Spring is a time of renewal, a time to shake off the dust and germs of winter and begin again. But some things around the home are tougher to deep clean than others. This month we’ll explore some of the trouble spots and highlight ways to bring them back to life in their cleanest form.

Fabrics and accessories are particularly problematic and can be time consuming, yet leaving them filled with dust and allergens is a sure fire way to undo all of your other cleaning efforts. As the spring breeze blows through the window, dust and debris floats from curtains onto furniture, countertops and bedding. Silk flowers, picture frames, porcelain accent pieces, wood carvings and other decorating extras can become holding stations for dirt and contribute to a less than pristine feeling even if the rest of the room is spotless. So, what to do to find spring cleaning solutions? Try the tips below.

• Spot Clean. Removing stains is a great first step to getting your fabrics in tip top shape this spring. Whether the spot is in the carpet, on a sofa or on a non-washable blanket or other item, the nature of the stain is more important in its removal than is the type or location of the fabric. Identify the stain and then gather the following stain fighting tools: dish soap (for many food stains), hand soap (for common dirt), club soda, rubbing alcohol, hairspray (for ink), clean white cloths, and a spray bottle. Next, hop online or go to the library to find the best way to deal with a particular stain or experiment. It’s amazing how many stains can be conquered with simple trial and error.

• Fix It. As you examine the accessories and fabrics in your home, be on the lookout for snags, tears, cracks, chips and other signs of wear. Remove items that are beyond repair and take a moment to fix everything else. Doing so will give even old furnishings and décor a fresh start.

• Dust Removal. Special upholstery and extra-gentle attachments can turn your vacuum into your best cleaning friend for fabric-covered furnishings and delicate accessories. Spend a little time sweeping up the bulk of the dust. If any remains in the nooks and crannies, try using cotton swabs slightly dampened with an appropriate cleaning agent to reach those difficult areas. Lint rollers also work well for stubborn fuzz or pet hair. For worn fabrics that have begun to pill, try using a lint shaver.

• Clean Air. Pillows, bedding and other filled fabric accessories, including stuffed animals, can collect dust as well. Using a vacuum seal bag, remove all of the old air from such items. Then refill with filtered air or by allowing absorption of fresh air in an already cleaned room.

• Launder. One of the best ways to freshen up fabrics that are not attached to furniture is to launder them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This can usually be done at home, though having items professionally cleaned can be a convenient and effective alternative. Steam cleaning is also a great option that can be utilized at home, often with the fabrics in place. Be sure to clean all of the fabrics that have been on display throughout the winter including window coverings and bed skirts.