Winter brings many lovely things like, cozy nights by the fire, holiday celebrations, and beautiful snowy scenery. However, it also brings challenges when it comes to keeping your home clean. Between muddy boots, increased indoor activity, and winter grime, it can feel like your home is constantly in need of cleaning. With smart planning and a proactive approach, you can keep your home tidy and welcoming throughout the colder months.
Here are some essential tips for maintaining a clean home during the winter season.
One of the biggest culprits of winter mess is the snow, slush, and mud that gets tracked into your home. The best way to combat this is by setting up a designated area near your entryway to manage the mess before it spreads throughout the house. Add floor mats inside and outside your doors to capture dirt and moisture from shoes. Provide storage solutions for boots, coats, hats, and scarves, so wet and muddy items don’t clutter up your home. Boot trays and coat hooks are practical and easy to install. Encourage a no-shoes policy in your home. This can alleviate dirt or mud getting tracked onto your carpets and floors. You can offer slippers for guests and family members to keep their feet warm indoors.
As windows stay closed to keep out the cold, indoor dust can gather more quickly than usual. With heating systems running and increased time spent indoors, dusting is a must during winter months. You should dust surfaces regularly, including shelves, electronics, and baseboards. Pay extra attention to areas near heating vents or radiators where dust tends to gather. Try vacuuming more frequently to capture dust from carpets, rugs, and furniture. Consider vacuuming at least once a week, especially in high-traffic areas and rooms where you spend the most time.
If you have pets, winter cleaning can be even more of a challenge. Pets often spend more time indoors during the colder months, and their fur and dander can quickly accumulate on furniture, floors, and other surfaces. By brushing your pet(s) on a regular basis, this can reduce the amount of shedding and prevent pet hair from spreading throughout your home. You should also vacuum upholstered furniture and floors frequently to keep pet hair under control. Use an air purifier to help reduce airborne pet dander and allergens, especially if anyone in your household has allergies.
Though winter brings beautiful frosty views, it can also bring smudges and grime to your windows. Clean windows help let in natural light, making your home feel brighter and more inviting during the shorter days of winter. Wipe down windows and sills regularly to remove condensation and prevent mold or mildew from forming. Using a glass cleaner and water to remove smudges and streaks on the glass.
This winter weather can be hard on your floors, with salt, mud, and snow leaving behind filth. Regular floor maintenance is key to keeping your home clean and prolonging the life of your flooring. Sweep or vacuum floors daily in high-traffic areas to prevent dirt and grit from scratching and damaging your floors. Wash floors weekly to clean up any residue left behind. For carpeted areas, make sure to spot clean any stains from spills as soon as they happen to prevent them from setting in.
With more time spent indoors, it’s easy for clutter to build up during the winter months. Decluttering regularly can help keep your home feeling organized and clean. Make a habit of sorting through clutter once a week, especially in areas like the living room, kitchen counters, and entryways. Donate or store away items you don’t need or use during winter, such as seasonal decor or outdoor gear that isn’t needed until spring.
Winter is the perfect time to give extra attention to areas that see a lot of activity, such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Clean kitchen counters and appliances daily, as winter meals and holiday cooking can lead to increased spills and messes. Scrub the bathroom tiles and surfaces to prevent mildew, which can thrive in the warmer, damp environment created by steamy showers during colder months.
With windows closed and heating systems running, winter air inside your home can become dry and stale. By improving the quality of the air, you can help make a fresher and more comfortable environment. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can reduce dust and prevent dry skin and sinus issues. Ventilate your home by occasionally cracking a window for a few minutes to allow fresh air to circulate.
Winter is a great time to focus on cleaning household fabrics that often get overlooked. Dust and allergens can accumulate in linens and curtains over time, so give these items some extra attention during the colder months. Wash curtains, blankets, and pillows on a regular basis to keep them fresh and dust free. Clean bedding more frequently during winter months, as dust mites thrive in warmer indoor environments.
Winter cleaning can be overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling holiday preparations and a busy schedule. If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with cleaning tasks, Dust Queen can make a world of difference. Our team can handle everything. Let us take care of the dirty work so you can enjoy the winter months in a clean, welcoming home.