Start your summer with a fresh and clean home by following these essential summer cleaning tips. Addressing these tasks at the beginning of the season will ensure your home remains well-maintained, allowing you to enjoy the warm weather without worrying about upkeep.
During summer, heat, humidity, dust, grime, and pests can significantly impact your home’s cleanliness. To mitigate these effects, employ these comprehensive cleaning strategies both indoors and outdoors. By tackling these tasks early in the season, you’ll create a comfortable and inviting environment for the rest of the summer.
Dust and Reverse Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can circulate dust and pollen if not cleaned regularly. To prepare your ceiling fan for summer:
1. Clean the Blades: Use an old pillowcase to remove dust and debris. Spray the inside of the pillowcase with an all-purpose cleaner, then slip it over one blade at a time. Wipe the blade, allowing the grime to be trapped inside the pillowcase rather than falling on furniture or floors.
2. Reverse the Direction: After cleaning, reverse the direction of the fan blades. This adjustment will help bring cool air downward, enhancing the cooling effect in the room instead of just circulating warm air.
Clean Out the Fridge
Create space in your refrigerator for fresh produce and barbecue leftovers by doing a summer clean-out:
1. Organize by Sections: Work through one section of the refrigerator at a time, transferring items you want to keep to a cooler.
2. Check Expiration Dates: Dispose of any items that are past their expiration date.
3. Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean the fridge surfaces with a damp cloth.
4. Wash Shelves and Drawers: Remove shelves and drawers and wash them in the sink with warm water and dish soap.
Maintain a Clean Outdoor Area
For effective summer cleaning, consider these tips to ensure your outdoor spaces remain tidy and inviting:
– Broom Essentials: Equip front porches, decks, and patios with affordable brooms versatile enough for various cleaning tasks. Use them to sweep away spider webs from windows, screens, railings, porch ceilings, mailboxes, window boxes, and garden beds.
– Daily Sweep Routine: Regularly sweep porch and deck floors to eliminate debris brought by wind, rain, foot traffic, and wildlife.
Revitalize Outdoor Cushions and Pillows
Outdoor cushions and pillows provide comfort but are susceptible to weather damage. Here’s how to keep them in great shape:
– Vacuum First: Use an upholstery attachment to vacuum cushions and pillows to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris.
– Deep Clean: Create a cleaning solution by mixing 1 tablespoon of dish detergent with 1/4 cup of Borax in a bucket of water. Dip a brush into the solution and scrub the entire surface of the cushions.
– Rinse and Dry: Rinse cushions thoroughly with a garden hose on medium-high pressure. Squeeze out excess water and blot with a clean towel to speed up drying. Prop cushions vertically to air-dry completely.
Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are prone to becoming sticky due to frequent handling with dirty hands. Donna Smallin Kuper, a certified cleaning technician, recommends the following method to effectively clean kitchen cabinets:
1. Create a cleaning solution by mixing 1/4 cup of Murphy Oil Soap with a gallon of warm water.
2. Dip a cloth into the solution, wring it out, and gently wipe down the cabinet fronts, paying extra attention to areas around the knobs.
3. Dry the cabinets immediately with a clean cloth.
Kuper advises performing this cleaning routine on a monthly basis to prevent grime buildup, which can cause the cabinet finish to degrade if left unattended.
Cleaning Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture, known for its charming aesthetic, requires special care to maintain its appearance, especially when used outdoors. Here are some tips for cleaning wicker furniture based on its material:
1. Outdoor Protection: Use covers to shield outdoor wicker furniture from the elements when not in use to prevent fading.
2. Bamboo, Rattan, Willow: For wicker made from these materials, start by brushing off or vacuuming surface dirt. Then, wash with a soft brush and soapy water mixed with 1 or 2 teaspoons of ammonia. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry in sunlight.
3. Twisted Paper or Grasses: Wipe wicker made from these materials with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime.
4. Synthetic Wicker: Clean synthetic wicker with soap and water. This type of furniture can also withstand being hosed down for a more thorough cleaning.
Preventing Mold in the Bathroom
To prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your bathroom, follow these effective cleaning techniques recommended by home-keeping expert Leslie Reichert:
– Shower Maintenance: Clean your shower while you shower using a Mr. Clean Eraser sponge and a squeegee to prevent buildup.
– Toilet Care: Daily swish a brush around the toilet bowl and use a pumice stone to remove rings and stains.
– Mirror Cleaning: Use a finely woven microfiber cloth to wipe mirrors without leaving streaks or lint. For countertops, use a vinegar-sprayed microfiber cloth.
– Sink Maintenance: Clean sinks with an eraser sponge and shine sinks and faucets with a microfiber cloth.
– Floor Care: Wipe bathroom floors with a damp towel or mop regularly to keep them clean and prevent mold growth.
– Drying Mats and Towels: During summer, hang wet bath mats and damp towels outside to quick-dry in the sun, preventing moisture buildup indoors.
Summer Grill Cleaning Tips
Ensure your grill is clean and ready for use:
– Pre-Grilling Preparation: Clean grill grates thoroughly to prevent residues from affecting the taste of your food.
– Cleaning Gas Grills: Heat the grill and then use a cut lemon dipped in salt to scrub the grates. The lemon’s acidity cuts through grease, while salt acts as a natural scrubbing agent.
– Dealing with Stubborn Grates: For especially dirty grates, use a block of pumice to scrub them clean, then wash grates well to remove any pumice dust.
– Brush Safety: Avoid using metal brushes on grates, as bristles can break off and potentially contaminate food.
Dealing with Grass Stains
Engaging in activities like gardening or sports can lead to grass-stained clothing due to chlorophyll present in grass and plants. These stains can be stubborn if not promptly addressed. Follow these steps for effective cleaning:
1. Immediate Action: Brush away any debris and apply a prewash spray or a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water to the stained area.
2. Let it Sit: Allow the vinegar solution to sit on the stain for about 5 minutes to break down the chlorophyll.
3. Machine Wash: Launder the garment using an enzyme detergent and the hottest water suitable for the fabric to ensure thorough cleaning.
Refreshing Window Treatments
During summer, it’s beneficial to freshen up drapes and curtains for a cleaner home environment. Here are some tips:
– Shake Out: Take drapes outside and shake them vigorously to remove dust and debris.
– Sun Exposure: Let them hang in the sun for a while to eliminate musty odors naturally.
– Dryer Trick: Alternatively, toss drapes and curtains in the dryer for 10 minutes on a low setting to remove dust and eradicate mites. Promptly rehang to prevent wrinkles, minimizing the need for ironing.
Effective Gutter Cleaning Techniques
Cleaning your gutters thoroughly is essential for maintaining your home. Here are some efficient methods to ensure debris-free gutters without risking injury:
1. Using a Lawn Blower or Hose: Attach a gutter-cleaning tool to your lawn blower or hose to blow out debris while standing securely on the ground. If hosing, wear rain gear to stay dry.
2. On Ladders: Employ a four-prong garden tool in a plowing motion to push leaves out of gutters while on a ladder. Wear latex gloves under work gloves for dryness and protection.
3. Flushing with Water: Use a hose with a spray nozzle to flush out remaining dirt from gutters and clear downspouts of debris.
Ensuring Smooth Airflow
Maintaining your air-conditioning system is crucial for keeping cool in summer. Here are steps to ensure optimal performance:
1. Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Areas: Utilize a vacuum cleaner with a blower attachment to clear out difficult dirt accumulations.
2. Removing Grime: Use a dusting brush and vacuum to eliminate caked-on grime from vents and interior surfaces.
3. Filter Maintenance: Wash removable filters with hydrogen peroxide and let them dry thoroughly before reinstallation. For old filters, consider replacing them with new ones.
Organizing Your Garage
During the summer months, when patio furniture, outdoor toys, and grilling equipment move outside, it’s a good time to give your garage a thorough cleanup.
– Declutter: Sort through tools, building materials, and unused items. Consider donating or disposing of what you no longer need.
– Clean: Wash windows and sweep the floor, walls, and ceiling to remove dust and dirt.
– Organize: Install shelves and racks to neatly store both practical and recreational items.
Floor Cleaning Tips
Maintaining clean floors is essential for a tidy home environment. Different types of floors require specific cleaning methods:
– General Cleaning: Use cotton terry cloth or recycled hand towels for mopping, which can be washed and reused.
– Linoleum and Vinyl: Clean with a solution of 1 tablespoon baby shampoo or 1/2 teaspoon eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner per gallon of water. Optionally, add 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar for extra cleaning strength.
– Wood and Laminate: Dampen a towel with a solution of 1 part distilled vinegar to 30 parts water for mopping.
– Stone and Tile: Use cotton towels dampened with very hot water for mopping. Avoid cleaners and vinegar as they can damage these surfaces.
Refreshing Patio Furniture
When your patio furniture needs a pick-me-up but doesn’t require intensive cleaning, follow these tips to revive lawn chairs and tables for summer:
1. Rinse: Start by rinsing the furniture with a garden hose equipped with a spray nozzle to remove loose dirt and debris.
2. Clean: Use a soft cloth along with a suitable cleaning product based on the material:
– For wood, consider a wood-specific cleaner like oil soap.
– For other materials, a mild solution of dishwashing liquid and water works well.
– Avoid using bleach as it can harm both the furniture and surrounding plants.
3. Dry: Rinse thoroughly with water and allow the furniture to air dry completely.
Cleaning Concrete Patios
To spruce up your concrete patio effectively:
1. Clear Debris: Sweep away debris using a push broom or a leaf blower to prepare the surface.
2. Pressure Wash: Rent or borrow a pressure washer to give the concrete a deep clean. This method effectively removes embedded dirt and grime.
3. Tackle Stains: For stubborn stains:
– Apply straight white vinegar directly on the stains and scrub vigorously with a stiff brush.
– Persistent rust stains may require a commercial rust cleaner like Whink.
– Alternatively, combine sunshine with lemon juice and scrub with a stiff brush to bleach out stains naturally.
Eliminating Kitchen Odors
During hot, humid weather, kitchen odors can become pervasive, particularly around sinks, trash cans, and recycling bins. Here are effective ways to tackle these unpleasant smells:
1. Clean and Disinfect Sponges and Dishcloths: Soak sponges and dishcloths daily in a solution of 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water for 5 minutes to ensure they remain clean and free of germs. Rinse thoroughly after soaking.
2. Freshen Drains with Vinegar: Pour white vinegar down drains to eliminate unpleasant odors.
3. Clean Trash and Recycling Bins: On trash day, wash out garbage and recycling bins using a mixture of bleach and water to keep them odor-free.
Refreshing Towels
During the humid days of summer, towels can develop a musty smell. Follow these steps to refresh them:
1. Wash with Baking Soda: Wash towels in hot water and add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle to remove stale odors.
2. Dry at High Heat: Dry towels at the highest heat setting recommended for the fabric to ensure they are thoroughly dried and fresh.
Keeping Outdoor Surfaces Mold-Free
To prevent mold growth on outdoor surfaces, follow these steps recommended by Findley:
1. Clearing Mold: Use a scraper to remove mold from cracks in sidewalks, patios, and driveways. Sweep away debris thoroughly.
2. Applying Vinegar: Use a garden sprayer to apply vinegar directly into the cracks to kill remaining mold spores. Repeat this process several times a year to inhibit new mold growth.
Properly Washing Produce
During the summer when fruits and vegetables are abundant, it’s important to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned to maintain freshness and safety. Follow these FDA-recommended tips:
1. Hand Washing: Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing fresh produce.
2. Preparation: Cut away any damaged or bruised areas from produce. Discard outer leaves of lettuce and cabbage heads.
3. Cleaning Veggies: Hold vegetables under plain running water and gently rub them to remove dirt.
4. Peeling: Wash produce thoroughly even if you plan to peel it, as dirt can transfer to the edible parts during peeling.
5. Scrubbing Firm Produce: Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce like melons and cucumbers.
6. Drying: Dry all produce with a clean cloth to further reduce bacteria before consumption.
