As temperatures soar during the summer months, you and your family are likely to be busy with swimming, sunbathing, vacationing, hosting guests, and more. But before you embark on your exciting summer adventures, it’s essential to ensure your home is a haven of cleanliness and comfort. You’ve probably heard of spring cleaning, but giving your home some attention during the summer season is equally valuable, so let’s Summer cleanup your home! Plus, anticipating some of the cleaning challenges you might run into during the warmer months can save you some big headaches down the road.
It can be overwhelming to know where to start, which is why we created the ultimate summer cleaning guide to help you embrace the vibrant energy of the season. From freshening up your living spaces to preparing your outdoor oasis, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list of summer cleaning tips to make your home sparkle like the summer sun.
Summer Cleanup Your Home Check-List
Let’s Summer cleanup your home! With this list of to-do’s, you don’t need to feel overwhelmed anymore.
1. Declutter
Clutter can accumulate throughout the year, making spaces feel cramped and stifling, and decluttering is a great seasonal cleaning practice to implement. As you bring your warmer weather clothes and summer gear out of storage, take some time to systematically go through everything and set aside things you no longer use or like. With each item, ask yourself, “Do I really need this? Does it bring me joy or serve a practical purpose?”
The warmer weather offers the perfect opportunity to hold a garage sale, where you can let go of possessions that are still in good condition but no longer needed. Not only will you clear out space in your house and allow others to find joy in your things, but you’ll also make some extra cash.
There’s a reason decluttering is first on our “Summer cleanup your home” checklist. As you declutter each space, you’ll likely find that the atmosphere in your home transforms. With the excess gone, you’ll feel a sense of lightness and ease, allowing for better airflow and improved energy flow throughout the house. Plus, a decluttered space makes it easier to clean and maintain, giving you more time to enjoy the season’s activities.
2. Organize and clean summer gear
Summertime often comes along with a host of exciting adventures and outdoor activities. From beach days to camping trips, having well-organized and clean summer gear is essential for a hassle-free experience
Start by gathering all your beach towels and giving them a thorough wash. Use a gentle detergent and add a splash of white vinegar to remove any sand or stubborn residues that may have accumulated during previous beach outings. Once clean, ensure they are completely dry before neatly folding and organizing them in a designated spot in the laundry room for easy access. Wrangle all your other beach accessories, like goggles, beach chairs, and umbrellas, and keep them organized nearby.
If you have other summertime equipment, like camping gear, take the time to sort through these things as well. Check for any damage and make a list of items that need to be replaced or repaired. Clean your sleeping bags following the manufacturer’s instructions or take them to a professional cleaner if necessary. Ensure all your camping gear is stored together in a dedicated space, so you won’t have to scramble to find what you need when the call of the great outdoors comes knocking.
3. Clean air conditioning units and/or fans
As the summer heat intensifies, our reliance on air conditioning units and fans increases to stay comfortable indoors. To ensure optimal performance and to keep your living spaces cool and refreshing, it’s essential to clean and maintain these cooling systems regularly.
Begin by turning off the power to your air conditioning unit. Remove and clean or replace the air filters, as clogged filters can reduce airflow and lead to inefficient cooling. Dust and debris can accumulate on the condenser coils over time, hindering the unit’s ability to cool effectively. Using a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, gently clean the coils to remove any buildup. Additionally, clear the area around the outdoor unit to ensure proper airflow.
For ceiling fans, use a damp cloth to wipe down the blades and motor housing, removing any accumulated dust. Stand fans and table fans can gather dust as well, so be sure to clean the grilles and blades thoroughly. If your fan has a removable grill, take it off and wash it with mild soap and water. Make sure the fan is completely dry before reassembling and turning it on.
4. Clean out the fridge
It’s always a good idea to clean out your fridge, especially before you start filling it with lots of yummy summer produce and picnic leftovers. Start by removing all the items from the refrigerator, then check expiration dates and discard any spoiled or expired food items. Next, take out the removable shelves, drawers, and bins. Wash them with warm, soapy water, rinsing thoroughly, and allowing them to air dry. Use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or a mild all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the interior of the fridge, including the walls and door seals. Pay special attention to any spills or sticky residue.
As you place the food items back in the fridge, organize them in a way that maximizes space and keeps similar items together. Consider using clear containers or bins to group smaller items and make them easier to find. Embrace a fresh start this summer by keeping your fridge tidy and well-organized, making it a joy to reach for your favorite chilled treats to beat the scorching summer heat.
5. Clean the grill
Summer is the season of outdoor gatherings and mouthwatering barbecues, and if you’re lucky enough to own a grill, it’s essential to give it a thorough cleaning. Over time, grime and residue can accumulate on the grates and surfaces, impacting the taste of your grilled delicacies. Follow these steps to clean your grill and get it ready for a season of flavorful feasts.
- Before cleaning, turn off the gas supply or disconnect the propane tank for safety. Allow the grill to cool down if you’ve recently used it.
- Remove the grates from the grill and scrub them with a grill brush to remove any built-up residue and leftover food particles. For a deeper clean, soak the grates in warm, soapy water, and then scrub them again. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely before placing them back in the grill.
- Using a grill brush or a ball of aluminum foil, clean the interior surfaces, including the burners and flavorizer bars or heat deflectors. Clear any debris and ash from the bottom of the grill, taking care not to damage the burners.
- Wipe down the exterior of the grill with a mixture of warm, soapy water. For stainless steel grills, use a stainless steel cleaner to restore shine and remove any smudges or fingerprints.
6. Prepare for bugs
From the first hot day till late summer, you may find yourself in the company of some unwelcome visitors—bugs. Mosquitoes, flies, ants, and other pests can quickly become a nuisance, disrupting our blissful summer days. To enjoy a bug-free summer, it’s essential to prepare and take preventive measures to keep these pesky creatures at bay.
Start by sealing gaps or cracks around doors and windows to prevent bugs from finding their way indoors. Next, you can trim bushes, trees, and shrubs that are close to your home, as they can serve as bridges for bugs to enter. Explore using natural repellents like essential oils such as citronella, lemon eucalyptus, or peppermint. These can be used in candles or diffusers, or dilute them with water in a spray bottle and spray the solution around outdoor seating areas.
7. Clean outdoor spaces
You’re likely spending extra time in your outdoor spaces during summer, as they become a sanctuary for relaxation, entertainment, and soaking up the sun’s rays. To fully enjoy the season, take some time to refresh these spaces and transform them into inviting oases.
Start by sweeping away fallen leaves, dirt, and debris from your patio, deck, or outdoor walkways. Clear out any cobwebs and dust from furniture and fixtures. If any of the surfaces have stubborn stains, moss, or algae growth, consider using a power washer to deep clean them. A power washer can effortlessly remove grime and restore the original luster of your outdoor spaces.
Don’t forget your outdoor furniture if you have some, as it can accumulate dust and mildew during the off-season. Wipe down cushions and frames with a mixture of mild soap and water. If your furniture has removable covers, consider laundering them for a fresh and inviting look.
8. Keep bathrooms mold-free
As temperatures rise and humidity levels increase during summer, bathrooms can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. To maintain a hygienic bathroom, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to prevent mold growth.
Proper ventilation is essential to control humidity levels in the bathroom, so to start, ensure your bathroom has a functional exhaust fan or a window that can be opened to allow fresh air to circulate and expel excess moisture.
Make sure to wipe down wet surfaces often, such as the shower walls and bathtub, to prevent water from lingering and promoting mold growth. You can also use a mold and mildew cleaner to regularly clean the shower and bathtub. Pay close attention to the grout and caulk lines, as these areas are prone to mold growth. Replace any deteriorating caulk to maintain a watertight seal.
Finally, towels, bath mats, and shower curtains are common places for mold to take hold, so remind your family to hang them up to dry immediately after use. Avoid leaving damp towels on the floor or in a heap, as this creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew.
9. Refresh the windows
Finally, last but certainly not least on the “Summer cleanup your home” checklist, windows! Your windows are one of your gateways to embracing the summer sunshine. To fully appreciate the splendor of long days and balmy evenings, refreshing your windows is an important part of your summer cleaning checklist.
Start by cleaning both the interior and exterior of your windows. Remove dust, dirt, and smudges using a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Be sure to clean the window sills and frames as well.
Take down window screens and gently wash them with soap and water. Allow them to dry before putting them back in place. Take down your curtains and drapes as well, and either launder them, put them in the dryer for 10 minutes to remove dust and kill mites, or just give them a good shake and let them sit in the sun for a while.
Happy summer!
After dedicating some time to your “Summer cleanup your home” checklist, you’ll be able to fully enjoy all the best parts of the season without worry. Set aside a few days to refresh your spaces and bask in all that clean summer goodness!
