Autumn will be here before we know it, which means it’s time to get ahead of the weather with some summer cleaning. Much like spring cleaning, summer cleaning is a time to deep clean and help prepare for the upcoming cold season. Best of all, doing a bit of summer cleaning can help save you some money in the future, which is never a bad thing. These ten cleaning ideas will help you get started on your summer cleaning list, so you’ll be able to conquer it before summer comes to an end and the wet autumn months arrive.
1. Check for Exterior Cracks
One of the most important things you can do is check the exterior of the home for cracks. If you have cracks developing, they can fill with water and cause rotting that can be costly to fix up. Since the rainy and snowy seasons are on their way, it will be difficult to find some time to patch up these cracks since it is best to work in a dry environment that offers plenty of time for the caulk or concrete to dry before moisture arrives again. Once you do this, you can always add a fresh layer of paint to help offer even more protection. If you’re not sure what you should use to fill the cracks in your home, then a quick google search with the material that makes up the exterior of your home will help you discover the most efficient route.
2. Replace Weather Stripping
Another important thing you should do before the cooler weather arrives is replacing your weather stripping. Weatherstripping typically goes on your windows and doors and is pretty easy to install. However, you might consider looking around to see which weather stripping works best for your window and doors. Weather stripping wears down over time, which can let in bugs, hot or cold air, and moisture. Ensuring your weather stripping is good to go will allow you to save on cooling and heating costs while making your home more secure from pests and even allergens.
3. Clear the Gutters
Autumn is leaf season, which makes the end of summer the perfect time to clear up the gutters. This will allow you a bit more time before you have to clear them out again. Having clean gutters can ensure that when the rains do begin, they will be clearer even if the leaves are falling rapidly. Of course, you’ll still have to clear the gutters out in the autumn, but at least you won’t have to worry about overflow which can cause serious damage to the home.
4. Clean Rugs
Even if you vacuum your rugs daily, there is still going to be some build-up on them which can easily be cleaned with a carpet cleaner. If you don’t have one in your possession, then many stores actually do rent them out. Cleaning rugs help to reduce germs and allergens in the home, which can be trekked in quite a bit during the summer months. When you clean your carpets, you can place them outside to dry in the summer heat, which will make cleaning them during this time all the more efficient. The heat may even get rid of any leftover germs.
5. Deep Clean Refrigerator
Unfortunately, the refrigerator is one appliance that is always going to need to be cleaned. If you keep it maintained, you shouldn’t need to do a deep clean often. However, summer is one of the best times to deep clean, because it will allow you to stay cool while you work. While cleaning, make sure you go through the expiration dates of items in the refrigerator. Even those that you think won’t expire for some time, might be done for. You should also remove the shelves and clean them with a disinfecting cleaner. If you’d like to keep the refrigerator cleaner, add liners, which can be pulled out and cleaned.
6. Prepare Storage for Summer Items
With summer coming to an end, you’ll soon have to pack away all the extra seating, above-ground tools, and water toys. So, it might be time to clear out some storage space. You might start by pulling out the items currently in storage so you can see exactly what you have. This will allow you to choose the items you want to keep and sell or donate the items you no longer need. This can also be a great time to organize items and make sure nothing is living in your storage space. You might also look for cracks in this space as well to keep pests out. From there, you should be able to make the space to store the items you plan on keeping.
7. Clean Utilities
Utilities do a lot of work for us, but more often than not we don’t think about cleaning them. That is why it is important to take some time to clean them seasonally at the very least. Your washer can be sanitized and cleaned with a special cleaner used at the store. Dryers should be vacuumed out and the vent should be cleaned to help prevent fires. You should also use a special cleaner for your dishwasher. The garbage disposal can be cleaned with special cleaners as well, but you might also consider grinding ice to help get it even cleaner while allowing the blades to sharpen.
8. Unpack Warm Clothing
Although winter might not be here yet, it is a great time to start pulling out your warmer clothes. This will give you time to try on the clothing to see what still fits and what items you will need to purchase in the near future. If you have high-end clothing in your wardrobe, you can list it to earn money for new items, or you can donate so families in need can ensure their wardrobe is ready for cooler weather. Getting your clothes out this early will also give you a chance to wash the clothing or get it dry cleaned. Once your clothes are unpacked, you can start slowly adding summer clothes to storage, to make the process easier on you.
9. Change Air Filter
Your air filters should be changed out seasonally too. So, make sure you get yours ready to go for all of the new allergens and bacteria that might enter your home during the autumn months. Changing your air filter is very simple to do as long as you find the correct size for your home’s needs. You should also change your air filter in your vehicle, to ensure you can breathe fresher air whether you’re at home or on the go.
10. Wash Linens
Washing your linens is something that should be done seasonally as well. Next time you change your sheets, put your pillows in the wash too. You should also wash your mattress covers and comforter. This will help get rid of germs, allergens, bacteria, and anything else you might not want to sleep on. Before you put these items in the washer, make sure you read the instructions carefully to ensure you aren’t going to ruin them. Apart from that, you should pull down your curtains and give them a wash too. This will help to freshen up the home. You might also consider bringing out heavier curtains or drapes to help combat the cold days of winter.
Of course, there are numerous things you should be cleaning before autumn arrives. However, these ten areas are a great place to focus, especially if you’re not looking to spend a lot of money on the cleaning process. Before you know it, you’ll be ready for the autumn months to arrive without having to worry about a long to-do list.
