There’s a softness to spring that’s unlike any other season. It doesn’t rush in, it tiptoes. It arrives with the scent of wet soil, the hum of bees waking up, and the promise of light stretching just a little longer each day.

At the cottage, we don’t greet spring with harsh chemicals or frantic scrubbing. We welcome her with intention, warmth, and quiet joy. Spring cleaning here isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about falling back in love with your home and the rhythms of the season. It’s as much a refresh for the soul as it is for the space around us.

Here’s how we do it, the cottagecore way…

Open Every Window – Let in Fresh Spring Air

Before anything else, I crack open the windows, even if it’s still a little chilly. The crisp spring air carries something magical. It stirs the curtains, moves through the corners of the room, and carries winter’s weight right out the door. There’s no better way to begin.

Simmer Orange Peels – Cleanse the Space Naturally

Instead of reaching for store-bought sprays, I toss orange peels and a sprig of rosemary into a pot of simmering water. The scent is uplifting and cleansing, like nature’s own air freshener. It sets the tone for the day: natural, simple, intentional.

Wash + Line-Dry Linens – Add Lavender Oil if Using a Dryer

There’s something deeply comforting about washing the linens. It feels like hitting reset on the home. When the weather allows, I hang the sheets outside where the sun can kiss them. If I must use the dryer, I toss in a few drops of lavender oil. Later, slipping between freshly laundered sheets feels like a hug from the season itself.

Sweep the Porch or Entryway – Welcome the Season at Your Door

The entryway is the threshold between the wildness outside and the sanctuary within. I like to sweep it slowly, mindfully, as if welcoming spring itself to cross the threshold. A clean porch, a new doormat, maybe a potted flower, simple touches to greet whatever comes.

Polish Wood with Homemade Lemon Oil (Just Olive Oil + Lemon Juice)

Even the old wood shines with a little love. I mix olive oil and lemon juice and gently polish tables, shelves, and chairs. The scent is fresh and the ritual feels grounding, bringing out the warmth of the wood while tending to the heart of the home.

Seasonal Swap – Tuck Away Winter Decor, Bring Out Spring Touches

Spring isn’t about overhauling your décor. It’s about soft shifts: storing away heavy throws and pine garlands, and bringing out linen table runners, fresh florals, and pastel touches. I add little signs of the season, maybe a bunny figurine, a wreath of wildflowers, or a fresh tea towel in the kitchen.

Place a Bouquet of Foraged Blooms in a Mason Jar

One of my favorite moments, walking the yard or nearby woods to gather whatever is blooming. Daffodils, violets, wildflowers, nothing fancy, just what’s growing. Tucked into a mason jar, they brighten the table and serve as a gentle reminder of the beauty found in simplicity.

Write a Little Thank-You Note to Your Home

It may sound silly, but I always take a quiet moment at the end to write a short thank-you note to my home. Just a few words folded and slipped into a drawer or under a cushion. A small act of gratitude for the walls that held me all winter, and for the chance to begin again.

Spring cleaning, done the cottagecore way, isn’t just about tidying, it’s about tending. It’s about creating space not only for light and air, but for calm, creativity, and joy. So if you’re cleaning this season, I hope you do it gently, slowly, and with your whole heart.

Welcome, spring. We’ve been waiting for you.

With love,
– Autumn

P.S. If you’ve been enjoying this post, I think you’ll love my new book, The Cottagecore Project — it’s a gentle guide to slow living, creativity, and building a life that feels like home. You can take a look at it here.