleaning concrete patio

	Tips and tricks Winter and spring often bring higher humidity, which can encourage mould growth. If traces of mould are visible, a homemade white vinegar mixture can be a simple and effective solution. Just let it sit and you’re done! In addition to being effective, this method avoids damaging plants and greenery.

3. Final touches: exterior landscaping and swimming pool

Open the pool: it’s best to get started before the water temperature reaches 21°C. The pool cover should be removed, cleaned and stored away. Next, put back the equipment you removed in the fall: skimmer nets, return plugs, ladders, etc. The walls and water should be cleaned using a broom or robotic cleaner before filling the pool to its usual level. Restart the pump and filtration system after checking that everything is connected. Finally, the water should be analyzed (pH, chlorine, alkalinity) and the necessary adjustments made with the appropriate products. A shock treatment specially designed for opening swimming pools can be used.
Set up garden furniture: clean outdoor furniture thoroughly with soapy water to remove dirt, dust and residue that has accumulated over the winter. Check metal furniture for signs of rust and apply a new layer of anti-rust paint if needed. This can significantly extend its lifespan.
Bring out the BBQ: if the barbecue was put in storage for the winter, now is the perfect time to take it out. Wash the cooking grates, check the burners and make sure the propane tank is full. A small ignition test will confirm whether the device is working properly—perfect for kicking off the season with a tasty meal outdoors.
Other: adjust the mower, connect the sprinkler hose once the risk of frost has passed, and install the air conditioner.

Outdoor furniture installed on patio

Indoors: refresh and revitalize your living space

The inside of your home has been sealed up for the winter and may have accumulated dust and moisture. Spring is the ideal time for extensive cleaning, reorganizing and assessing what needs to be repaired to create a healthy and pleasant environment.

1. Spring cleaning

Dust thoroughly: remove the dust that has accumulated on all surfaces: lights, furniture, shelves, baseboards, frames, etc. Don’t forget air vents and ceiling fans. In the summer, change the direction of the blades.
Clean surfaces: what’s better than a deep spring cleaning to start fresh? Wash windows and mirrors to maximize natural light, both indoors and outdoors, and don’t forget about the screens. Disinfect counters, door handles, switches and other frequently touched surfaces.
Care for textiles: wash curtains, blinds and cushion covers. Thoroughly clean rugs and carpets, and don’t forget the couch, especially if Fido spends a lot of time there!
Declutter and organize: take advantage of spring to sort through cabinets, drawers and cupboards. Get rid of unnecessary items and rearrange the space for better functionality. Take the opportunity to donate to local community organizations.
Clean appliances: Wipe down the inside of the refrigerator, microwave and oven. Check and clean the filters of the range hood and dryer.
Clean indoor drains: if the house has a basement, remember to pour water or the appropriate cleaning products into the basement drain to avoid odours. Make sure the sump pump is working properly.

Person vacuuming

2. Checks and minor repairs

Check smoke detectors: test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries if needed. Some municipalities now require detectors with 10-year sealed batteries.
Plumbing: check taps and visible pipes under sinks and toilets for leaks. If there is a leak around a seal, you may need to tighten the fitting or replace the damaged seal. For PVC pipes, temporary repairs can be done with a PVC repair kit, but replacing the pipe segment is recommended if the leak persists. Make sure to turn off the water before starting any repairs to prevent more splashes or damage.
Door and window caulking: when cleaning the windows, inspect the caulking around windows and doors inside and in the bathrooms and kitchen as well, and redo any damaged seals to prevent moisture and drafts.
Small repairs: fix loose door handles, drawers that jam, holes in the walls or paint that needs touching up to make your home look like new!

Person re-caulking a window

3. Better air quality and finishing touches

Change filters: replace the filters in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for good indoor air quality and optimal energy efficiency. Don’t forget to clean the ducts of the range hood.
Thermostat: adjust thermostats according to the temperature outside.
Ventilation: open the windows regularly to get fresh air indoors and remove any odours that accumulated over the winter. Check that the humidity level of the home is within the normal range.
Clean the lights: dust lampshades and globes to maximize brightness and change any lightbulbs that aren’t working.
Bonus: add fresh decor such as indoor plants, cut flowers or lighter colours to create a welcoming spring atmosphere!

Interior brightened up with tulips

	Tips and tricks In the spring, you may see more insects as temperatures rise. Because of this, it’s important to protect the inside of your house. To treat pests , natural solutions such as white vinegar or essential oils can be used, since they repel insects without harming the environment. For bigger infestations, appropriate insecticides can be used, but it’s important to follow the safety guidelines.

Spring is synonymous with renewal, for nature… and your home!

Cleaning and maintaining your home in the spring isn’t just a tradition: it’s an essential step to maintain the longevity of your property, improve your comfort and prevent future issues. Whether you’re getting the outside of your home ready for summer or refreshing your indoor spaces, every little bit counts. This guide provides a complete overview on how to approach this transition period in a methodical and effective way. A well-maintained home is not just more enjoyable to live in: it also better retains its long-term value.