Spring’s Here, Is Your Home Really Ready?

Bluebonnets lining the highways, brunch on outdoor patios, hikes on the Greenbelt—springtime in Austin has its own vibe. But along with all the sunshine and good vibes also comes the true reality. Your home probably needs a deep refresh. 

Spring cleaning is not just about throwing open your windows and vacuuming. It’s about getting down into the hidden places that probably have some unknown grossness accumulated over the year.

The truth is this: most of us neglect the same areas every year.

We’re guilty of it, too. But not this year. Let’s break down the 7 most commonly forgotten areas of spring cleaning—and if you need a little muscle, Vella Clean Austin will get it done right!

1. Ceiling Fans 

You turn your ceiling fan on, and the room suddenly feels cooler. But you are doing nothing but spreading a mini dust storm. Ceiling fans are often not a part of spring cleaning because they are out of sight. But, they should not be out of our minds.

Dust, pet dander, and allergens will accumulate on your fan blades during the year. When you re-energize that fan, you blow all that dust back into your atmosphere! 

Here’s a simple tip: Turn the fan off, slide a pillowcase over each blade, and gently pull the dust off. You are keeping the mess together. Make sure to do this before you use them for the spring and summer.If you are still confused, here is a breakdown on cleaning the ceiling fan blades.

2. Baseboards & Molding 

These places are like dust magnets. Most people stop cleaning baseboards and molding because they don’t like bending down while scrubbing, and they don’t have the patience for the extra work. 

Here’s the truth: Clean baseboards can make your whole house feel cleaner than everything else. It doesn’t have to be a long-winded process. Get a microfiber cloth and combine warm, soapy water to clean off some dirt. Don’t scrub harshly; you can scratch or wear away the finish on the wood or the paint! 

Vella cleaning professional suggests Bon Ami, a mild, non-toxic cleanser that loosens dirt and grime without streaking or residue. 

3. Air Vents & Filters

If you live in Austin, you know that allergy season can be challenging. Pollen. Cedar. Mold. 

Cleaning your air vents and filters is not only about comfort, but about breathing better. Dirty filters recirculate allergens back into your space. As a rule of thumb, filters should be changed every 60 to 90 days. Sooner if you have pets or allergies. And while you’re doing this, vacuum the vent covers and wipe them down with a damp cloth. 

Fun fact: clean vents promote your HVAC system running efficiently. Which means better airflow and lower energy bills. 

Want more help staying at the top of your home maintenance? Check out our blog on seasonal cleaning for more tips.

4. Inside Kitchen Cabinets

We all do it; we all toss things into the cabinets and shut the doors, but spring cleaning is an opportunity to remove everything and address the mess. 

Look for crumbs, grease stains, or sticky surprises. Use a non-toxic degreaser or mix warm water and white vinegar to wipe the shelves clean. 

At the same time, toss expired foods and last-used spices from the last decade, while collecting containers without lids. Then, reorganize the cabinets to make it easier to function in the kitchen.

Do you want to make this easier on yourself? Our professional cleaners will clean the inside of the cabinets as part of the deep cleaning service we provide, just mention it when you book your appointment.

5. Window Tracks & Blinds 

You likely clean your windows in spring. Did you think about the window tracks? Or the blinds? Those areas collect dust, bugs, and even mildew.

You might ignore the tracks because they are small and fiddly. Use a kitchen toothbrush and either vinegar or baking soda paste to clean those corners. The method you use on blinds depends on the material. If they are wood blinds, you should only be dry dusting. Are they plastic or metal? Then, you can use a damp cloth with a touch of soap to wipe them down.

At Vella Clean Austin, we use only the gentlest of cleaning tools, like microfiber cloths and toothbrushes, to get to those pesky places that often get overlooked, and we never use harsh cleaning products – in fact, you can see what we use here.

6. Upholstery & Cushions 

We spend time on your couch every day, but we don’t pay attention to cleaning it. The cushions and fabric collect dust, pet hair, skin cells, and spills.

Start by vacuuming with an upholstery attachment, and be sure to lift the cushions and get into the seams. When spotting stains, you can use a gentle spot cleansing agent; make sure to always test a small patch first.

While Vella does not offer steam cleaning, we provide a detailed vacuuming service with great results without soaking your furniture with water.

In the meantime, here is a detailed guide to cleaning your couch cushion covers if you’re taking this job on yourself.

7. Outdoor Entryways

Your front door area is the first thing visitors will see, and it also collects a lot of leaves, dirt, and pollen. A filthy porch or doormat does not look great; it tracks that dirt inside your home! 

Sweeping the entry, wiping and washing the door and door handles, washing or shaking out the doormat, and sweeping out cobwebs around the lights are all good, easy tasks for you to do. If you have furniture, do some light cleaning on that as well. 

Also, it’s a great opportunity to swap some spring plants in or change up your decor. Curious if you could get it spotless? Book a Vella deep clean and include the entryway!

Bonus Tip: Make a Spring Cleaning Checklist 

Feeling overwhelmed already? A spring cleaning checklist will guide you through the process. Divide each room, delegate tasks, and set timelines.

Or do nothing. Vella uses industry-standard products, proven strategies, and detailed attention. Our deep cleaning will include most of the areas we’ve just been discussing, including many of the areas that are often neglected. Let us help you reboot your space this spring. 

Let Vella Do The Spring Cleaning 

Spring cleaning shouldn’t mean losing out on the best time of year. Say goodbye to sneezing and aching backs. Don’t miss the opportunity to focus on what matters. Whether you do it yourself or hire people to do it for you, don’t overlook the details when you clean; they make all the difference.If you’re ready for a serious spring refresh, Vella Clean Austin can help. Book your service online in a matter of minutes. Cleaner, fresher home, just a click away!

Moving to a new home is always exciting, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. That emotional buzz often distracts you from important tasks, like cleaning, because all you want to do is unpack or say your goodbyes. However, this part of “move-in” and “move-out” cleaning must not be skipped because it affects your deposit, health, and peace of mind. Whether departing the apartment or entering that new dream house, creating an extensive cleaning checklist can smooth out the entire process and make it much more pleasant.

Why Cleaning Before and After Moving Matters

No one wants to scrub floors or clean behind the oven while surrounded by unpacked boxes. But move-in and move-out cleaning is really important for the following reasons: 

• Security Deposits: For renters, a clean apartment is often the ticket to getting all or most of your deposit back.
• Health & Hygiene: Before handing over or entering a space previously occupied by others, perform a thorough cleaning to remove allergens, germs, and grime.
• Peace of Mind: Starting a new chapter in life or closing old ones feels better in a clean place.

What’s the Difference Between Move-In and Move-Out Cleaning?

The checklists undoubtedly overlap in nature, but the intent of cleaning differs for each.

Move-In Cleaning

• Move-in cleaning means cleaning before unpacking, with more emphasis on sanitizing and preparing the place for your family.
• Cleaning includes disinfecting high-touch areas and removing dust, allergens, and chemical residues left behind from the construction or occupations of previous tenants.

Move-Out Cleaning

• This type of cleaning occurs after all your belongings have been removed.
• It focuses on bringing the property back to its original or move-in condition.
• Cleaning involves the removal of stains and minor scuff repairs, and the cleaning of all the appliances and fixtures. 

Move-in cleaning and move-out cleaning both require a checklist so that nothing gets missed. It helps you focus, manage your time well, and saves you from the panic of realizing at the last minute that some part, such as the oven or baseboards, still needs attention. 

A checklist also helps with double-checking so that your new house feels fresh or your old one is ready for inspection. Plus, if you are working with professional cleaning services, it gives you a clear perspective of what to expect and what has already been covered.

Don’t worry, Vella is here to help you. We offer move ina nd move-out cleaning solutions. Vella extends our services across Texas, including regions such as Austin and Dallas. 

Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

This is everything we address in a full move-out clean. If you’re going to tackle this yourself, consider this your guide.

Kitchen

• Clean all appliances inside and out: oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher.
• Wipe down and sanitize countertops and backsplashes.
• Scrub sink and garbage disposal.
• Clean cabinets and drawers.
• Mop the floor thoroughly.

Bathrooms

• Sanitize the toilet, tub, and sink.
• Scrub tile and grout.
• Polish the mirror and faucet.
• Wipe counter, drawers, and shelves.
• Mop the floor and wash the baseboards.

Living Areas & Bedrooms

• Vacuum all floors, even under the furniture.
• Mop tiled surfaces or hardwood floors using branch basics.
• Wipe baseboards and doors.
• Clean the ceiling fan and vents.
• Dust light fixtures and tops of walls.
• Clean windows and window sills.

Bonus Points for Deep Cleaning

• Carpet cleaning (especially if you have pets)
• Clean underneath appliances.
• Clean scuff marks on walls or touch up with paint.
• Dust vents and change filters.

The scrubbing sometimes damages the wall color. Housekeeping professionals armed with the right kind of products, such as Bon Ami, make sure that none of the gunk gets left behind on the wall without losing any of your deposit checks.

Essential Move-In Cleaning Checklist

Moving in means it is time for a clean slate, literally. Move-in cleaning before you set your couch up and install the Wi-Fi.

High-Touch Surfaces

• Light Switches
• Doorknob
• Cabinet Handles
• Thermostats
• Faucets

Disinfecting all these areas is much more important if the property has been vacant for some time or with former tenants.

Floors & Carpets

• Sweep all rooms, mop them, and vacuum them
• Use allergy-safe cleaning supplies
• Deep vacuum rugs and under cabinets

At Vella, we do a thorough vacuum cleaning of the carpets and upholstery. It is very useful for someone moving into a furnished home.

Windows & Walls

• Cleaning inside glass panes and window tracks
• Dust or wipe down walls and corners.
• Remove cobwebs from the ceilings.

Air Quality & Ventilation

• Open up windows for an airing.
• Replace air filters.
• Wipe vents and exhaust fans.

One can feel comfortable and safe in a completely allergen-free space without fretting about possible sneezing in the future.

Commonly Missed Spots During Move-Out Cleaning

Not even the most organized of us remember everything while moving. Here are the most commonly forgotten places: 

• Behind the Fridge and Stove: Food and dust gather here.
• Cabinet Interiors: People generally clean the outside, but very few touch the inside.
• Light Switches and Outlet Covers:  These build up grime over time
• Baseboards and Crown Molding: Dust easily clings to these.
• Ceiling Fans: Usually ignored unless you are tall or meticulous.

With Vella’s tried and tested procedure, nothing will remain uncleaned. Our professional cleaners sweep across every room with utmost care to ensure a thorough clean.

Should You DIY or Hire Professional Cleaning Services Like Vella?

We understand there are times when you just want to get your sleeves rolled up and do it yourself. But depending on the timeline and the size of the property, sometimes getting it cleaned professionally by cleaning services would be the smarter choice.

DIY Pros

• It is economical and sometimes costs nothing upfront. 
• You get an option to simply focus on the specific problem areas.

DIY Cons

• It could take hours and even days. 
• All the effort will be in vain if there are important spots that were missed and are found later. 
• You may not have relevant access to business-grade tools or cleaning products.

Why Hiring Vella Makes Sense

• Saving time (we clean while you handle your move). 
• Housekeepers are well-trained and efficient and respect your space. 
• High-quality, eco-friendly products are used. 
• Flexible packages—be it just a standard clean or a full-on deep clean.

Real-life scenario: You are leaving your two-bedroom apartment. The movers are late, and the lease has three hours to go. Do you want to be washing under the stove right now? Vella will take care of that before your inspection, and your deposit check is safe.

Renters vs. Homeowners: What’s the Difference?

Vella can customize move-in/move-out cleaning packages for renters or homeowners, as well as landlords getting a unit ready for the next tenant.

For Renters

• Cleaning is directly linked to your deposit, You can directly arrange your inspection checklists with Vella for your Profiling Renter.
• Many landlords have inspection checklists, and we know them all.

For Homeowners

• You can focus on preparing your home to sell it.
• First impressions mean so much when showing a house.
• New buyers will love how clean and shiny everything is, and it might even help the selling price.

Book Vella for Your Next Move!

If you’d rather skip all the stress and enjoy a fresh home (or leave one behind), Vella is here for you.

• Online Booking Made Easy: Get your cleaning done on your own time with our user-friendly booking platform.
• Trained & Background-Checked Staff: All of our housekeepers are trained, courteous, and exceptionally detailed.
• Flexible Options: Standard cleaning to refresh the house, or deep-clean jobs that clean places that haven’t been touched in years.
• Customer Satisfaction Guarantee: Either you’re satisfied, or we do it again.

Still have any questions? Vella’s got the answers.