The heat of summer is beginning to let up and back-to-school is in full swing which means our homes are probably in need of some end of summer cleaning. The changing of seasons signals change in many areas of our lives and homes. As we shift from the relaxed summer pace into the busier mode of school and fall, our homes will shift as well.
If you’re trying to get the home clean and organized to handle homework, studying and the back-to-school season, be sure to check out this blog post.
Implementing cleaning and organizational changes indoors and out can ensure a smooth end-of-summer transition and make your home feel relaxed, peaceful, and ready for the coming months. Be sure to check out the list here for one of the many fall festivals in Bucks County.
First, we’ll cover the outdoors.
Beach And Swimming:
Wash your swimming towels on the hottest setting your washing machine allows. If they’re musty smelling from being balled up wet, add one cup of distilled white vinegar and some essential oil to the drum of your washer. Thoroughly machine dry.
Goggles, floaties, pool, and beach toys can be washed by mixing 1 cup of baking soda per gallon of warm water. Soak the toys for five minutes. Let them air dry and store them in a container to remove dust and debris.
Backyard and Patio:
Whether it’s patio furniture and tablecloths or camping gear, washing and storing your items properly will make them easier to get out next summer. Your future self will thank you for leaving them clean and organized.
Wash any patio or lawn furniture with warm water and vinegar. For wood furniture, use one cup of vinegar per gallon of water. For plastic and resin, use one cup of vinegar per two gallons of water. Metal furniture can be cleaned with soap and warm water. Avoid abrasive sprays, bleaches, and cleaners. Let items air dry in the sun.
Wash any outdoor tablecloths by wiping them with soap and warm water. Clean the plastic side of the tablecloth, but do not spray the flannel backing. To clean the whole thing, machine-wash using the gentle cycle. Machine-dry on the delicate cycle for about 15 minutes. This is just enough time to remove the creases caused by machine washing but not long enough to harm the vinyl. If the cloth is still damp, line-dry.
Clean the grill and barbecue thoroughly, removing any grease and food buildup. Store grilling tools and accessories together.
Camping Gear:
Wet tents and sleeping bags are breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and bacteria. Turn bags and tents inside out. Shake to remove as much sand and dirt as possible, then brush or vacuum away the remaining residue.
Sleeping bags should be washed according to manufacturer instructions and thoroughly dried.
When washing tents, spot clean first, then immerse in soap and water in your bathtub or a large sink if necessary. Rinse your tent thoroughly and dry it completely before storing it.
REI recommends using special cleaners for outdoor equipment, such as Nikwax or Tech Wash® for general cleaning, and an enzyme cleaner, such as MiraZyme™ for mildew and foul odors.
Regarding your interior deep cleaning, call Maid For You of Warminster. We’ll make your to-do list shorter! New clients can save $100 when they book their deep clean with recurring service. Get a quote at www.themaidforyou.com
Here’s how to address the interior for your end-of-summer cleaning.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that rings true for the interior of the home. Catch dirt, debris, and leaves at the entryway by placing a rug, mat, or shoe tray and becoming a shoe-free household.
Declutter Living Areas, Closets, Pantry & Kitchen Cabinets:
Go through magazines, books, and other clutter that might have accumulated. Store away summer decor items. Toss out old and almost empty sunscreens.
Sort summer clothes and pack away what you won’t need until next year. Bring out fall clothing.
Check for expired or old items, especially summer-specific foods, and reorganize as needed.
Deep Clean & Disinfect
Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs: Consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional to clean carpets and rugs. This will remove dirt, allergens, and stains from summer activities.
Doors & Windows: Clean both the inside and outside of windows. Use a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial glass cleaner. Remember to clean window sills and tracks, which can accumulate dirt and bugs.
Air Conditioning and Fans: Clean or replace the air filters in your HVAC system. Dust and wipe down ceiling fans and portable fans.
Bathrooms: Deep clean tiles, grout, and shower curtains. Replace any moldy or mildewed bath mats or liners.
Bedrooms: Wash all bed linens, including comforters and mattress covers. Flip or rotate mattresses to promote even wear—vacuum under beds and clean behind furniture.
Kitchen: Clean the refrigerator and freezer, discarding expired or freezer-burned items.
Wipe down cabinets, counters, and appliances. Run a cleaning cycle on the dishwasher and descale the coffee maker.
Dust: Dust all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and light fixtures.
Floors: Sweep, mop, and vacuum all floors, paying particular attention to high-traffic areas.
Consider using a floor polish or sealant for wood and tile floors to protect them.
Safety Items
Safety Check: Check and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Review the contents of your first aid kit and restock as necessary.
Get Ready To Enjoy Fall
We hope this list leaves your home clean and organized inside and out so you’re ready to enjoy those pumpkin spice lattes this fall! As you plan and prepare for fall, think ahead to the holidays which will be here before we know it and consider a pre-holiday deep clean and get it scheduled now.
For a free, no-obligation quote call Maid For You by phone call: 215-370-7993 or visit www.themaidforyou.com .