What is spring cleaning and when should you do it in NZ?
Spring cleaning is a deeper reset of the whole home after winter. Closed windows, heaters and damp weather mean dust, mould spots and kitchen build-up collect in places that a regular clean does not reach. New Zealand spring runs from September to November, and many households pick a long weekend in October or November.
What is the best order for spring cleaning a house?
- Declutter first. Bag up rubbish, donations and anything that has no home, so you clean surfaces and not clutter.
- Work top to bottom. Ceilings, light fittings and shelves first, floors last, so dust falls onto areas you have not cleaned yet.
- Do one room at a time. Finish a room before moving on so the job never feels endless.
- Wash soft items early. Start curtains, cushion covers and bedding in the machine while you work.
- Finish with the floors. Vacuum and mop the whole house once everything else is done.
What should be on a spring cleaning checklist, room by room?
Living areas
- Dust ceiling corners, light fittings, fans and vents
- Wipe skirting boards, door frames, switches and handles
- Clean the insides and tracks of windows and wipe the sills
- Wash or vacuum curtains and blinds
- Vacuum sofas and move furniture to clean underneath
- Steam clean carpets and rugs if needed
Kitchen
- Clean the oven interior, racks and glass door
- Empty the fridge and freezer, discard expired food and wipe the shelves
- Wipe cupboard fronts and the insides of cabinets and drawers
- Degrease the rangehood and replace or wash the filter
- Descale the kettle and clean the dishwasher filter
- Wipe splashbacks and scrub the sink and taps
Bathrooms
- Treat limescale and soap scum on taps, screens and tiles
- Scrub grout and wipe down mould spots
- Clean the extractor fan cover
- Wash the shower curtain and bath mat
- Clean inside the vanity and tidy out old products
- Disinfect the toilet, then mop the floor
Bedrooms
- Flip or rotate the mattress and vacuum it
- Wash pillows, duvets and mattress protectors
- Clear out wardrobes and donate unused clothes
- Dust the tops of wardrobes and under the bed
- Vacuum and mop floors
Laundry, entry and outdoors
- Clean the washing machine drum and dryer filter
- Wipe shoe racks and clear the entry
- Sweep the balcony or deck and wash outdoor furniture
- Clean the garage or storage area and clear clutter
Which spring cleaning jobs take the longest?
| Job | Why it takes time | Do it yourself or hire? |
|---|---|---|
| Oven interior | Baked-on grease needs soaking and scrubbing | Hire, or add an oven clean ($69.00 incl. GST) |
| Carpets | Needs a steam machine and drying time | Hire ($80.50 per room incl. GST) |
| Windows and tracks | Many panes, ladders and detail | Mix: interior panes yourself, outside by a pro |
| Bathroom limescale and grout | Needs repeat treatment | Included in a deep clean |
| Fridge and cabinets | Emptying, wiping and replacing everything | Included in a deep clean |
What is the difference between spring cleaning and a deep clean?
They overlap. Spring cleaning is the seasonal habit and a deep clean is the service. A professional deep clean covers the interior oven, interior fridge and freezer (where emptied), interior and exterior cabinets, and limescale and grout treatment in all bathrooms. Read more in Deep clean vs regular clean.
How much does a professional spring clean cost in Auckland?
These are PureNest deep clean prices for 2026, including GST. Your fixed written quote is confirmed after a free on-site inspection.
| Property size | Deep clean (incl. GST) | Standard clean (incl. GST) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $471.50 | $304.75 |
| 2 bedroom | $621.00 | $402.50 |
| 3 bedroom | $747.50 | $483.00 |
See the full house cleaning rate card for all sizes.
How do I keep the house clean after a spring clean?
- Book a regular plan. Fortnightly saves 10% and weekly saves 15% on a Standard Clean, so the reset lasts.
- Do a ten-minute daily tidy on benchtops, floors and the bathroom.
- Wipe as you go in the kitchen and shower so build-up does not return.
- Keep a donation bag by the door for items you stop using.
Learn more about regular house cleaning in Auckland.
Skip the weekend of scrubbing: request a free inspection or see deep cleaning in Auckland.
Related reading: Deep clean vs regular clean and Move-in cleaning checklist for NZ homes.