We are all familiar with spring cleaning, but have you heard of summer cleaning? With the heat on its way and our summer days winding down, there is a whole list of projects that you can do to better prep your home before fall is here.

1. Have a clear view

Kids love to play outside during the summer. Take an afternoon to clean your windows so you can keep an eye on the little ones and have a great view of the bright summer colors. Make it a fun activity with your children and keeping each other cool during the process with the bucket of water. Who doesn’t love to play with water in the summer heat?

2. Keep the dust away

Avoid spreading dust throughout the home by cleaning your vents and fans. Here are a couple key areas to consider –

• One appliance that becomes especially dusty is the ceiling fan blades. Attach a dryer sheet to a paint roller with rubber bands to roll the dust away!

• You might not notice the bathroom vents but they are there and buildup can make them noisy and inefficient. Be sure to clean these to avoid the possibility of getting mold in the bathroom! If you are able to remove the vent screen, take down, vacuum, rinse and replace. If you are unable to remove, take a handheld vacuum up to the vent and remove any dust.

3. Outside tune ups

Take a look around your backyard and see what needs a little extra work.

• You may be interested in barbecuing this summer, so cleaning your outdoor cooker would be recommended.

• If you have a wood deck in your backyard, do a quick inspection to make sure there aren’t any loose boards or nails sticking up. It’s never pleasant stepping on a nail! Also check if your deck needs to be resealed. Pour water on the boards and if the water beads up, you’re good to go. If it soaks in, it’s time to reseal.

• For those of you with porches, take some time to sweep and then mop with all-purpose cleaner. Every porch deserves a little polish!

4. Time for a check-up

Over time, some household appliances need to be checked to make sure they are working properly.

• Starting inside, check your smoke detectors to make sure that they are still functioning correctly. It may be time to switch the batteries out.

• Check the bathroom walls around the bath and shower for mold. Sometimes hot winter showers can create moisture build-up in the walls, creating mold. Also check the sinks for any dripping from the head and from underneath.

• Head out into the halls and inspect the vent filters. You want your AC to work to its fullest potential and clean vent filters will help! It is recommended for these to be replaced every 3 months.

• Check your hoses and exterior faucets for leaks. Even a small, slow drip can add up to a big waste of water.

Utilize these tips to get your home summer ready. With a more clean and efficient home, you will be able to enjoy the last month of summer knowing that your home is in tip-top shape!

Author: Ashley De Young

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