5 Winter House Cleaning Tasks to Add to Your Routine
The winter season is here, and it's time to think about how to keep your homes clean and cozy. Like any other season, winter challenges us with some specific cleaning needs. While you likely don’t have the same motivation for home maintenance as during other, warmer seasons with longer days, some unique tasks will absolutely demand your attention now. So, let’s dive into a winter-specific cleaning routine. Here’s a list of some tasks to add to your cleaning checklist, whether you handle it all yourself or rely on a cleaning company.
1. Staying on Top of Clutter
When the entire family is spending more time indoors, clutter can pile up quite easily. Among other things, winter gear like coats, boots, scarves, and hats simply takes up more space and can make it feel overcrowded and harder to clean. The solution? Regular decluttering and smart solutions to prevent future clutter. So, regularly donate or recycle items that you don’t use and that just take up space. Designate spots for frequently-used items and store away anything you don’t need daily. A little decluttering goes a long way!
2. Keeping Dust Under Control
Closed windows and constant heating make dust a bigger challenge than usual. During winter, dust circulates more and settles faster, especially on surfaces like furniture, shelves, and decor. To stay ahead, dust regularly using a microfiber cloth or a Swiffer duster. Don’t forget to give extra attention to areas like heating vents, baseboards, and ceiling fans, all of which are a bit out-of-sight but can accumulate a lot of dust and impact the air quality. Tacking dust regularly during winter months is how you keep your home clean and your indoor air fresh.
3. Sanitizing High-Touch Areas
Unfortunately, winter months usually overlap with the cold and flu season. Germs are everywhere, but cold temperatures and more people gathering indoors means it’s easier for them to spread. To mitigate the risk, make sure to regularly sanitize all frequently touched surfaces and used items. Door handles, light switches, remotes, and even drawer pulls can harbor harmful microorganisms, so arm yourself with a proper chemical disinfectant and wipe these spots whenever you can to make your home environment as healthy as it can be.
4. Regular Bathroom Cleaning
Thanks to steamy showers and reduced ventilation, bathrooms may also require some extra care in the winter. Moisture buildup creates the perfect conditions for mold to grow and spread, especially in grout, tiles, and shower curtains. So, stick to your regular bathroom cleaning routine, but add to it the task of treating these problem spots with a product designed to combat or prevent mold. Make sure that the bathroom fan is running properly, and ventilate the air whenever possible!
5. Making Sure the Fixtures Shine
Days are noticeably shorter in winter, so you’ll rely more on artificial lighting to keep your home comfortable. Because of this, your lighting and other fixtures may need a bit more attention now. If they’re dirty and dusty, they can easily reduce brightness and dull the ambiance before you even notice. So, add dusting and wiping all those chandeliers, recessed lights, lamps, ceiling fans, and any other fixtures you can to your winter cleaning checklist. Bright, clean fixtures will make your space feel lighter and more inviting, perfect for those long winter evenings.
Final Notes
No matter what it seems like, winter cleaning doesn’t have to be this huge burden or an overwhelming task. It’s all about focusing on the right things and keeping the space healthy, fresh, and cozy. And if you’re ever struggling to find time or energy for any of it, remember that professional cleaners are always just a call away. They can handle the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to enjoy the warmth and comfort of your home. No matter your approach, making sure that your cleaning routine works for the season makes winter all the more enjoyable!
