Summer brings lots of sunshine, warm, long days, outdoor fun, and relaxation. As the season approaches, it creates the perfect opportunity to refresh your home and embrace the positivity.
However, if you’re wondering where to start, here’s an all-inclusive summer cleaning checklist for you!
1. Start with decluttering
During the colder months, you must have accumulated lots of warm winter layers around your home. So, begin your cleanout process with these summer organization tips.
Pack Winter Gear
Scan all rooms, closets, attic, and basement. Pick up all winter wear, accessories, and bedding around the household. Pack them in vacuum-sealed bags to reduce their bulkiness and save space. You can also label them to identify each bag once the colder months return.
Sort Summer Gear
Take out all the summer gear you plan to use during the summer. These might be outdoor furniture, sporting equipment, or beach towels. Keep frequently needed items in a designated drawer or bin for easy access.
Check for damaged/unnecessary items and discard/donate them to save space.
2. Clean the carpets and rugs
Throughout the winter, dust, debris, and allergens have settled deep into your carpets and rugs. So, this is another significant step in your summer cleaning checklist.
Deep Clean
Use a heavy-duty vacuum to thoroughly clean the carpet. If you don’t have it, consider renting one. This removes deep-embedded pollen and dirt, which trigger allergic asthma and seasonal allergies in almost 40% of the US population.
Wet Clean
Take your rugs and carpets outside once at a time and give them a good shake to let any stuck dust and debris out of them. If any carpet/rug is too heavy, seek a family member or friend’s help.
Check for stains and spots from spills or other mishaps. Use appropriate cleaning agents to remove stains. Let it air dry under the sun to kill bacteria and eliminate odors.
3. Dust off fans and light fixtures
Throughout the winter, the light fixtures and unused ceiling and pedestal fans have been layered with dust and cobwebs.
So, an important summer home maintenance tip is to dust and wipe off the fan blades, light fixtures, and chandeliers using a duster followed by a microfiber cloth.
Meanwhile, check if any light bulb needs to be switched with brighter options for the season.
4. Tidy up the windows and screens
During the colder months, you’ve hardly touched the windows and screens. So, they’ll need some special attention.
Clean Windows
Open the window and wipe off any dust layer on it. Use a streak-free glass cleaner or a dilute mild detergent and water solution. Gently scrub the insides and outsides of the windows, frames, and tracks. Clean until all the dust and grime are off.
Focus on Screens
Window and door screens can become a thriving environment for dust and pollen. Keep a bug spray handy if there’s a high chance of finding insects under the screen.
Remove these screens and scrub them gently with dilute, soapy water and a soft cloth. If there’s any damage, replace the screen.
5. Refresh all bedding and upholstery
Summer bedding and upholstery must be breathable to keep up with the hot and humid weather. The next step of your summer cleaning checklist is to focus on these areas.
Wash and Switch Bedding
Take out your summer bedding, including sheets, pillow covers, and duvet covers. Wash them before using them to eliminate any odor and dust. After drying, throw your winter bedding into the laundry, dust out your bed and pillow, and put on the summer bedding.
Clean Upholstery
If you use the same upholstery for all seasons, quickly refresh all chairs, couches, and other upholstered furniture by vacuuming. Spot clean stains with fabric cleaning agents and steam cleaner. Dust out cushions outdoors and let them catch some sunlight.
6. Clean and polish all surfaces
Hard floors and furniture surfaces get covered in dust, fingerprints, and pet fur (if you have furry friends) throughout the colder seasons. They become visible only when the summer light enters your haven.
So, here is a crucial addition to your summer house cleaning checklist:
Clean Wooden Furniture
Dust all wooden furniture and polish it with a microfiber. Reapply wood polish coating or wax to restore their shine.
Deep Clean Floors
Sweep the dry floors with a broom to eliminate chunky dust and debris. Vacuum, especially the corners and under the furniture, for a more effective clean-up.
To eliminate any unwanted streaks and mud pints from your shoes or even pet paws, wet mop the floors with an effective, wood-friendly cleaner. You can also use a water-vinegar solution for this.
However, it’s always better to hire professional cleaners from a well-reputed cleaning company for your summer house cleaning. They’ll ensure that all nooks and crannies of your house are shiny before the summer begins!
7. Refresh the kitchen and bathrooms
The kitchen probably accumulated grime from the roasted and baked food throughout winter. Wipe the shelves, cabinets, and all appliance exteriors and interiors, such as fridge, freezer, and ovens.
You may not use the same ingredients moving forward, so reorganize spices, groceries, and canned food according to needs. Discard expired items and keep the soon-to-be expired ones in the front.
Scrub bathroom tiles and install new shower curtains and liners to remove all mildew, mold, and soap scum stains. Get lightweight and quick-drying towels and bath mats that dry faster.
8. Spruce up the outdoor areas
Another significant summer cleaning checklist item is outdoor space preparation. Most homeowners love spending time outdoors during the evenings to enjoy the cool breeze. Some even utilize it to entertain guests.
Take Out Outdoor Furniture
If you store your patio furniture away, take them outdoors and dust them. Wipe them down with the appropriate cleaner and remove any unappealing spots.
Power Wash the Space
Decks and patios are the breeding grounds of mold and mildew. Sweep the space with a dry broom. Using a power washer or a hosepipe, clean these areas thoroughly.
Conclusion
Cleaning and prepping your home for summer is a must-do to breathe new life into your safe haven. However, it’s quite daunting for huge homes or solo homeowners. In that case, don’t shy away from seeking expert cleaners from MaidforHaven.
Our impressive team of top 2% veteran cleaners has undergone special training. They offer eco-friendly residential cleaning services tailored according to your needs and schedule. So, book your appointment and get your home cleaned today!
