11 Spring Cleaning Tasks You Definitely Don't Want To Skip

Spring is the perfect time to get your whole home clean — and we don't just mean a quick sweep of the floors. When making your spring cleaning checklist, you’ll want to consider the places you don’t get to address very often, such as exterior windows and surfaces, your gutters, your heating and cooling systems and even your kitchen appliances.

Keep in mind, though, that these spring cleaning chores aren’t always as simple as they seem — many require skills and time you might not necessarily have. That’s why hiring a professional from Thumbtack, the home services app used by millions, will help you get the job done the right way.

Here are 11 spring cleaning tasks you definitely don’t want to skip, as well as the professionals who can help you get your whole home sparkling clean.

1. Window Washing

After a winter of snowstorms and varying weather, windows may look cloudy or foggy from accumulating dirt, pollen and other contaminants. Washing windows removes the buildup that obstructs a window’s clarity. It also allows them to maintain a tight seal, which avoids air leaks and keeps windows insulated.

RELATED: How much does professional window cleaning cost?

2. Duct And Vent Cleaning

Prepare for the summer heat by cleaning out your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems — and by replacing air conditioning filters as needed. Clogged vents and filters can restrict airflow, which causes your unit to work harder and use more energy. Keep the area surrounding your HVAC units clean by vacuuming external dust and removing debris.

Since this could be an arduous task that requires some skill, you’ll want to hire a professional duct cleaner to tackle cleaning out the inside of your home’s ducts and vents. Handling these tasks in spring means that when the summertime comes, your system will be ready to work hard on the hottest days.

3. Gutter Cleaning

Downspouts and gutters should remain clear of all debris, leaves and buildup that accumulate inside over time. Cleaning the gutters improves drainage on roofs and helps prevent water damage from springtime rains. It can also prevent the wood trim on the eaves of your house from rotting, which may allow bugs and other pests to make their way into your attic space.

Depending on the height of your home, gutter cleaning can be a difficult and potentially hazardous task. Enlisting the help of a professional is a safer and simpler way to get the job done.

RELATED: How much does professional gutter cleaning cost?

4. Carpet Cleaning

With daily use, carpets can go from looking new and inviting to dirty and old in a short time. While carpet cleaning remains a time-consuming task, it prolongs the life of your carpet and leaves homes feeling refreshed.

However, understanding a carpet’s fabric and maintenance requirements can be tricky. The best way to get your carpets truly clean is to have them done by a professional carpet cleaner.

5. Attic Cleaning

Clean your attic and look for mildew, mold, leaks or water stains. These can be warning signs of a bigger problem, such as serious water damage issues or major mold growth. If possible, seal off the moisture source when found to prevent further damage.

In addition, look for signs of invasive pests that may have found a way into the attic. Search for holes they may have used to enter your home and fill in or repair them to prevent further infestation. If you do find unwanted critters in your attic, you can call a professional exterminator to help address the issue.

6. Pressure/Power Washing

Throughout the winter, various elements cause dirt and grime to build up on driveways, home exteriors, decks and roofs. Ridding outdoor surfaces of these contaminants using a power washer protects them from mold and mildew, which can cause damage. It can also boost your home's “curb appeal” by keeping the outside looking fresh and clean.

RELATED: How much does it cost to pressure wash your home?

7. Lawn Maintenance

Cleaning up overgrowth, tidying up flower beds, re-sodding and raking the lawn to get rid of dead grass and thatch will improve both your lawn’s appearance and its health. Tending to your lawn encourages grass growth and helps improve fertilizer absorption, ensuring your lawn will look green and lush all summer long.

No time for lawn maintenance? Hiring a professional lawn care company in your area can help give you the lawn of your dreams this spring.

RELATED: 11 best lawn care tips for spring.

8. Deep Cleaning

There’s no better time than springtime to give your home that deep clean it’s been craving. A deep house cleaning is a very involved process in which all aspects of the home are given full attention for a cleaning. You're not just picking up the clutter and wiping down surfaces. You're often thoroughly decluttering, scrubbing and sanitizing areas around the home, such as kitchen appliances, cabinets, drawers, carpets, floors, bathrooms and more.

Since a deep cleaning involves so much attention to detail, hiring a professional cleaning service will save you time, money and energy in the long run.

9. Oven Cleaning

As you’re deep cleaning your home, don’t forget your oven. Soak oven racks in soapy water. Inside the oven, scrape away residue and burned pieces using a metal spatula, then scrub with a pre-bought mixture or cleaner. But in order to accomplish a true, heavy-duty clean, you’ll want to book a professional oven cleaning specialist.

Keeping your oven tidy prevents spilled bits from burning inside the oven, catching on fire, and impacting the flavor of new food. Remember to read your oven’s manual before using any cleaners, solutions or products.

10. Chimney Sweeping

Chances are you won’t be building a fire in the warmer weather months — which is why spring is an ideal time to get the buildup swept out of your chimney before next season. This buildup occurs over time from lighting fires and can cause problems if it’s not cleaned regularly. Indicators it's time for a sweep include a strange odor when a fire is burning or seeing more soot than normal.

As a rule of thumb, chimneys shouldn’t go more than a year without cleaning. Because of the complexity of chimney cleaning, it’s recommended to book a professional chimney sweep.

RELATED: How much does a chimney sweep cost?

11. Interior Wall Cleaning

Dust, grease, smoke and grime can all build up on the walls of your home — but how often do you think to clean them? Cleaning painted, tiled or wallpapered walls removes buildup, sanitizes rooms and preserves paint to look vibrant and fresh. Cleaning your walls can be a daunting task — and you may be unsure which cleaning products to use. Hiring a wall cleaning company will take the stress out of achieving spotless walls.

Too Much To Do? Get Help From Thumbtack

With so many spring cleaning tasks on your to-do list, hiring a local professional through Thumbtack can help save you time, energy and frustration. Easily check these chores and more off your list by signing up for Thumbtack's app or website, which connects you with top-rated professionals in your area.

Once you’ve created your account, searching for local professionals, reading reviews and booking services is as simple as clicking a few buttons. No matter what you want to clean this spring, the local professionals on Thumbtack can help you do it quickly and within your budget!

Get ahead on your spring cleaning to-do list. Let Thumbtack help you find and hire top-rated pros near you.