Deep Cleaning & Maintenance for Home Interiors

By Courtney Klosterman

Spring cleaning has more benefits than you may think. In addition to refreshing your space for the new season, tidying up can help make your home safer in emergencies, help you catch issues early, and improve your home’s health.

The annual Housepower Report survey from Hippo insurance company found that unexpected maintenance issues affected 83 percent of homeowners in 2024. And almost half (46%) spent over $5,000 out-of-pocket on unexpected home repairs in 2024.

Homeowners can avoid unexpected repairs this year by checking these critical items off their spring-cleaning checklist.

Deep cleaning your home’s interior can help you spot signs of mold or water damage that you may not have noticed otherwise. This can include commonly overlooked areas like vents and carpets.

·        Sweep out irritants and allergens that may have settled in during the winter and to spot early signs of potential problems. This includes checking and cleaning hard-to-reach or time-consuming areas like ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and soft surfaces (like cushioned furniture).

·        Remove unnecessary clutter around your home and clear pathways to all exits. Collections of old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and even cluttered kitchen counters can cause a fire risk.

·        Shampoo carpets and clean hard surfaces to remove any existing buildup of dirt and spills that could lead to long-term damage. Once your hard surfaces are clean, use floor sealants to help prevent moisture from penetrating your floor and increase its longevity. For extra protection, add a sturdy welcome mat at your front door and heavy rugs in high-traffic areas to help protect your floor from rainy or muddy shoes.

·        To give your dishwasher and washing machine a refresh, pour a couple of cups of white vinegar in the machine and run a hot cycle—particularly if you have hard water, which can cause calcium buildup.. This does more than make the appliance look better; it actually keeps it running longer.

·        Cleaning your dryer vent can help your clothes dry faster and minimize the potential for fires. Clear your lint traps between each laundry load and inspect your dryer vents for blockages regularly. Clean the exterior dryer vent that helps move lint, moisture, and hot air out of the dryer. To clean it, you’ll need to unplug and move the dryer away from the wall, detach the hose from the dryer, and then go outside to brush and vacuum out debris.

·        To keep drains clog-free, pour a cup of white distilled vinegar down them a couple of times a month. Let the vinegar sit for about 30-45 minutes, then flush with cold water. When deep-cleaning the kitchen drains, don’t forget the garbage disposal. Disconnect the unit’s power, throw on a pair of rubber gloves, and wipe down the unit with your preferred cleanser until debris is removed.

Windows & Doors

Windows and doors can become entry points for rain, wind, and debris without proper maintenance. Snow and rain from the winter may have also taken their toll on weatherstripping, caulking, screens, and other parts of your windows and doors.

·        Inspect seals and caulking around doors for missing chunks, mold, peeling, and other signs that they need to be repaired and replaced.

·        Inspect window and door screens for tears, rust, debris, and mold. You can use a screen repair kit to address small tears or holes and clean off mold and debris yourself. Replace the entire screen for major issues like large tears or extensive rust on metal frames. Well-maintained screens help prevent water from pooling near your window and keep hail from hitting windows and doors directly.

·        Consider installing storm doors if your external doors are susceptible to damage from severe weather. Storm doors can also help improve insulation, and their screens can help ventilate your home on warmer days.

Critical Systems

Severe weather can strain your critical systems, especially if they aren’t being regularly serviced or maintained. A HVAC system breakdown can cause major stress and headaches, leaving your household susceptible to sudden temperature changes and unexpected repair costs. If a critical system like your HVAC system is already struggling, severe storms can exacerbate the issue and may lead to prematurely needing a replacement. According to Home Dept, an HVAC tune-up can cost about $99 and up, while a new HVAC system can cost between $5,000 and $12,000.

·        Replace HVAC filters and clean air ducts and vents to help prevent the buildup of allergens, dust, or mold that may have accumulated during the winter. Clear debris around outside units and vacuum and dust interior units to help your HVAC work efficiently, last longer, and help keep your home comfortable.

·        Check and test all of your pipes, connections, hoses, and areas around plumbing fixtures for signs of leaks, loose connections, or damaged seals and grout. Address pipe and sewage line clogs right away to help prevent backups during storms. Heavy rain can exacerbate existing plumbing issues, leading to blockages, leaks, or burst pipes.

·        Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace old batteries. Check and test all fire extinguishers to see if they’re still working and whether it’s time to replace or recharge (refill) them. Weather hazards like lightning and thunderstorms can indirectly lead to fires by causing power surges and physically downing structures like power lines.

·        Inspect and drain the hot water heater. Begin by draining whatever water is left in the tank (don't forget your bucket), then stir up the sediment at the bottom of the tank by opening the cold-water supply valve briefly. Keep repeating this process until the water comes out clean from the hose.

About the author: Courtney Klosterman is home insights expert at Hippo insurance. For more, visit www.hippo.com.