Why winter cleaning?
Winter cleaning is important before the snow flies. Ahh, that uncomfortable time of year when the days get shorter, the temperature starts to drop, and it begins to feel more like winter. The holidays are coming around and it is about time to pull out the decorations.
While most of us strongly prefer the transition from winter to summer, making the most of this time of year makes all the difference – so getting a head start on your winter cleaning is always a good idea.
You have heard of spring cleaning, but how about winter cleaning? While winter does not convey the same refreshing feeling of spring, that doesn’t mean you can’t freshen up your home even when there is snow on the ground.
So, if you are looking to jump on your winter cleaning, here is an official Winter Cleaning Checklist to keep your home looking healthy. You may want to modify or tweak this list depending on your home’s needs – it is by no means comprehensive, but it will get you started down the right path. If you are responsible for maintaining your property, you may want to consider doing some end of the year yard work before the snow comes. Do not forget to check off clearing out your gutters from all of the fall debris.
Change Furnace Filter
Why you should be doing it: A furnace filter that is clogged with dust, pet dander, and other particles will cause your furnace to work harder because of decreased airflow. Clean your filter to keep your furnace functioning to full form.
Clean Dishwasher
Why you should be doing it: Avoid a buildup of germs, food debris, and soap scum by cleaning your dishwasher.
Clean Your Microwave
Why you should be doing it: A microwave that is not cared for and cleaned regularly will be filled with food debris and other bacteria.
Clean Toilets
Why you should be doing it: Everyone’s favorite activity! It goes without saying what the importance is of cleaning your toilets. In the spring and winter months, it is nice to clear any hard water deposits from the sides of your toilets. It is a good winter cleaning checklist activity.
Clean Vents
Why you should be doing it: Vents can get clogged with substantial deposits of dust or debris if they are not cleaned often.
Clean Washer and Dryer
Why you should be doing it: As expensive items to replace, help your washer and dryer run more smoothly and efficiently by cleaning them. There can be a build up inside the washer, so be sure to hit all surfaces and remove any soap scum. Do not forget the dryer vent. Dryer vents collect lots of dust and need regular removal.
Dusting (surfaces, corners, edges)
Why you should be doing it: Because dust can carry pathogens that can cause illnesses, it is important to make sure you take the time to dust. It will also make your home more accommodating for those who are allergic to dust.
Go Through Your Pantry
Why you should be doing it: The winter is a good time to go through your pantry and get rid of expired food before you find yourself stocking up again, which we tend to do during the winter months and all of the holidays that come our way.
Oil Furniture
Why you should be doing it: Oiling wood furniture will help accentuate patterns in the wood and will keep your furniture safe from the environment, especially if it is outside.
Switch Out Your Clothing
Why you should be doing it: We can all be guilty of keeping too many clothes. Winter is a great time to go through your wardrobe and see what you wore in the warmer months vs. what you didn’t. Get rid of those clothes by either selling or donating them. Nothing feels better than a refreshed closet! The Minnesota Monthly just compiled a list of places that accept donations. Click HERE for more information.
Touch Up Paint
Why you should be doing it: Keep your home looking fresh and up to date with paint touch-ups regularly.
Vacuum
Why you should be doing it: There are plenty of reasons to vacuum your home, such as getting rid of insects that are seeking shelter in your carpet or rugs, skin cells that have fallen off of people, and other particles and debris that may be caught in your floor. Gross! Pull your vacuum apart and clean that too!
Wash Baseboards
Why you should be doing it: Baseboards are sometimes forgotten when it comes to cleaning your home. Make sure every detail of your home is looking good by washing your baseboards too.
Wash Bathroom Counters
Why you should be doing it: Your bathroom can contain a lot of bacteria and germs. Make cleaning your counters not just a winter cleaning checklist, but a weekly one.
Wash Floors
Why you should be doing it: It is important to wash your floors from time to time to get rid of any bacteria that may be lingering around, especially in the kitchen.
Wash Rugs
Why you should be doing it: Keep your rugs soft, get rid of stains, and keep your home healthy by getting rid of dirt, dust, and crumbs while washing your rugs.
Wash Walls
Why you should be doing it: You will often find marks on your wall, especially if you have kids, and wonder, well how did that get there? Instead of leaving those marks to accumulate over time, find some time to clean up your walls and keep your home looking pristine.
Wash Windows
Why you should be doing it: It is so nice to have clear windows, and with the sun beating on them all summer, there are certain to be some dust spots. Get out your squeegee and window washing kit and make the glass shine.
Wash Out Garbage Cans
Why you should be doing it: As you know, garbage is smelly. So, it stands to reason that your garbage cans themselves will eventually start to smell as well. Washing them out every now and then will certainly help.
A Little Overwhelmed With Your Winter Cleaning? Call ServiceMaster Today!
ServiceMaster has been a leader in the cleaning industry for more than 50 years. The high-quality service we are committed to providing for our clients has led to ServiceMaster being the preferred cleaning choice for many home and business owners.
When we come into your home or business, you can rest assured your possessions will be treated with the best care. The cleaning your property receives will be of the highest quality. No matter the size of the job, big or small, we will get it done for you!
