10 Easy Chores to Freshen Up Your Home for Summer
Summer is coming! Which means you spring cleaning might be on your mind. And honestly, this post is handy year round because it contains all of those things you probably forget to clean! Here are 10 chores to freshen up your home for summer – or whenever you’re doing a deep clean!
10 Easy Chores to Freshen Up Your Home for Summer
Declutter High Traffic Areas
Decluttering high traffic areas in your home is helpful in maintaining a sense of order and functionality. These spaces, like entryways, living rooms and kitchens, often accumulate clutter quickly due to constant use.
Figure out which items are no longer needed or used and find storage solutions for them. By clearing out excess belongings and organizing items in these areas, you can create a more spacious and inviting atmosphere. Not only does decluttering high traffic areas enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, but it also promotes a sense of calm and efficiency in your daily routines.
Clean Your Air Filters & Air Vents
Cleaning your air filters and air vents at home is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality and ensuring the proper functioning of your HVAC system. Start by turning off your HVAC system to prevent any debris from circulating further.
For air filters, locate them within your HVAC system, typically found behind a vent cover or grille. Remove the filter and inspect it for dirt, dust, and debris. If it’s a reusable filter, you can clean it by gently vacuuming or washing it with mild soap and water. For disposable filters, replace them with a new one if they’re too dirty.
As for air vents, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the vent covers and surrounding areas. You can also wipe the vents with a damp cloth for a deeper clean. Remember to clean your air filters and vents regularly, ideally every few months, to ensure optimal air quality and system performance.
Straighten Up Your Closets
Start by emptying out your closet, sorting through each item to determine what to keep, donate or discard. As you review your clothing and accessories, consider factors like wear frequency, seasonality and personal style preferences.
Once you’ve curated your collection, clean the closet space thoroughly, wiping down shelves, vacuuming the floor and dusting any surfaces. Then, implement a systematic organization method, such as arranging items by category, color or frequency of use. Utilize storage solutions like bins, baskets, and hanging organizers to maximize space efficiency and maintain a tidy appearance.
>> Closet Organization Tips & Tricks <<
Clean Under Your Furniture
Cleaning under furniture is a task that’s easy to forget about. Over time, dust, dirt and debris accumulate beneath furniture, contributing to poor indoor air quality and potential pest problems. To clean under furniture, start by moving the piece away from the wall or other nearby objects to access the entire area.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool or a handheld vacuum to remove loose debris and dust from the floor and corners. For hard-to-reach areas, such as under heavy furniture legs or low-clearance spaces, consider using a microfiber cloth or duster to trap and remove dust effectively.
Straighten Up Around & Under Your Bathroom Sink
Start by removing all items from the area around the sink and from underneath it, taking stock of what you have and what you actually need. Throw away any empty bottles, expired products or items you no longer use. Wipe down the sink countertop and the inside of the cabinet to remove any dust, spills or residue.
Use organizers like bins, baskets or drawer dividers to arrange your toiletries and other essentials, maximizing space and accessibility.
Clean Your Ceiling Fans
Start by turning off the fan to prevent it from moving while you clean. Use a sturdy step ladder to reach the fan blades safely. Depending on the level of dust accumulation, you can either use a microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust and debris from the fan blades.
Work systematically from one blade to the next, wiping or vacuuming both the top and bottom surfaces. For tougher grime or buildup, dampen the cloth slightly with water or a mild cleaning solution. Once the blades are clean, wipe down the fan housing and any other exposed parts, being careful not to let any excess moisture seep into electrical components.
Organize Your Junk Drawer
Start by emptying the contents of the drawer onto a flat surface to get an idea of what you have. Sort through the items, discarding any trash, expired coupons or broken gadgets. Take stock of useful items and consider whether they belong in the junk drawer or if they have a better home elsewhere.
Utilize organizers such like containers or dividers to categorize and separate items, making it easier to find what you need in the future. As you tidy up, resist the temptation to simply shove items back into the drawer. Instead, take the time to arrange everything neatly and consider implementing a system to prevent clutter from accumulating again. Don’t forget to leave some space for future additions.
Clean the Inside of Your Fridge
Start by removing all items from the refrigerator, checking expiration dates and disposing of any spoiled or outdated products. Take out shelves, drawers and other removable parts to facilitate thorough cleaning.
Use a solution of warm water and mild detergent to wipe down all interior surfaces, including walls, shelves and drawers, to remove spills, stains and lingering odors. For stubborn stains or sticky residue, a mixture of baking soda and water can be effective. Rinse all surfaces with clean water and dry them thoroughly before returning shelves and drawers to their places.
As you restock your fridge, organize items by category and place the most perishable items towards the front for easy access.
>> AMAZON LIST: REFRIGERATOR ORGANIZATION ESSENTIALS <<
CLEAN & ORGANIZE YOUR CAR
Get started by removing all items from the car, including trash, loose papers and unnecessary clutter. Use a vacuum cleaner with various attachments to thoroughly clean the interior, including carpets, seats and crevices. Wipe down surfaces like dashboard, door panels, and cup holders with a microfiber cloth and an appropriate cleaner to remove dust, dirt and grime.
As you organize, designate specific areas for essential items such as car maintenance supplies, emergency kit and personal belongings. Utilize storage solutions like organizers, bins and seatback pockets to keep items tidy and easily accessible. Finally, don’t forget the exterior & wash your car!
Clean Your Doors & Door Frames
Dust the surfaces of the doors and frames with a microfiber cloth or a feather duster to remove any loose dirt, dust and cobwebs. For stubborn dirt or grime, use a mild detergent mixed with warm water and a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the surfaces.
Pay special attention to areas around handles and locks where fingerprints and grease tend to accumulate. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry to prevent water spots or streaks. If your doors are made of wood, consider applying a wood cleaner or polish to restore their shine and protect the finish.
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