Experts at price comparison site idealo say the ideal date to begin spring cleaning this year is Friday 20th March 2026, which coincides with the astronomical start of spring on the vernal equinox.
The March equinox in 2026 occurs on Friday, 20th March at 14:46 GMT in the UK (10:46 EDT in the US). At that moment, the sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night nearly equal in length and marking the transition from winter to spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
Spring cleaning has long been associated with the arrival of warmer weather. Traditionally, households used the seasonal shift to remove winter dust and freshen living spaces in preparation for brighter days and increased daylight.
Nike Herzog-Osikominu, country manager at idealo and a specialist in consumer pricing trends and household money-saving behaviours, said people should avoid overspending during the seasonal refresh.
“Many people approach spring cleaning thinking they need to buy lots of new products, storage solutions, or even completely revamp their home. This can quickly add up to unnecessary costs. The key is to focus on refreshing what you already have and making smart, budget-friendly choices.”
With many households preparing for the seasonal tidy, idealo shared several ways to keep costs low while improving the home.
5 money-saving spring cleaning tips
- Declutter and sell unwanted items: “Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying, it can also be a great opportunity to declutter and make some extra cash. Sell unwanted clothes, furniture, or electronics on marketplaces like Vinted, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. You’ll free up space and put money back in your pocket.”
- Be mindful of branded costs: “When people start spring cleaning, they often buy new products to help. In fact, searches for ‘cleaning products’ have risen 61% in the past month, showing that Brits are already gearing up for a seasonal refresh. While popular brands are loved for a reason, many budget alternatives have the same active ingredients at a fraction of the price. We recommend comparing prices online before buying.”
- DIY cleaning solutions: “Many consumers are choosing to skip bottled cleaning products altogether and make their own using household staples. White vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are a popular combination, often shared online, and can tackle everything from limescale to greasy surfaces. These DIY solutions are cheaper and just as effective as many premium products, but we recommend checking which fabrics and surfaces they are safe on to avoid damage.”
- Target high-impact areas: “Focus on the areas that make the biggest difference to how your home looks and feels, such as carpets, sofas, and curtains. Cleaning effort is concentrated where it has the most visible effect, helping your home feel fresher without extra spending. Simple actions, like vacuuming upholstery thoroughly or steaming curtains to remove wrinkles and odours, make a noticeable impact while avoiding unnecessary purchases or professional cleaning costs.”
- Energy-efficient refresh: “While cleaning, consider small energy-saving updates that will reduce costs long-term. Dust behind appliances so they run more efficiently, swap old incandescent bulbs for LEDs, and air-dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer now that sunnier days are ahead. These simple actions cut electricity use and save money over time.”
Herzog-Osikominu added: “Spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean spending more. By making small swaps and being mindful with purchases, you can save money while giving your home a fresh, organised feel.”
Starting around the equinox can help households align the traditional seasonal reset with longer daylight hours and warmer conditions, making it easier to air out rooms and tackle larger cleaning tasks.