5 things to clean in May – these will spruce up your space in time for summer

Summer may be just around the corner, but there are still a few things to clean in May before the real hazy heat sets in.

Warmer months mean both entertaining and relaxing, so getting your space ready ahead of time will mean you're able to enjoy the weather without the worry and stress of getting your home ready for hosting.

Here, professional organizers share their cleaning tips for the essential cleaning tasks to tick off this month, from giving your cleaning tools a refresh to preparing you barbeque for al-fresco dining.

5 things to clean in May

1. Kitchen appliances

While you may have tackled your kitchen appliances to deep clean before Christmas back in December, now is the perfect time to give them a deep clean and refresh, says Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning.

'The oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher have probably seen heavy use since the holidays,' he explains. May is a great time to clean them out before summer cooking and entertaining kick in. Plus, a clean appliance runs more efficiently and lasts longer,' which is why taking the time to clean them regularly is one of the things people with clean kitchens always do.

So, from cleaning a microwave to cleaning a blender, avoid any kitchen cleaning mistakes by ticking off these tasks before hosting friends and family this summer season.

2. BBQ grills

Similarly, says James Dudra, founder of Therapy Clean, summer is the time for al-fresco cookouts, and it's likely that your barbeque could do with a little attention after seeing no use over winter.

'Grills inevitably collect grease, grime, and even rust if they've been sitting all winter,' he shares. 'A deep clean with an all-purpose cleaner, followed by a stainless steel polish, gets them ready for summer get-togethers.'

To clean a grill, we recommend using the Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner Spray available at Amazon, paired with a sturdy scrubbing brush, such as the bestselling Mr. Bar-B-Q Scrub Daddy Bristle Free Grill Brush available at Walmart.

3. Broom and mop heads

As Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless, points out, if you've been busy ticking off your spring cleaning checklist, you're tools themselves probably need a little love now, too.

'May is a great time to refresh them before they start spreading more dirt than they pick up,' she assures.

To clean a mop head, Karina soaks hers in hot water with a splash of vinegar, before rinsing and air drying completely. Some can also be cleaned in the washing machine.

'Brooms get a good shake-out, then for an even deeper clean, a wash in warm soapy water, with bristles down in a bucket,' continues Karina. 'I've found that cutting off matted broom ends with scissors makes a huge difference in performance – basically like giving it a haircut!

'And, if your mop smells funky even after cleaning – it's time to replace it.'

If it's time for an upgrade, the O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop and Bucket Cleaning System available at Amazon is Karina's top pick, with a built-in wringer to cleverly allow for hands-free wringing.

4. Window treatments

Other spots that are often particularly prone to picking up dust and debris are your window treatments, advises Carolina Kazimierski, co-owner and president of Sophia's Cleaning Service.

She says, 'I tend to recommend cleaning your window treatments, window tracks, and window sills in May. This is the time of year when temperatures around the country are starting to warm up consistently to the point where more people will be opening their windows to let some fresh air in.

'Cleaning up around your windows and in your window wells can help freshen up this space so you're working with a clean slate without any existing layers of dirt or grime from previous years.

'In my experience, cleaning around your window tracks and sills can also help reduce some allergy symptoms, especially if you're keeping up on this throughout the season. And, I always recommend cleaning blinds and cleaning curtains for a similar fresh start.'

Carolina shares that she tends to approach this by cleaning with vinegar, 'Since it's really effective at cutting through grime and dirt to leave these areas around your windows spotless and ready for spring and summer. This works for blinds too.'

To wash and care for curtains and drapes, Carolina recommends that you can throw them in the washing machine on a delicate cycle, before harnessing the benefits of air-drying laundry if the material allows.

'Otherwise, handwash with some gentle detergent,' she adds, such as the Woolite Delicates Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent available at Walmart.

5. Solar panels

Finally, where applicable, don't forget to clean solar panels, adds cleaning expert James.

'Peak solar energy production happens in mid-summer, so it's important to make sure your panels are clean and operating at max efficiency,' he explains. 'I usually recommend waiting until after pollen season wraps up in May to avoid having to clean them twice.

'It's not always practical to DIY, so if your panels are hard to reach, it's worth calling in a pro. If you can reach them safely, use a quality car wash soap and a soft brush to avoid scratching the surface,' such as the popular pick EVERSPROUT 5-to-12 Ft Car Brush with Rubber Bumper available at Walmart.

May cleaning essentials

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet our experts

Carolina Kazimierski

Sophia's Cleaning Service was founded in 1984, since becoming a trusted, local and family-owned cleaning company located in La Grange, Illinois. Since Carolina took the helm five years ago, the company has doubled in size, offering commercial and residential cleaning, and maid services.

Forrest Webber

Forrest is the founder and CEO of Bear Brothers Cleaning, which he set up in 2023, with a focus on delivering quality cleaning to satisfied customers.

Karina Toner

With numerous contributions in Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more, Karina has extensive knowledge of both commercial and residential cleaning, and knows better than anyone which cleaning tasks should be completed each and every month, and why.

Don't forget about the things to declutter in May to make space for summer, from unworn winter wardrobe items to expired cleaning supplies.