Louisiana Spring Cleaning Starts With Letting Go Of These 17 Items

Spring is from March 20 through June 20, and between now and then, here are a few ideas to help you declutter your home. Cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about making space for what truly matters.

In Louisiana, where humidity, heat, and pests are a constant battle, some household clutter can actually make things worse. Believe it or not, decluttering your home can even release the stress of looking at things piling up around you and minimize the dust that's been collecting in corners all winter long.

We all hold on to a bunch of junk about the do it, some a little worse than others. If you’ve been holding onto these 17 things, it’s time to let go!

1. Toxic Cleaning Products
Louisiana’s humid climate already messes with air quality—don’t make it worse with harsh chemical cleaners. Swap them for natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda.

2. Expired Medication
Old meds won’t help you feel better, and they can be dangerous. Many Louisiana pharmacies have take-back programs—don’t flush them!

3. Old Makeup
Humidity and heat create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria in old makeup. Keep your skin fresh and toss anything expired!

4. Moldy Food in the Fridge
Louisiana’s food culture is top-tier—don’t ruin it with moldy leftovers! Plus, old food can attract pests like roaches and ants.

5. Old Batteries
Tossing batteries in the trash? Not a good idea. Many Louisiana stores and recycling centers accept them for proper disposal.

6. Damaged Electrical Cords
You don’t want faulty cords sparking a house fire between summer storms and hurricane season. Replace them before they cause problems.

7. Expired Spices
That Tony’s Chachere's seasoning might last a while, but not forever! Spices lose flavor over time, and stale seasonings won’t do your gumbo any favors.

8. Chipped or Cracked Dishes
Louisiana families love a good Sunday dinner—but don’t let grandma’s cracked bowl ruin the occasion. Chipped dishes can be dangerous and unsanitary.

9. Outdated Electronics
Still got an old flip phone from the early 2000s? Louisiana has several e-waste recycling programs to get rid of those outdated devices safely.

10. Worn-Out Shoes
Mardi Gras parades and festival season require good shoes! If yours are falling apart, it’s time to say goodbye.

11. Expired Sunscreen
With Louisiana’s brutal sun, sunscreen is a must—but expired sunscreen won’t protect you. Check those bottles before heading to the beach.

12. Stale or Expired Canned Goods & Pantry Items
Dig through that pantry! Old roux, stale rice, and expired canned goods have no place in a Louisiana kitchen.

13. Expired Fire Extinguishers
Frying up catfish? Boiling crawfish? Kitchen fires happen—make sure your fire extinguisher is up to date.

14. Old Toothbrushes
Gumbo breath or not, your toothbrush needs replacing every few months. Don’t let bacteria build up!

15. Tattered Towels and Linen
Louisiana’s humidity makes old towels a breeding ground for mildew. Time to refresh your linen closet.

16. Outgrown or Unused Clothes
If it doesn’t fit or you haven’t worn it in a year, donate it! Many Louisiana charities would love those gently used clothes.

17. Broken or Unused Kitchen Appliances
That busted coffee maker isn’t helping anyone. Make room for kitchen tools that actually work!