It’s been a long, cold winter, and it seems like there is no end in sight. The air outside is crisp and dry, which can be refreshing but also means that everything inside your house has become coated with dust and grime from the harsh conditions. Coughing, sneezing, congested sinuses, all of these are common during this time of year. Unsurprisingly, winter brings lots of germs into our homes as well! This article will provide you with an easy-to-follow checklist for cleaning your home to ensure it stays healthy for everyone living there.
Cleaning Checklist for Cold Months
Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly: even if they’ve been covered by furniture all winter long, vacuum them at least twice in one week using either a rotating brush attachment on your vacuum or a hand brush to remove dirt and debris.
Open windows once per week, at least: bring in fresh air even though it’s chilly out there. This will help circulate warm indoor air during wintertime without having too much cold draft entering through open windows. Keep your bedroom door shut while you’re sleeping since currents are more likely to enter the room when doors are left wide open.
Clean inside oven and stovetop: hoses should be removed from underneath both units after use to allow for proper ventilation. Clean out interior spaces by removing all removable components so everything can dry adequately. If spills have dried on top surfaces, gently scrape them away using a putting knife, avoid scratching porcelain surfaces.
Don’t forget to clean the interior of your refrigerator: This is especially important if you store food in there regularly since bacteria can form on surfaces where moisture has gathered. Use pantry items like baking soda and vinegar mixed with warm water for a safe yet effective cleaning solution that won’t damage plastic or metal components. Wipe off shelves inside the fridge after removing any contents, so it stays hygienic throughout its use.
Avoid using cleaning products with bleach: while this chemical is excellent for cleaning and disinfecting, it can also irritate the respiratory system, so you should always use caution when handling it. Look into other options such as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide mixed in a spray bottle to get rid of germs without having adverse side effects!
Dusting is an essential step in the cleaning process: use a microfiber cloth along windowsills, baseboards, and hard-to-reach corners. Dusting will also help you eliminate any allergens that could be present; this includes pet dander and pollen. Don’t forget about ceiling fans by replacing light bulb covers after the unit has been used, so mold doesn’t accumulate beneath them over time.
Don’t forget about using disinfecting sprays on doorknobs either: these are touched frequently throughout any given day, so you must kill off harmful organisms which could be present if not taken care of properly. Garbage disposals can quickly accumulate mold and mildew over time if allowed to sit without being rinsed out; make sure you run cold water through this unit at least twice after each use to prevent this from happening while keeping it clean and fresh at the same time.
Don’t forget about light fixtures, such as fans or chandeliers: These areas see a lot of dust accumulation over time if not taken care of properly; spray them down with an anti-bacterial cleaner before wiping them off immediately afterward to keep these surfaces nice and clean all year round without having to do much work on your end other than remembering when to get around to doing so in the first place!
Before Winter Weather Sets In
It’s a great idea to do some deep cleaning, so your house is ready for the winter. Here are our top tips and tricks to get you started on a list of tasks that will bring freshness back into your home this winter:
Dust and clean all surfaces, including light switches, doorknobs, window sills
- Clean the inside of your microwave if you have one. If not, make sure to wipe down any surface where crumbs may collect over time, such as stovetops or tables.
- Wash bedding, especially comforters that sit on top of beds. You can also take this opportunity to change out sheets for new ones before winter hits full force again.
- Make sure windows are sealed up tightly, so cold air doesn’t leak into your home.
- Take the opportunity to deep clean bathrooms with a disinfectant cleaner for a fresh feel. You can also use this time to wash shower curtains or bath mats that will be stored away over winter.
- Wash kitchen counters where crumbs may have collected and floors in kitchens and bathrooms; it’s best to do these before putting anything else away, so you don’t forget about them!
How should You Clean in the Winter?
There’s a lot of work to do, especially if you live on the coast and deal with snow and ice. This winter cleaning checklist will help keep your house clean and let you know what needs attention first.
Bedrooms:
If you do not use your bed all year, take this opportunity to change out the sheets for new ones. If you have pets that sleep with you or in your room, make sure their beds are clean of any pet hair before putting them away until next winter. It’s also a good idea to wash pillows and duvet covers if they are removable during these months, so no one gets sick from dirty surfaces.
Living Room:
Remove all decorations and put them away in boxes to keep dust from settling. If you use a feather duster or microfiber cloths, this would be the time to do it! Make sure that everything is clean, including furniture cushions, window blinds, and doorknobs. When walking into your living room during winter, the last thing you want is dirty surfaces, so take care of these things now before they get too dusty again.
Bathroom and Kitchen:
The last part of your house to clean is the kitchen and bathroom. These are probably some of the dirtiest places in your home throughout the entire year, so it’s essential to take care of them now before they get too dirty again!
Clean all surfaces, including cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, window sills as well as doorknobs; these areas see a lot of dust accumulation if not taken care of properly; spray with an anti-bacterial cleaner before wiping down immediately afterward for freshness all winter long without having to do much work on your end other than remembering when to get around to doing so in the first place!
If you don’t have time to do this yourself, call a cleaning service to do it for you! You can always find local cleaning services on Google that will estimate how much it would be. Plus, they will likely use better cleaning products than you would on your own!
This is an excellent winter checklist to follow since most people will be spending more time indoors during this chilly season. You can also hire a professional service like NW Maids that offers deep cleanings for your house if you don’t have time to take care of it yourself or find someone who can help with repairs. If you want to stay warm inside while still having everything sparkling around you, give us a call today!
What are the Dos and Don’ts of Winter Cleaning?
The dos of winter cleaning include:
Clean your house thoroughly after each snowfall or every few days if it doesn’t snow. This includes throwing out any food that might have gotten buried in the snow and wiping down all surfaces with a mixture of disinfectant cleaner and bleach.
Check on windows and doors frequently throughout the day, especially if it’s snowing or raining. Make sure that nothing is broken and securely locked to the best of your ability.
Get rid of moldy, mildewed curtains and any other fabrics needing cleaning because they could be breeding grounds for airborne viruses. You also don’t want dust mites forming on these things over time so take care of them once winter starts winding down.
Clean all surfaces thoroughly after each significant snowfall or whenever necessary throughout the day during light ones by throwing away food items buried under the snow and wiping everything down with a mixture of water and disinfectant cleaner.
Put away all the clutter throughout your house so that you aren’t constantly tripping over it or trying to move things around to get from one room to another. This is especially vital for senior citizens because they are more prone to falls due to icy sidewalks, paths, etc., as well as rugs, being taken out after winter hits since they can cause people to slip if their homes don’t have carpeting through them already.
The don’ts of winter cleaning include:
Don’t assume salt used by public works teams is enough protection against ice since some towns aren’t using chemicals anymore due to environmental concerns. Make sure you’re on top of any ice that forms around your home, especially on walkways and driveways.
Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners because they leave a strong smell that might be difficult to remove later when the house heats up again from central heating. Plus, ammonia-based cleaners are more likely to irritate your eyes and respiratory system than other types of products.
Don’t forget about the outside of the house while you’re cleaning the inside! All surfaces, including windowsills, should be wiped down with a mixture of bleach and disinfectant cleaner for freshness all winter long without having to do much work on your end.
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