As the summer heat rolls on, keeping your home crisp and fresh becomes an even bigger challenge. As the sun is blazing outside, our homes become our cool retreats from the hot temperatures. But along with sunshine come unique challenges for proper residential cleaning in Ladue, MO. Dust build-up, heightened insect activity, musty odors, and higher foot traffic. Coupled with an occasional summer shower that brings mud and the fact that the school is out and kids are active all day long, you get a real test of your housekeeping chops.
In today’s post, we outline 5 pointers for homeowners who want to be summer-ready. Ask your dependable cleaners to incorporate the following steps into their checklist, and your home will be clean and make you proud when guests come for a summer backyard BBQ.
What should be on a summer cleaning checklist?
Let’s get one thing straight: if you take care of top-to-bottom cleaning before the summer kicks in, you won’t have to deep clean every month. What you need during the summer is consistency. Leave a spill too long, and it becomes a stain in no time during the hot months. Here are 5 expert-approved cleaning tips tailored to tackle summer’s specific messes and maintain a comfortable environment all season long.
1. Stay ahead of dust & pollen
Let’s be honest, when the weather is fine, most of us will open the windows to let the fresh air in. But with fresh air comes pollen, dust, allergens, and other outdoor debris. If not addressed, these particles will settle on surfaces, making your home feel grimy, especially on a hot day.
Pro tip: Opt for microfiber cloths to trap dust instead of feather dusters that just spread it from one surface to the next. Tackle high-touch areas with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner to remove the fine particles and avoid allergy flare-ups. If you have pets or kids running around, increase vacuuming frequency to twice a week or more.
2. Keep the floors barefoot ready
There are few better feelings than walking barefoot on the cold floor after getting home from work on a hot day. Summer also means heightened activity and more in-and-out movement during the day, tracking in everything from sand to lawn clippings. High-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, the living room, and the kitchen tiles could all do with extra attention during the summer season.
Pro tip: Place doormats outside and inside entrances to minimize the amount of dirt coming into your home. Clean them twice a week. For hardwood or laminate floorings, use a pH-neutral cleaner and a damp mop. Remember to never use a soaking wet mop because excess humidity can quickly cause wood to warp on a hot day. For tile and stone, a mild solution of lukewarm water and gentle dish soap is enough to keep the floors streak-free.
3. Tackle windows & screens
Plenty of natural light is one of the best things about summer. It’s not only an energizer and natural mood booster but also plays an important role in our overall physical well-being. But dirty windows and screens can make even the brightest day seem dull and erase all the benefits of summer sunlight.
Pro tip: Use a streak-free glass cleaner or a mix of water and vinegar to shine up your windows. Rinse screens with a hose, scrub gently with a soft brush and mild soap, and let them dry in the sun before putting them back. Cleaning screens will improve the airflow in the home and keep bugs at bay.
4. Bug-proof your space
Speaking of bugs, with rising temperatures come unwelcome pests, including ants, fruit flies, and mosquitoes. With fruit smells and crumbs calling them to your home, it’s important to keep your home spick-and-span, or the word will quickly spread that your home is a pest refuge for the summer.
Pro tips: Keep kitchen counters and floors dry and crumb-free. Store your ripe fruit in the fridge. Take out the trash as soon as it fills, preferably every day. Seal all food in airtight containers. You can also strategically place citronella candles or essential oil diffusers near windows to repel insects in a natural way.
5. Keep regular house cleaning appointments
Summer is not the time of year when you should skip maid service visits. In fact, just the opposite, you should make sure to keep a steady schedule, or your home could be in line for deep cleaning pretty fast.
Pro tip: Things get dirty pretty quickly during the summer, so it may be smart to double your cleaning intensity. This is especially true if you’ve chosen a monthly or bi-weekly routine. While that may be enough to keep your home neat and fresh in normal circumstances, summer heat calls for something more.
Which company excels in methodical residential cleaning in Ladue, MO & beyond?
If you want to leave your home in the trusted hands of the leading residential cleaners in St. Louis County, you want to call Cleaning Concepts. Our 5+ decades in the industry speak of our dedication to clients, adaptability, and the outstanding house cleaning know-how that has won us countless 5-star reviews and accolades. We’ll keep your bathroom clean and mildew-free, shine up your tiles and grout, and make sure to avoid the cleaning mistakes people usually make.
Precision, in-depth cleaning approach, and only the best supplies and equipment are what we bring to your doorstep. No matter how hot it gets, we’ll keep your place cozy, inviting, and healthy, so reach out to us today!
