When summer starts to heat up, your home can get really dusty and grimy. The humidity brings along a hoard of seasonal dirt. Home cleaning and maintenance is the last thing you want to do when it’s over 100 degrees outside. But you still need to tackle your summertime chores to keep your home clean and safe for you and your family.
With that in mind, we’ve put together some easy summer cleaning tips and tricks you can do at home.
Dust and Reverse Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans that are left uncleaned will worsen summer allergies and asthma. They stir up dust, pollen, and tiny particles that spread around your home. You may clean the fan blades using an old pillowcase. Place the pillowcase around each blade and wipe all the grime instead of letting them fall on the floor.
After cleaning, reverse the direction of the blades counterclockwise. This will push the cold air down to keep the room cooler and make your air conditioner more effective.
Wash the Windows and Screens
During the summer, homeowners usually open their windows to let the fresh air in. This is also the time when the humidity encourages mold growth. Be sure to clean your windows using soapy water and a sponge. Not all window cleaners are effective in scrubbing all the accumulated dirt.
Wipe Down Surfaces
Like what we already mentioned, mold usually thrives in highly humid areas. Before mildew and water spots set in, you need to wipe down surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen. Use a damp cloth to clean the countertops to prevent mold spores from developing.
Clean the Air Conditioner Filter
Without proper cleaning, your AC filter won’t be able to keep dust out of the air you’re breathing. An air conditioner that is clogged up with dirt and debris might be broken. The last thing you want in the summer is a malfunctioning air conditioning unit.
First, remove the filter or unclip it. Simply clean the AC filter with warm soapy water or a vacuum cleaner. Make sure all the dust is sucked out of the filter. For a deeper clean, submerge your filter in a liquid mixture of vinegar, water, and detergent. Rinse afterward.
Not all air conditioners have the same filter cleaning requirements. Check the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning suggestions to make sure you’re not voiding any warranty conditions.
Hose Down the Doormats
Summer is the season when everyone brings in more dirt and germs from the outside. You can track down dust by placing doormats in entrances. Expect that your doormats can get dirty easily. Remember to hose off the mat and let them air-dry. This will save you from germs and muddy footprints.
Clean Out the Fridge
Your refrigerator works harder to keep your food and beverages fresh during the summer. Don’t wait until it smells musty and dirty. Now is the time to give your fridge some TLC to ensure it is running efficiently.
First, you need to clean the coils to remove debris that blocks airflow. Like your AC unit, the refrigerator’s filter should be changed and cleaned. All the removable shelves and drawers should also be washed at the sink with warm water and dish soap. To reduce the risk of contamination, don’t allow any food to go moldy and toss out all expired items.
If you don’t have the time to clean or repair your fridge, you may contact a professional handyman to do the job for you.
Start Cleaning Your Gutters
There are now available tools to clean your gutters efficiently and safely. You may use a lawn blower, pressure washer attachment, telescopic hose wand, and other equipment.
When on a ladder, use a scooper, bucket, and a four-prong garden tool to get rid of leaves. Always stay safe by wearing protective gear like work gloves and goggles. For safe gutter cleaning, you may hire a handyman to clear off all dirt and debris.
Vacuum the Floors
Your flooring and carpets are probably some of the dirtiest parts of your home. Keep your floors spick and span by vacuuming at least once a week. Using an eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner will also clear out all the dust and mud on the floors. You are also encouraged to employ a no-shoe policy to prevent shoes from tracking dirt and harmful bacteria.
Wash Your Outdoor Furniture
Since the pandemic started, you didn’t have the chance to go outside for leisure purposes. Now is the perfect time to hold private dinners with just you and your family. But before that, you need to clean your outdoor living space.
You need to first remove all the cushions and furniture covers before vacuuming the surface.
To remove grime, use a mild soap mixed with warm water. Apply the cleaning solution to the outdoor furniture using a soft plastic brush or sponge. Commercial wood cleaners are also effective for cleaning furniture on your patio or deck.
Get your tables and chairs ready for a summer full of BBQs and backyard games with your family!
Let’s Get Started With Summer Cleaning
We hope these summer maintenance tips will help you stay on top of your to-do list. If you need help in removing junk or fixing any electrical issues, turn to your local handyman in Pittsburgh, PA. Our team at Handyman Pittsburgh & Co. is ready to take care of your home in the summer.
We can keep up with your home projects and repairs. Let us ensure that your house stays sparkling and functional, no matter what the season is. Call us for an estimate!