Is it ever really too early to give your space a nice deep clean? Like a really good clean–when you take the time to do the things you don’t routinely do. Taking the time to wipe down light bulbs, clean the walls, and to polish the silver will not only make your house glisten, but also give you a huge sense of accomplishment. Here are a few tips for a cathartic early spring cleaning.

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1. Wash Windows, Blinds, and Curtains

Windows attract fingerprints, smudges, and dust. Cleaning windows are cinch if you have a rubber-edged squeegee. They are quick, easy to use, and come in a variety of sizes. Simply dip a sponge into a bucket of warm water mixed with mild dish soap and rub dirt away from the window. Using a dampened squeegee, starting at an upper corner, draw it down pane from top to bottom, then dry windowsills with a cloth.

Don’t forget to clean wooden blinds to remove the dust that builds up. Use a few drops of wood cleaner and dry sponge to wipe the dust away. As for curtains, use a vacuum, steam-cleaner, or have them dry-cleaned as curtains retain dust, dirt, and pet hair that add to that winter stuffiness.

2. Clean Your House Plants

Your plants are living things, and they need a bit of attention during a good cleaning. They tend to get dusty or dried out from indoor heating and a lack of natural light during the winter. An easy way to clean larger plants it to give them a shower. Use a shower-head attachment to spray plants lightly with tepid water. For smaller, more delicate plants, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Try moving them to plant stands near the windows and watch as they come back to life and bring springtime beauty to your home.

3. Organize Your Closet Space

Organizing your closet is a great way to inspire you to tackle the rest of your home. Purge unused clothes, accessories, and other objects that you stow away to make way for more room. Get a few closet organizers, quality wooden hangers, and a shoe rack. Organize your clothing by how get dressed in the morning or by color. Your closet will look appealing, and your daily  routine will be something to look forward to–especially when that first sunny day comes and you get to wear your new spring wardrobe!

4. Remove Stains and Odors

It is not always easy to remove stains,  but it is an important factor in the deep cleaning process. Don’t forget your walls, upholstery, and of course, carpets. To clean your painted walls, use a clean cloth or sponge with soap water. For stubborn stains, apply a little dish soap right on the stain, wipe, and rinse well with water.

To keep carpets and rugs looking fresh, start an initiative of taking off your shoes when you get home — but leave your socks on because walking around in bare feet leaves natural oils that can attract dirt. Try to vacuum often to prevent soil build up, and have them cleaned with a heavy duty steam system once or twice a year. By cleaning your walls, furniture, and carpet, you will leave the house smelling fresh and free of all the salt, dust and built up

5. Reorganized Bookshelves

Your bookshelves, books, and trinkets can get pretty dusty. To clean them, start by taking everything off your bookshelves and dust the shelves. When stacking your books back on the shelf, sort books by size, subject, or color. Mix it up by lining books up vertically, some horizontally, in a rhythmic pattern. You can also display a few other treasured items among your books to give your space a refreshed feel.

Becky Grzesik is a writer and fervent home cook from Portland, Maine with an affection for rustic New England decor and culture. She is inspired by local designer Sturbridge Yankee Workshops for home decor elements like rustic kitchen tables, chic country curtains, wool-hooked rugs, and kitchen gadgets.