Summer Cleaning Tips

Introduction

We know the last thing on your mind might be cleaning, but with so many things to do outside (and inside), it’s important to tackle some housekeeping now so everything stays in order until fall. Here are some top tips for getting a head start on your summer cleaning list:

Clean out your refrigerator.

The first step to cleaning out your refrigerator is removing old food. That’s not just the expiration date; it could also be something that has been sitting in your fridge for way too long. Next, clean the shelves and door seals with a sponge and soapy water. Do not use abrasive cleaners on plastic or stainless steel surfaces as they can scratch them!

Next up is cleaning out any ice buildup: use hot water and dish soap until everything looks shiny again! Then move over onto cleaning filters by running cold water through all lines until they’re clear again; run an empty cycle on top of this just in case there were any bits left behind during this process! Finally, wipe down all surfaces with warm soapy water (but avoid using bleach) before putting things back together again once everything has dried completely off from being washed earlier.

Clean and adjust central air conditioner and heat.

• Clean the filter.
• Check the thermostat settings.
• Check your ducts for cleanliness and leaks, or have them checked by a professional if you’re unsure of what to look for.
• If necessary, adjust your central air conditioner and heat’s freon levels. This is not something to do without instruction from a professional! It’s also important that you don’t overcharge your system with freon—if this happens frequently, it’ll lead to higher energy bills in addition to making your home uncomfortable on hot days.
• Make sure there are no problems with any of the following parts: outside unit; inside unit; drain line (which carries water away from outside units); electrical connections (for example, wires attached to switches); wiring; circuit breakers/fuses

Deodorize your dishwasher.

You can deodorize your dishwasher by running it with bleach or vinegar and a few other ingredients.

• Turn on the dishwasher and fill it with warm water.
• Add 1 cup of baking soda to the bottom of the tub. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser, then add 2 tablespoons of salt and 5-10 drops each of lemon juice and peppermint oil to help mask any remaining odor. Let this mixture sit for 30 minutes before starting a normal wash cycle.
• You can also clean your dishwasher’s filter in two ways: run hot water through it while you have an empty load going through multiple cycles; or take out your old filter (it should be easy to do) and run it under hot soapy water before putting in a new one.

If there is buildup around your drain area, wipe down surfaces with warm soapy water first, then use toothbrushes or scrubbing sponges made specifically for cleaning drains/disposals (which usually come as part of bigger sets) to get rid of any leftover food particles that might be causing odors!

Manage your medicine cabinet.

• The first thing you need to do is remove all medications from your medicine cabinet, and then put them back in a logical order.
• Make sure all medications are labeled with the name of each drug, dosage information and expiration date. Expired medications should be discarded immediately so they don’t get accidentally taken by someone else later on.
• Keep an emergency first-aid kit stocked with things like bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes or ointments and pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) in case you ever need them while traveling or during a car break down. You may also want to add other items like hydrogen peroxide or iodine tablets for cleaning wounds before bandaging them up again after treatment).
• Finally make sure that everyone in your family has their own thermometer!

Maintain your water heater.

• Check the temperature setting. If you have a gas-fired water heater, check the pilot light and gas pressure. If you have an electric water heater, check the thermostat and wiring connections.
• Check that there is no air in the drain line or trapped beneath the flooring around your water heater. This will prevent your system from operating efficiently and may lead to overheating and other problems down the road.
• Check all valves for tightness or leaks before turning on any faucets in your house or apartment building (if applicable).

Refurbish your dryer vent.

It’s important to check that your dryer vent is clear of blockages and debris. A blocked dryer vent can cause a fire, so this is especially important if you have children or pets in the home.

If your hose is cracked or damaged, it should be replaced immediately. Check for cracks in the dryer duct (which is typically installed from outside in) as well; if there are any holes, replace them immediately with a new piece of ductwork that’s at least 4 inches larger than the previous one.

Redo your window treatments.

If you’ve got blinds, shades, curtains or drapes — we’re talking about the ones that cover your windows. If they need a good cleaning before summer starts (or even if they don’t), here’s how to make them look their best:

• Get to know your window treatments by doing a test run on one of those cloths you keep in the kitchen drawer. Use the same method for all of them.
• Gently sponge clean each item with warm water and dish soap. Use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas like tassels or pleats that could use a little extra attention.
• Lay out all pieces on top of newspapers or cardboard so as not to drip water on floors or furniture when it comes time for drying time.* Flip each piece over and do the same thing on the reverse side (yes, this includes blinds). Let dry completely before storing away again until next season!

Refresh the mattresses in your house.

While you’re at it, why not give your mattresses a good cleaning? You can either hire someone or clean them yourself. For example:

• Clean and vacuum the mattress.
• Check for bed bugs. (Bed bug infestations are more common than you think.)
• Check for stains, rips, mold and odors. (If you notice any of these things, it’s time to invest in new ones.)
• Check for dust mites by vacuuming the surface of your mattress with a HEPA filter attachment to remove allergens from hair follicles and skin cells that may have settled there over time; also make sure to check along seams where sheets could be trapped after washing as well as under pillows/headboards/footboards where dust mites tend to nestle into crevices if left unchecked!

Protect prized seasonal items from dust, bugs and other pests (like moths).

• To remove dust, use a vacuum cleaner or lint roller.
• To clean off dust that has settled on your prized seasonal items, use a damp cloth and brush gently.

 

Conclusion

Now that you’ve read through these tips, it’s time to get started! Keep in mind that they are just a few of the many ways you can get your home clean and organized. Depending on your needs and preferences, there are tons of other techniques out there—from the tried-and-true methods we outlined above to newer ones like using baking soda as a scrubbing agent (which works great for tile floors). Just remember that any cleaning method is better than none at all, so pick one and get started today!