Summer is the time to hit the beach, drink a cool beverage, and soak in the sun. It’s also the time to deep-clean your home. While cleaning your house isn’t the most exciting summer activity, you need to add it to your to-do list. It’s the only way to ensure that your home keeps you and your family healthy.
If you don’t know where to begin, we’ve compiled eight summer cleaning tips and tricks to help you get started.
#1 Deodorize the Trash Bin
Summer is the season for fruity snacks, but when fruit peels fill your trash bin, the smell can become unbearable. You will soon notice a pungent odor throughout the entire house. Whether it’s from the bins outside or in your kitchen, there’s nothing worse than the smell of rotting trash.
The solution? Use baking soda. Sprinkle a handful of baking soda in the bottom of the empty trash can. When the odors have been absorbed, clean it as you normally would. Your trash can will smell good as new!
To make sure that your trash can never reeks again, consider lining the bottom of the trash bag with newspapers or paper towels. These will prevent liquids from leaking into the trash can.
#2 Dust and Reverse the Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans accumulate dust and pollen on their blades. If an uncleaned ceiling fan is used, it will spread flurries of dust around the room, putting you and your family at risk of allergies and hay fever. Summer can get hot but before you cool down with your ceiling fan, it’s crucial to eliminate the dust and debris.
Simply grab an old pillowcase, spray its interior with an all-purpose cleaner, and then slip it over each blade. This method prevents grime from falling on your furniture and floors. After cleaning the blades, don’t forget to reverse their direction so that the fan pushes cold air down instead of circulating warm air around the room. This trick helps you become more energy-efficient!
#3 Clean Out the Refrigerator
Bacteria grow faster in warmer climates. During the summer, remember to give your refrigerator a deep clean. Wipe down all surfaces with dish soap and throw out anything that looks (or smells) old and moldy. It’s also important to check expiration dates to ensure that what is left inside your fridge is food that you can actually eat.
The summer is the ideal time to deep-clean your fridge because it lets you make room for tasty treats like popsicles, fruit bowls, kabobs, and other refreshing snacks. If you’re planning on stuffing your fridge with fruits and veggies, consider buying a food-grade wash for your produce. This way, you can store bacteria-free fruits and veggies inside your fridge.
#4 Clean the Gutters
Brace your home for summer storms by preparing your gutters with a deep clean and making sure that the downspouts are pointing away from the home. If you’re living in Tallahassee, Miami, West Palm Beach, or other rainy cities in Florida, it’s extremely crucial to follow this step. Otherwise, you may end up with a flooded home.
Cleaning the gutters by yourself is a fairly simple task. All you need is a step-ladder, a garden hose, and a gutter scoop. However, we wouldn’t recommend cleaning the gutters on your own if your home has more than one level. It would be better to play it safe and hire a professional gutter cleaner instead.
To further prepare your home for storms, consider availing of the disaster preparedness services of a property management company.
#5 Dust Everywhere
Dusting should be done year-round but during the summer, it needs to be done more frequently. This is because you will most likely have your air conditioner running 24/7. As a result, dust will be trapped indoors, landing on every surface imaginable.
Walk around your home and give every surface a good dusting. Don’t forget to wipe away the dust that has accumulated between your blinds. If you don’t have a duster, you can use an old piece of cloth or a pair of socks soaked in a mixture of water and vinegar.
#6 Wash the Windows
The sun shines brighter than ever during the summer. That means that you will notice every speck of dust on your windows. To make sure that you have crystal-clear views of the outdoors, take a squeegee and give your windows a thorough washing. Clean both sides without forgetting the screens.
If you’re planning on keeping the windows open throughout the season, it’s important to clean the window screens frequently. The increase in humidity means that there’s a higher chance of mold growth on your windows. Take the time to scrub your screens down so you can breathe fresh air.
#7 Flip Your Mattress
When was the last time you cleaned your mattress? Ideally, you should clean your mattress at least two times a year. Over time, your mattress will harbor dirt, dust mites, dead skin, and other debris that may cause allergies. If you tend to eat snacks in bed, you should be cleaning your mattress more often.
Furthermore, you shouldn’t forget to flip or rotate your mattress. Flipping or rotating your mattress is essential for general mattress care. It ensures that the mattress is evenly used and that it offers the optimum level of comfort. It is recommended to flip the mattress every six months, however, it would be best to check with the manufacturer first, as not all mattresses were designed for flipping.
#8 Prepare the Outdoor Space
Planning on hosting pool parties, barbecues, etc. this summer? Don’t forget to prepare your outdoor space. Decks and patios should be ready to receive guests for a day of grilling and chilling.
To start, refresh your outdoor furniture by rinsing them with a garden hose. Use a mild cleaning product to scrub away dirt and debris. As much as possible, avoid using bleach as it can damage plants. Next, wipe down grills, planters, and other surfaces that have accumulated dust over the past seasons. Add color to your outdoor living space by adding vibrant pillows.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning your home for the summer can be a stressful task, especially if you’re trying to juggle trips to the beach, barbecue parties, and other activities in between. These eight tips are starting points to get your home ready for the sunshine season. They’re guaranteed to keep your home sparkling clean throughout the summer.
If you don’t have the time to clean your home for the summer, you can always hire a professional property manager to handle it for you. At Luxury Property Care, we help Florida homeowners keep their homes spotlessly clean. Through our bespoke property preservation services, we will ensure that your home is well looked after.
Interested to learn more? Call us at (561) 944 – 2992 or complete our contact form today.
