Your Brooklyn Apartment Spring Cleaning Guide
Spring is finally here, and there's no better time to give your apartment a little love. Whether you're freshening things up for the season or getting your home ready to show its best self, this checklist will walk you through everything, from appliances to decluttering, with Brooklyn-specific resources to make it easy.
Look for insight into what your home would sell for this Spring. Send me an email.
Windows & AC Units
After a long winter, your windows and AC units deserve some attention before the warm weather really kicks in.
Window AC Units
Check the drain plug: Remove any blockages that have collected over winter, so water drains properly when you fire it up
Clean the filter: A clogged filter makes your unit work harder and circulates dust through your home. Remove, rinse, and let it dry completely before replacing
Even if your units were stored all winter indoors, I would still do these two things quickly before installation.
Professional window cleaning in Brooklyn apartments, especially those on higher floors or with windows facing the street, collects a season's worth of city grime. Spring is the perfect time to hire a professional window cleaner. Sparkling windows let in more light and instantly make a space feel larger and more inviting. It’s surprisingly affordable- around $30/window. They can climb out if need be and also work around window AC units.
A few vendors I’ve used before:
Declutter & Give Back
Spring cleaning means making some decisions about what stays and what goes. The good news? Getting rid of things in Brooklyn has never been easier.
Donation with Free Pick-Up
St. Mary's: Offers free home pick-up for donated items. A great option when you have furniture or bags of clothing you don't want to haul anywhere.
Circular Economy Options
Cue's — A local resale and circular economy option that can arrange courier pickup for items with resale value. A great way to clear space and put a little money back in your pocket.
Local Buy Nothing Groups — Search for your neighborhood's Buy Nothing group on Facebook or the Buy Nothing app. Likely less wasteful than leaving on the curb. (If you’re in Prospect Heights/Crown Heights, I can send you the right one!)
When all else fails…
Look up your address and check the Department of Sanitation's bulk pick-up days for Large Items.
Appliances
Spring is the ideal time to deep clean the appliances you use every day. These are the ones many people skip, and this type of regular maintenance makes a real difference in longevity.
Dryer: Check your vent and/or condensing tank. Lint buildup in dryer vents is one of the leading causes of home fires and something most people never think about. If your dryer is taking longer than usual to dry a load, that's your sign. If you have a ventless dryer, the cooling tank should be removed and cleaned to improve efficiency.
Range Hood: Clean or replace your hood filters. Grease accumulates quickly and reduces how effectively your hood pulls smoke and odors from your kitchen. Most filters can be soaked in hot, soapy water or run through the dishwasher.
Microwave: Steam clean the interior by placing a bowl of water with lemon slices inside and running it for a few minutes. The steam loosens grime, and the lemon neutralizes odors — wipe clean with a cloth.
Washing Machine: Deep clean the drum, especially if you have a front-loader. The door gasket collects moisture, detergent residue, and mildew over time. Wipe it down thoroughly and run a cleaning cycle with a washing machine tablet or white vinegar.
Dishwasher: Clean the food trap at the bottom of your dishwasher. This is often the reason dishes come out less than sparkling. Remove the filter, rinse it under hot water, and replace it. Follow up with a cleaning cycle using a dishwasher cleaner tablet. Also this is one to do more than once a year for optimal results.
Helpful Reminders
Two things worth checking right now before you close this tab:
Smoke Detectors: Do you have D batteries for your smoke detector? Spring is a great time to test your detectors and replace batteries. Most smoke detectors use D or 9V batteries — keep a spare set on hand.
Gas Detectors: Now Required by Law Under NYC Local Law 157 of 2016, all residential apartments with gas appliances must have a natural gas detector installed within 10 feet of each gas appliance. The compliance deadline was May 2025, so if you don't have one yet, now is the time. They're inexpensive, widely available, and could save your life. (Where to buy — link coming soon)
Thinking About Selling This Spring?
Spring is consistently Brooklyn's strongest season for sellers, and a well-maintained, decluttered apartment shows significantly better than one that hasn't been touched since fall.
If you've been thinking about listing- even just curious about what your apartment is worth right now- send me a note. I’ll make a data-driven suggestion without any pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spring Cleaning in Brooklyn
What is NYC Local Law 157, and does it apply to my apartment? Local Law 157 was enacted in May 2025 and applies to any space with natural gas. Detectors should be plugged into outlets within 10 feet of any device that uses gas- typically ovens, dryers, or hot water heaters.
What size batteries do smoke detectors take? Smoke detectors take 9V batteries. You should always replace the batteries when you move, and try to keep a spare on hand in case one runs out. I loathe the chirping sound. Note: Do not use a rechargeable battery for your smoke detector.
Where can I donate items in Brooklyn with free pickup? St. Mary’s is my go-to source for donations in Brooklyn. They are very helpful, and their pick-up service is quite responsive. They are excellent for any small items.
What is a Buy Nothing group, and how do I find mine in Brooklyn? A local buy nothing group is a great way to declutter and avoid waste. Make sure to find the one most specific to your area for the best success. Search for groups on Facebook or ask a neighbor.
What items does St. Mary's accept for donation? They accept clothing and small items related to food and care- cookware, utensils, small toys.
How do I know if my dryer vent needs cleaning? When in doubt, just clean it. If you have a vented dryer, try to get this professionally cleaned once a year.
How do I clean my dishwasher filter? Every dishwasher has a removable food trap. I am to clean my once every two months, but it will vary depending on your household and how often you go through dishes.
Is spring really the best time to sell in Brooklyn?
How do I find out what my Brooklyn apartment is worth?
What should I do to my apartment before listing it for sale?