Summer Cleaning Tips

Summer is a blast! It is all about spending time outside - playing games, relaxing with drinks, walking your dog, enjoying free concerts, and maybe even getting a little sunburnt along the way. It is camping trips, fireworks, barbecues, and delicious summer treats. But while summer's for fun, don't forget to keep things tidy! Unlike cleaning, summer goes by in a flash. Before you know it, those dandelions and thunderstorms will leave their mark. A little effort now to keep on top of things will save you a huge headache later, especially when you're away for long stretches. Remember, your house won't clean itself! Just a bit of maintenance now will make your fall cleaning a breeze.

Kitchen Summer Cleaning

The room where you prepare and store food should be your high priority for cleaning. Follow these tips to keep the place spotless and germ-free:

• Monthly Microwave Magic - Give your microwave a thorough clean inside and out. Food splatters and spills happen, so tackle them monthly to prevent baked-on messes and lingering odours.

• Weekly Fridge Refresh - Don't let your fridge become a forgotten land! Toss expired items and anything lurking in the freezer for over 6 months. Wipe down shelves, drawers, and handles to keep things organised and hygienic.

• Pantry Powerhouse - Dedicate a month to decluttering your pantry. Throw away anything long-opened, expired, or past its prime. This will create space for new summer staples and eliminate potential food waste.
• Weekly Germ Guardians - To keep germs at bay, disinfect high-touch areas like cabinet handles, light switches, sink faucets, and countertops. These places get a lot of action, so weekly cleaning is key.

• Daily Countertop Defense - Don't give unwanted summertime critters a reason to visit. Wipe down countertops daily with a multipurpose cleaner or a DIY solution to remove crumbs, spills, and attractants for pests.

• Monthly Garbage Disposal Grind - Keep your disposal running smoothly by cleaning it monthly. Toss a few ice cubes and fresh lemon peels down the drain and run the disposal to freshen things up and eliminate any lingering odours.

• Weekly Floor Sweep - Summertime gatherings often mean more traffic through your kitchen. Sweep, dry mop, or vacuum the floors weekly to eliminate dirt, crumbs, and debris tracked in from outdoor activities.

• Blind Spot Blitz - Don't forget about your kitchen blinds! They tend to collect dust and grease more than you might realise. Depending on the type of blinds you have, you can try various cleaning techniques.

• Trash & Recycling Refresh - Don't let your trash and recycling bins become breeding grounds for unpleasant odours. Wash them thoroughly with soap and water monthly to keep them clean and sanitised.
• Dishwasher Deep Clean - Keep your dishwasher functioning optimally by running it on an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner once a month. This helps remove built-up grease and grime, ensuring your dishes get sparkling clean.

Bedroom Summer Cleaning

Next comes the rooms you and your family sleep in. Summer is actually an excellent season for bedroom cleaning. Here are your most pressing chores:

Weekly Conundrum

• Banish dust bunnies and summer allergens with a weekly dusting routine. Tackle everything from top to bottom, including dressers, lamps, bedside tables, and any other furniture that collects dust. This will help improve air quality and make your bedroom feel extra refreshing.
• Summer activities often mean more dirt and debris tracked in, so give your bedroom floors a weekly sweep, dry mop, or vacuuming to maintain a clean and inviting space.
• Wash your entire bedding set (sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover, and shams) weekly for optimal sleep hygiene, especially during the warmer summer months. Always refer to the care instructions on the labels to ensure proper washing and drying methods. Freshly laundered bedding can make a big difference in your sleep quality.

Monthly Ordeal

• Curtains and blinds can trap dust and pollen, especially in summer. Consider vacuuming curtains monthly with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. If they are washable, you can give them a monthly bath to remove accumulated grime. Curtain cleaning can be a bit tricky, so be careful when going up and down the ladder to remove and hang them.
• Wash your windows, window sills, and ledges. This removes dust and grime that can build up, making your bedroom brighter and more refreshing.

Finally, don't let dirty laundry piles take over your summer sanctuary. Stay on top of your laundry by washing clean clothes and promptly addressing dirty ones. This includes hiking gear that needs a refresh after an outdoor adventure and damp bathing suits that shouldn't languish on the floor.

Bathroom Summer Cleaning

Bathroom washing is among the most tedious cleaning tasks. However, the temperatures are warmer in summer, and everything dries off almost instantly. On top of that, you can leave your windows wide open to allow air to circulate in your home, which is extremely important when cleaning with strong bathroom chemicals. So here is how you can tackle your monthly tasks

Weekly Dusting

• Dust accumulates from high places, so tackle them first. Wipe down ceiling fans, shelves, light fixtures, and anything else dust loves to land on. Work your way down to furniture and surfaces to avoid having to re-clean anything.
• Bare floors need a weekly sweep, dry mop, or vacuuming to remove dirt, hair, and those dreaded dust bunnies. This keeps your floors clean and prevents tracked-in grime from building up.

Weekly Disinfection

• Door handles, light switches, and the toilet handle – these high-touch areas are germ magnets. Disinfect them weekly to keep your home a healthy haven.
• Scrub the shower, bathtub, and sink weekly to remove soap scum and keep them sparkling clean. Don't forget the grout – a quick scrub with a grout cleaner will make a big difference.
• Run the bathroom exhaust fan for an extra 30 minutes during and after showering to prevent mildew and mould growth. This helps remove moisture from the air.
• Keep your mirrors sparkling with a store-bought cleaner or a DIY solution. A quick weekly wipe will keep them clear and bright.
• Sanitise countertops, cabinets, and other hard surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner for an entire week to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.

Weekly Wash

• Wash your shower curtain, towels, and bath mats weekly to remove bacteria and keep them smelling fresh.
• Discourage mould growth on your shower curtain by spritzing it with distilled white vinegar.

Monthly Deep Dive

• You have to do a toilet deep clean every month. This includes scrubbing the bowl, surrounding floor, hinges, flusher, and attachments to remove any lingering grime and ensure a sanitary bathroom environment.

Living Room Summer Cleaning

Although you might not spend as much time in the living as you would during the winter months, you still need to maintain the palace regularly. Who wants to sit before the TV when you can splash in the outside pool, take a walk in the nearby park or relax on the porch? Nevertheless, here are some steps you need to take to ensure your living room is moderately in order.

Weekly Tasks

• Summer means more open windows and potentially more dust. Combat the dust bunnies with a weekly top-to-bottom dusting routine. Use a long-handle duster to reach those high cobweb havens like ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
• Maintain sparkling floors with a weekly cleaning routine. Sweep, vacuum, or dry mop to remove loose dirt and debris. For hard floors, finish with a damp mop.
• Shedding season can hit hard in the summer, especially with furry friends. Vacuum everything weekly, including couches, chairs, curtains, and any upholstered furniture.
• Don't forget about high-touch areas like doorknobs and light switches. Disinfect them weekly to keep germs at bay.
• Even your plants need some TLC. Dust their leaves weekly to remove grime and allow them to breathe properly. Don't forget to water them while you are at it!

Monthly Duties

• Washing your windows, sills, and ledges monthly is key, especially if you enjoy the summer breeze with open windows. This removes built-up dust, grime, and pollen for a brighter and cleaner look.
• You might not notice it, but walls can trap dust and odours over time. Give your walls a monthly wash, especially if you are battling lingering BBQ smoke from neighbouring summer gatherings.
• Combat clutter build-up with regular decluttering sessions. Tackle those piles on coffee tables, end tables, and any accumulated miscellaneous items. Sort through cords, mail, books, pens, and anything else that can create a cluttered look.

Outdoor Summer Cleaning

Finally, let's take a look at the most used areas of your home during the summer - your porch and yard.

Weekly Chores

• Sweep your deck or patio weekly to remove dirt, leaves, and debris tracked in from outdoor activities. This keeps your outdoor entertaining space clean and inviting.
• A weekly dusting and wipe-down routine can prevent mildew growth and water damage to your patio furniture. This also helps avoid awkward dirt stains on your friends' clothes.
• Your garden thrives on hydration! Water your plants regularly, adjusting the frequency based on the specific plants you're growing and the summer weather conditions. A flourishing garden adds beauty and enjoyment to your outdoor space.

Monthly Tasks

• Keep your grill in tip-top shape for all those summer barbecues! Clean it regularly in between uses to remove food residue and prevent build-up. A clean grill means tastier food and a safer cooking experience.
• Summer storms can wreak havoc on your gutters. Check them monthly for debris blown off the roof that could cause clogs. Clogged gutters lead to overflowing water, drips, leaks, and potential water damage. Clear any debris to keep your gutters functioning properly.
• Clean your window screens monthly to prevent pollen and dust from filtering into your home. This ensures fresh air circulation and a pest-free environment.

Summer is a time for relaxation, fun, and soaking up the sunshine. By incorporating these quick and manageable cleaning tasks into your routine, you can keep your home sparkling and minimise the time spent cleaning. Remember, consistency is key! A few minutes each week or month is all it takes to prevent a massive cleaning overhaul come fall. So, grab your favourite cleaning supplies, put on some upbeat music, and get ready to conquer summer cleaning – without sacrificing those precious summer moments. Now, go forth and enjoy the season!