School’s out for the summer, and that may mean another adjustment to your schedule. Juggling kids’ seasonal activities, soaking up the sun together and maybe even getting away from it all.
While you make plans to enjoy this time of the year, consider also making time to tackle these cleaning tasks. They’re essential to managing the heat, higher traffic and heavier use indoors, and creating clean spaces to appreciate outdoors!
Get these 10 summer cleaning tips on your schedule soon. (Bonus if you can enlist the help of the whole family or older children to help too!)
Clean Air Vents and Filters
File this under heavier use this summer. If you live along the Gulf Coast, you know how much more your AC hums during the hotter days and nights! Help it work optimally and efficiently by cleaning dusty air vents and filters. Choose between vacuum attachments or warm soapy water to get the job done.
De-Grease Your Grill
Who wants to fire up an oven inside and add even more heat to the house? So if you spend more time over the grill in the summer, make sure it’s ready! You can turn up the heat, close the lid for about 15 minutes to burn off grease and use a grill brush to clean it. Or use apple cider vinegar and balled-up pieces of aluminum foil to wipe the grates down.
Get Your Patio Ready
For a top-to-bottom clean of your outdoor space, sweep off the deck or patio. For concrete areas, mix a half-cup of baking soda and a gallon of water for a gentle refresh. Spray down furniture to get rid of surface dirt and dust. Take a rag, dish soap and warm water for a deeper clean for your furniture, then prop your feet up and enjoy!
Freshen Up the Washer
Between beach towels, swimsuits and sports uniforms, your washing machine will carry the load this summer and then some. Sweat, grease, chlorine (and did we mention sweat?) make for even smellier clothes. To fight these odors, add a half-cup of white vinegar to the rise cycle or a half-cup of baking soda to the wash cycle.
Fight Odors at the Source
Trash plus summer heat means even stronger odors, unless you fight them! Clean empty trash cans to banish lingering odors. You can also add a cotton ball soaked in essential oil to the bottom before you replace the bag. A sprinkle of baking soda does the trick too. Tackle smells in drains and garbage disposals by adding baking soda and vinegar. Wait for five minutes, then follow with boiling water.
Scrub Windows and Screens
Enjoy even more of that summer sunshine by getting windows and screens sparkling clean! To make windows shine, mix one part distilled vinegar and 10 parts in warm water in a spray bottle. Apply and wipe down with a lint-free towel. Follow up with a clean cloth to dry thoroughly. Use soapy water and a sponge to get rid of built-up dirt and dust that could lead to mold growth, especially in the presence of humidity.
Plan to Dust More Often
If your house is more sealed up in summer to keep all the cool air inside, don’t be surprised if dust is too. If you are someone in your family is sensitive to it, plan to dust more often to keep it at bay. Use a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down surfaces from top to bottom. Pay particular attention to the ceiling fan. Also set it to turn counterclockwise to push cool air down and make your air conditioner more effective.
Clean Out the Fridge and Freezer
Empty the fridge and clean surfaces with a sponge and soapy water. Scrub any removable parts in the sink, and finish by wiping everything down with a spray bottle of diluted vinegar. Toss anything that’s expired or moldy so your seasonal produce can be stored in a nice, clean area. Do the same thing with your freezer. Empty it, remove any built-up frost, clean any spills and throw away anything with freezer burn.
Refresh the Microwave
With kids possibly spending more time at home this summer, the microwave may get heavy use. To banish any lingering smells, slice a lemon in half and place it in a small bowl filled with water. Run the microwave on high for three minutes. Say goodbye to any odors there. Repeat as needed!
Prevent Growth of Mildew and Mold
Mold and mildew flourish in humid summer conditions, especially in areas that are already humid like the washing machine and shower. Leave the washer door open when not in use to help lower humidity and likelihood of mildew growth. While you shower, leave the exhaust fan on and leave the door open when you’re done. Wipe down shower doors and walls to take mildew prevention a step further.
Feel like you only have time to clean every now and then? Or maybe to complete a short-term project and that’s it? That’s why we’re here! Our expert cleaning team can help with the regular stuff if you can cover the rest. We pride ourselves in making homes on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, including Fairhope, Point Clear, Montrose, Daphne and Spanish Fort, as well as Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach sparkle! We’re also available to clean commercial and rental properties in the same service area. Contact us today to discuss your cleaning needs!
