Summer brings the heat and good times, but it can also bring pollen, dust, moisture, sand, and sunscreen. While we’re out enjoying the warmer weather, cleaning can often take a backseat. As a result, smaller messes can build up quickly during these months.
Thankfully, there is a solution: by adopting these simple habits, you can prevent bigger cleaning jobs as the weather turns cooler in autumn.
Windows Let in More Than Fresh Air
Opening windows is a great way to let in some fresh air on hot summer days, but those open windows can also bring in pollen, dust, and fine particles (remember that smoky forest fire day?). This can mean more cleaning, and if you or anyone in your home suffers from allergies, it can make them even worse.
The good news is that you can still open those windows, but it’s a good idea to wipe down windowsills, fan blades, and nearby surfaces at least once a week. A damp microfiber cloth is all you need to trap and remove that dust. A quick five-minute wipe can prevent heavier buildup and stop particles from becoming a bigger problem later on.
Did you know that the average Canadian home accumulates 40 pounds of dust per year? 60% of this dust comes from outside the home, whether it’s tracked onto rugs or carpets, carried by clothes, shoes, or hair, or let in through doors and windows. That’s just under one pound per week, which makes regular maintenance even more important.
Remove Sunscreen Residue Before It Stains
Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the sun and preventing skin cancer, but it can also stain towels, counters, furniture, and floors if it rubs off after you’ve applied it. The oily residue it leaves behind can build up and cause yellowing or other discoloration.
After you’ve applied sunscreen in your home, wipe down surfaces and treat fabric stains as quickly as possible before leaving on your adventure. Having a damp cloth or towel nearby before you start applying the sunscreen can help you remember to remove any residue before it sets in.
A little mild dish soap before putting clothes in the wash helps remove the residue during your laundry cycle and prevents stains from ruining your favorite article of clothing.
Sofa Cushions Collect More Than You Think
When people think of things falling in between sofa cushions, they often think of loose change or car keys. However, sofas can also collect sand, crumbs, sweat, pet hair, and dust, which are considerably more difficult (and less fun!) to remove.
A great way to keep them clean is to remove the cushions and vacuum the base every two weeks. Don’t forget to clean between the cushions, seams, and edges, too, as many couches have extra space between the arm and the corner cushions where dirt and other grime can collect.
If your cushions are reversible, flipping and rotating them after cleaning can help extend their lifespan and prevent serious stains. It’ll also keep them fresh, even out wear-and-tear distribution, and improve airflow. It’ll be easier to vacuum up dust and debris the next time you clean, too.
Avoid Overlooking Your Range Hood Filter
One drawback of the warmer temperatures is that fats and oils stay as liquids for longer, which means there will be more grease buildup than in other months. A clogged filter can spread that grease and create foul odours and hard to clean surfaces.
Soaking reusable filters in hot water and dish soap will make that grease easier to remove. They should be scrubbed, rinsed, dried, and reinstalled every month to prevent grease and grime buildup from getting out of control.
Another important reason to avoid excessive buildup on the range hood is that grease stains are highly flammable. Although it’s not a common occurrence, heat from the stove or food can cause it to catch fire. All summer house cleaning plans should include the range hood and filter to reduce fire hazards while cooking.
Keep Houseplants from Creating Excess Moisture
With all the extra heat in the house, it can be easy to accidentally give houseplants too much water. Overwatering plants might seem harmless, but it can lead to mould, stains, and musty odours.
Overwatering in general is also bad for your houseplants, as it can lead to root rot and fungal infections that can damage the plant itself. That’s why it’s a good idea to put them in pots with holes, as these are designed to allow excess water to escape. A small saucer underneath can collect that water, which should be removed as soon as possible.
It’s also a good idea to wipe down windowsills and wooden surfaces beneath pots that might collect excess moisture. Always be sure to leave some space around your houseplants for better airflow. It’ll help your plants grow, avoid diseases that can harm them, and improve your home’s air circulation all at the same time.
Change Your HVAC Filter
Your home’s HVAC filter is designed to collect pollen, dust, and pet hair while air circulates to keep them out of indoor air. However, if it collects too many of these harmful particles and gets too dirty, it can reduce airflow and make your HVAC have to work harder to keep your home cool.
If you’re using it more frequently during the summer (as most people do), it’s a good idea to check it more often. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, either in the owner’s manual or online, to see about getting it replaced if it gets too dirty.
A filter that’s been clogged for too long can damage your HVAC’s internal components and make your entire home dirtier as a result. You might need to contact an HVAC repair company to have your system checked if it’s moving pet dander, dust, dirt, or other particles into other areas of your home (like pet hair in a room they aren’t allowed in).
A Little Cleaning Goes a Long Way
Unlike “spring cleaning“, summer house cleaning doesn’t require a full deep clean. By adopting these small weekly habits, you can prevent larger messes from building up and getting out of control.
Focus on windows, fabrics, filters, furniture, and plants, as these are commonly overlooked areas around the home that can easily accumulate dust, dirt, and other particles if left unchecked. A little weekly maintenance and following these summer cleaning tips can help keep your home clean all summer long.
A Summer Cleaning is Just a Phone Call Away!
Your summer should be spent enjoying it, not trying to keep up with the cleaning. But when the cleaning does starts to pile up, UrbanMop can help get your home back to where you want it.
Our professional cleaners take care of your home, especially the common missed areas, leaving your home cleaner and more enjoyable. Book a summer home cleaning with UrbanMop and spend more time enjoying the warmer season.