The phrase "to spruce up" means to make something look better or more attractive by adding small improvements. It can refer to cleaning, decorating, repairing or refreshing an object, place or even oneself in order to enhance its appearance and improve its overall condition. The term comes from the verb 'spruce', which originally referred to a type of evergreen tree with needle-like leaves that were used for making brooms. In modern usage, however, it is often used figuratively to mean giving something a fresh or smart look through small changes.