Seasonal
The Bay Area Spring Cleaning Checklist for East Bay Homes
By the Thrive Cleaners Team ยท 9 min read
Spring cleaning in the Bay Area has its own priorities. Pollen season hits hard in February-March, oak catkins clog gutters, and post-rain moisture causes issues. Here's your East Bay-specific guide.
Bay Area tip: Oak trees release catkin pollen February-April. Expect to clean outdoor surfaces and window screens multiple times through spring.
Whole Home: Overlooked Areas
- HVAC filters: Replace after a wet winter
- Window screens: Covered in pollen. Remove and hose down
- Ceiling fans: Reverse blade direction for summer. Wipe each blade first
- Baseboards and crown molding: Damp microfiber cloth throughout
Kitchen Deep Reset
- Pull out refrigerator and clean behind it
- Empty and reorganize all cabinets and pantry
- Clean oven thoroughly
- Descale coffee maker with white vinegar
- Soak exhaust hood filters in hot soapy water
Bathrooms
- Re-caulk shower if caulk shows mold or cracking
- Check under-sink for slow leaks
- Replace bath mats and shower curtain liners
Outdoors
- Power wash patios and walkways
- Check outdoor furniture for mold from winter rains
- Clean gutters - oak catkins clog them fast
- Inspect for pest entry points from rain damage