As temperatures begin to rise and windows pulled open across eastern Iowa, many homeowners are turning their attention to spring cleaning. For some, it is a yearly reset. For others, it is a chance to declutter and refresh their living space after a long and cold winter. For Jeannie Haight, who has been cleaning homes for about five years, spring cleaning is less about perfection and more about creating a home that feels manageable and comfortable for day-to-day life.

“I clean a few houses,” Haight said of her work. “I started doing it for the flexibility.”

Haight said one of the most rewarding parts of her work is building relationships with the people she helps.

“Meeting people and getting to know them,” she said with a laugh “And when somebody is thankful that the job is done well and they didn’t have to do it.”

Spring offers a natural opportunity to reset a home, Haight said, especially after months of being indoors and dealing with snowy and muddy weather. She added that the spring weather can do wonders for the feeling of a home.

“Just being able to open up your windows and freshen everything up,” Haight said.

That fresh start often begins with a long list of tasks for homeowners to begin conquering, and end with a variety of accomplishments.

“Decluttering and a sense of satisfaction of having things done,” Haight said of the benefits of spring cleaning. “Cleaner windows and just having everything in order.”

While many people tend to focus on obvious and visible spaces in the home, Haight said some of the most overlooked areas are the ones tucked away out of sight.

“Storage rooms,” she said.

Floors and windows, however, should be top priorities during any deep clean.

“Floors are one thing in a home that almost always needs attention,” Haight said.

For homeowners unsure where to begin, Haight recommends starting small and staying organized to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

“Having different containers,” Haight suggested. “Stuff you want to give away, stuff you want to save and stuff that goes where it belongs.”

She also advises working through the home one room at a time. When it comes to deciding what to keep, she suggests a simple rule.

“If you haven’t used it in six months, get rid of it,” she said.

For those looking to ease into the process, Haight recommends starting in a space that is used daily, like the kitchen. Having the right tools can also make a difference. Haight said she relies on a few go to products to get the job done efficiently.

“Lysol® can be used on a lot of different things,” she said. “Countertops, carpet stain removal.”

She also recommends specific products if more in-depth cleaning is called for. “Bona® for hardwood floors,” she said. “And there’s a product called Spot Shot® that works really [well] for taking stains out of carpet.”

Above all, Haight said spring cleaning does not have to be complicated and overthought. The goal is simply to create a space that feels clean and functional. She also recommends turning the cleaning into a fun family day, with a treat after all the tasks are finished.

“Just to keep your maintenance up and keep things neat and tidy,” Haight said of her outlook on spring cleaning.

Haight currently offers weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning services and is taking on new clients. She can be reached at 319-389-7132.

As spring continues, Haight said even small efforts can make a big impact. Whether it is clearing out a storage room or wiping down windows, the result is often the same: a cleaner space and a fresh start for the season.