With the fun of summer comes the “fun” of summer cleaning. I’m talking outdoor tidying up for guests, scrubbing the mud off the kiddos’ clothes and all the mess that comes with being outside. The start of summer brings with it so many wonderful outdoor activities. You get to dust off all that patio furniture and shake out those umbrellas. You get to pull out the old grill. You get to break out the bikes and give them a wipe down. You get to unpack all the summer clothes. Set a summer cleaning goal of having a clutter-free home. Having lots of stuff around leaves plenty of places for dust and allergens to collect.
Here are 5 Tips & Tricks for Cleaning Your Home This Summer Season
- Clean out the gutters – Get ready for any summer storms by cleaning out your gutters and making sure all drainage spouts are pointing away from the foundation of the house. If your area is prone to severe storms or flooding, this is also a great time to check and restock your emergency kit.
- Clean off the driveway and patio – Winter and spring often leave driveways, sidewalks, and other outdoor surfaces covered in dirt and debris. Depending on the material the surface in question is made of, a pressure washer could be your best bet, or soapy water and a coarse bristled broom. For wooden patios and decks, always check for manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Get your outdoor living space ready for guests – Summertime is when outdoor living spaces see the most use, and neighborhood get-togethers can be a community-building highlight over the summer months. Months have passed since last summer, and chances are it’s not just the ground that’s been collecting dust and dirt. Wipe down patio furniture and outdoor cushions, gently scrubbing with warm water with a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent if necessary.
- Cut down on the clutter – If you have school-aged children that are now going to be spending a lot more time at home, use the start of summer as an opportunity to clear out old clothes and toys – you’ll be glad when there’s less for you to trip over! Summer is prime yard sale time, so put the kids in charge of the whole event, or else donate gently used items to a local charity.
Wash the windows – inside and out – With the curtains drawn to let in the sunlight, you don’t want to be staring through layers of dust and ugly streaks all summer. Using a squeegee with some mildly soapy water is the best method for cleaning window exteriors, while a spray-on glass cleaner and a clean, damp rag should do the trick for the insides. And don’t forget the screens! Remove them and scrub thoroughly with a soapy sponge until clean and bright.
