Warm spring weather inspires positive change. You’re already swapping your winter sweaters and jeans for lighter T-shirts and shorts, so consider updating your living space when you have a free afternoon. Figuring out how to refresh your home may inspire your creativity, make your house a healthier place to live and welcome the new season with extra joy.

1. Use an Air Purifier

Spring’s first advantage over winter is its pleasant breeze. However, when you crack open windows for the first time in months, you can invite microscopic particles into your home. Air contains microorganisms, like bacteria, that can float for a few days while seeking a host. You could enjoy the fresh air more thoroughly using an air purifier whenever your windows remain open.

Your air purifier could also become something you depend on year-round. When flu season picks back up, you’ll have an extra tool to protect yourself and your loved ones from viruses. If it seems like someone in your house is always getting sick, using a purifier could be a spring cleaning strategy that supports your well-being in every season.

2. Clean Your Gutters

Doing yardwork in cold weather isn’t fun. You likely haven’t inspected your gutters since last autumn, so climb a sturdy ladder and check for clogs. Loose leaves, sticks and other natural debris can get stuck in your gutters over time. If they’re empty before spring’s frequent rain showers arrive, they can do their job effectively while you watch the world bloom.

3. Wipe Pollen Away

Pollen is an unfortunate part of spring weather. Nature couldn’t complete its annual cycle without it, so you’ll likely have a thick yellow coating around your property sooner rather than later. Double-check your cleaning supplies to take care of this allergen without breaking a sweat.

Microfiber cloths have more than 200,000 fibers in every square inch of fabric. Each strand catches pollen across its entire length, maximizing your ability to remove the fine dust compared to a cotton cleaning rag. Use them to easily wipe places like inside your windowsills, your mailbox and porch furniture without wasting any time.

4. Check Your Roof

Roof damage is harder to spot when you’re not spending time outdoors in winter. The next time the sun comes out, inspect your roof from a slight distance away. Discoloration and sagging could indicate water damage forming underneath the shingles. If you live where ice covered your roof for most of the last few months, it’s especially important to do a quick inspection or schedule one with a professional.

5. Clean Your Refrigerator Coils

People rarely think about the back of their refrigerator. You may not need to pull it out of place unless you’re painting your kitchen walls, but it’s still a good idea to check your fridge’s large coils. They work extra hard when thick layers of dust affect their ability to regulate your appliance’s internal temperature.

Wipe dust away with a damp rag or microfiber cloth to take care of the accumulation in seconds. You’ll prevent your fridge from consuming extra energy by wiping the coils on the back whenever the seasons change. The average household uses 899 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy each month, which can add up to a costly electricity bill unless you think outside the box with your cleaning routine.

6. Change Your Front Door Mat

Whether you use your front door every day or not, your welcome mat might need some attention. Bugs, debris and dirt can make even the nicest rug look dingy. Swap it with a new design to take care of those problems. Doing this can give your front porch a new style without buying costly decorative furniture. Check out local businesses, craft stores and online shops to see which styles are trending and what options catch your eye.

7. Flip Your Mattress

While you might be thinking about investing in a spring-themed comforter, your mattress should get your attention first. People often forget about it when they’re diving under thick blankets to stay warm at night during winter.

Take a few minutes to flip your mattress seasonally. Its firmness can affect your muscles, and you’ll wake up feeling like a fresh spring flower if your back and neck are comfortable. Turning it over means you’ll get to sleep on the lesser-used springs instead.

8. Hang Sheer Curtains

Gorgeous spring sunshine draws everyone outside after winter ends. You don’t have to plan outdoor lunches and afternoon walks to make the most of it. Replace your household curtains with sheer panels to let more sunlight into your home and give it a bit of spring fever. You might even use your indoor lighting less, which could cut corners on your electric bill.

9. Host Your Own Cleaning Show

You might not have a Netflix contract to become the next Marie Kondo, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be an expert organizer. Consider how disorganized your living space feels after all the winter holidays. Clutter can cause negative emotions and loneliness unless you organize the mess.

Pretend you’re hosting a TV show to make the experience more fun. You could even invite your friends over to be imaginary guest stars and keep your spirits light while transforming your home into an organized, uplifting oasis.

10. Start a Porch Garden

Although plenty of gardeners spend time in their backyards, you don’t need large areas of land to have a garden. Start one this spring by placing some pots on your porch. You could grow tomatoes on your screen-in patio or use flower boxes to brighten your house with seasonal blooms. Either way, you’ll only be steps away from your plants whenever they need water. You’ll also get to enjoy them while relaxing on your patio furniture during warm afternoons.

Give Your Home a Seasonal Update

Learning how to refresh your house is easy. Compare project ideas to see which feels best for your living space. If you’d feel happier tackling clutter before dusting pollen or your refrigerator coils, do that first. You’ll have plenty of time to get through everything on your to-do list and still enjoy all of your favorite seasonal activities.