If your home feels harder to keep clean during the summer, you’re not imagining it. Clutter, dust, and dirt can accumulate faster than expected due to increased foot traffic from kids being home and guests coming over, higher humidity, shedding pets, and more time spent indoors, trying to escape the heat. Fortunately, focusing on a few key areas can make a noticeable difference in both the appearance and comfort of your home.
1. Curtains and Window Blinds
Summer sun highlights every speck of dust on your window treatments. Take fabric curtains down and run them through the wash. If you have heavy drapes, spot clean stains and remove dust by vacuuming with an upholstery attachment. For blinds, slip an old sock over your hand, dip it in a mix of equal parts water and vinegar, and run your hand across each slat to easily trap the dust.
2. Ceiling Fan Blades
If you haven’t looked at the top of your ceiling fan blades lately, they are likely acting as dust magnets. When you turn them on, that dust flies right into your living space. Here’s a clever trick to clean your overhead ceiling fans without triggering a dust confetti: slide an old pillowcase over each blade and pull it back. The case catches the debris so it doesn’t fall all over your furniture or floor. Wipe it again with a damp microfiber cloth afterwards.
3. Kitchen Backsplash and Stove Knobs
Summer cooking often involves quick, high-heat frying or stovetop meals, which leaves grease behind. Pull the plastic knobs straight off your stove and let them soak in warm, soapy water. While they soak, wipe down the backsplash wall with a degreasing spray to instantly brighten your kitchen.
4. Window Tracks and Screens
Summer brings beautiful natural light, but it also highlights dirty windows. Vacuum out loose dust and dirt on the narrow tracks using your vacuum’s narrow crevice tool. Spray the surface with a mixture of vinegar and water, and wipe the grime away with an old toothbrush. On the other hand, if you have removable screens, the best way is to hose them outside and then use a sponge and warm soapy water to clean thoroughly. Let your screens air dry and re-install.
5. Trash Cans and Recycle Bins
Warm weather accelerates bacteria growth and bad odors. Take your indoor kitchen trash cans and outdoor bins outside to the yard or driveway. Squirt in some dish soap, scrub them down with a long-handled brush, and let them bake dry in the summer sun. The UV rays act as a natural sanitizer.
6. The Washing Machine Seal
High summer humidity combined with leftover moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew in your washer’s rubber gasket. Simply take a cloth soaked in white vinegar, wipe down inside the folds of the rubber seal, and leave the washing machine door open to dry out.
7. Outdoor Doormats
Doormats take a beating from summer sand, mud, and dust. Shake them out vigorously outside, vacuum them to pull up deep-seated grit, and hose down rubber-backed mats on the lawn to prevent everyone from tracking outdoor grime into your clean home.
8. Grill Grates
If your summer plans involve backyard barbecues, start with a clean surface. Heat up the grill for a few minutes to loosen old residue, scrub the grates thoroughly with a balled-up piece of aluminum foil held by tongs, and wipe down with a bit of cooking oil on a paper towel.
9. Mattresses and Pillows
Your sleep essentials bears the brunt of warm summer nights, rapidly accumulating sweat, dust mites, and allergens. Give your sleep sanctuary a full refresh by tackling both your pillows and mattress together. Here’s what you need to do.
- Strip the sheets.
- Throw both pillows and beddings in the washing machine.
- Vcuum the entire surface of your mattress thoroughly, and spot-clean any stubborn stains.
- Flip your mattress (to even out normal wear and tear).
- Put your pillows in the dryer or out under the hot summer sun. The UV rays provide a brilliant, natural antibacterial effect.
10. Light Fixtures and Bulbs
Dead bugs and grime accumulate inside glass light fixtures over time, dimming your room’s brightness. With the lights turned off and cool to the touch, wipe down the bulbs with a dry microfiber cloth.
Summer Cleaning? Yes, We Can!
Whether you need a one-time deep cleaning or a routine cleaning service, our professional cleaning techs can save you time while ensuring every corner of your home gets the attention it deserves. Book your summer cleaning today and enjoy a fresher, cleaner home all season long.
