As the days grow longer, it’s the perfect opportunity to shake off the dust from the colder months and breathe a fresh, vibrant atmosphere into your living spaces.
From easy tasks that make a big difference in your indoor living areas, to outdoor chores that enhance your home’s curb appeal, these summer cleaning tips are your guide to maintaining a radiant home during the warmest months of the year. Whether you’re targeting the kitchen, the patio, or everything in between, let’s turn up the sunshine in every nook and cranny of your home this summer.
Embrace the (literally) radiant energy of the season with our comprehensive summer cleaning tips designed to make your home sparkle both inside and out.
Tip #1: Clean and/or Replace Filters
Kick off your summer cleaning checklist by inspecting and cleaning or replacing all the filters in your home – including your furnace, oven hoods, and A/C filters if you have them.
It is important to regularly clean or replace filters to maintain the efficiency and optimal functioning of equipment; it’s also a safety issue since dirty filters both circulate dirty air (which you breathe) and in some cases can increase fire risk in your home.
Remember that these maintenance activities should be performed on a quarterly basis.
Tip #2: Check Out Your Attic
If you call the Cleveland area home as we do, you probably have an attic – and you probably don’t go up there often. During the summer when it’s more tolerable to do so, take a moment to inspect your attic for signs of moisture, mold, or pest infestations.
Proper ventilation and insulation in the attic ensure a comfortable indoor temperature during summer; declutter the space and consider adding insulation if needed for better energy efficiency in colder months, and you’ll also save on your energy bills!
Tip #3: Inspect Showers/Tubs & Re-Caulk
This is one of those summer cleaning tips that will help you maintain a happy wallet and a watertight home: inspecting the caulking around showers, bathtubs, and sinks.
Over time, caulking can degrade, discolor, gather mold, and compromise watertight seals, leading to leaks and mold growth. Investing in caulk replacement will prevent water from stealthily infiltrating your walls – and keep your home cleaner in the place you go to get clean. By doing this during the summer, the caulk will seal more quickly thanks to warmer temperatures.
Tip #4: Check Your Insulation
In addition to looking at the insulation in your attic, you should evaluate the condition of insulation in your home is another of the best summer cleaning tricks you can use.
The insulation of your home is crucial to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and enhance energy efficiency. So, go around and check, if you have access to the insulation in your home. If you have to, remove any damaged or insufficient insulation. Be sure to double-check safety requirements for working with insulation, and wear a mask to stay safe when removing or replacing insulation.
Tip #5: Have Your Roof Inspected, Cleaned and/or Repaired
Don’t overlook this tip. Schedule a professional roof inspection to ensure that your roof is in good condition and ready to withstand the elements. A thorough roof inspection conducted by a professional can identify any issues such as damaged shingles, loose tiles, or potential leaks.
Also, you can consider having your roof professionally cleaned and/or repaired. Over time, debris, leaves, moss, and algae can accumulate, compromising the integrity of your roof. Trust me – you’ll be grateful for doing this summer cleaning tip when it’s rainy or snowy in a few months and you have that peace of mind.
Tip #6: Inspect Gutters & Downspouts
You can hire someone to do this – or have the roofers do it when inspecting your roof. Either way, keep your gutters and downspouts in optimal condition by removing accumulated leaves, twigs, and debris.
Unclogging these vital components prevents water backups that can harm your home’s foundation, and roofing, and can cause leaks. Ensuring unobstructed water flow helps safeguard your property and protect both your investment and your sense of comfort at home.
Tip #7: Keep Your Grill Clean
Summer calls for outdoor barbecues, so it’s time to ensure your grill is in top shape. Clean the grates, wipe down the exterior, and check the propane tank or charcoal supply. Remember to verify all gas/propane connections are secure and functioning correctly so nothing gets in the way of your grilling day!
Tip #8: Give Your Deck a Once-Over
Get your outdoor space ready for gatherings by giving your deck a comprehensive cleaning. Remove debris, use a power washer if necessary, and apply a fresh coat of sealant or stain to safeguard the wood from summer elements.
While not strictly cleaning, you can fix also any loose boards or nails to ensure it’s actually safe to be on your porch in the first place. (You should probably start with this one!)
Tip #9: Consider Pressure Washing Your Home
This is one of the less-known summer cleaning tips. Pollen, dirt, and environmental elements can wreak havoc on the exterior of your home; here in Cleveland, some types of siding will also gain moss depending on the direction they point during the cold, sunless winter months.
To restore the shine of the outdoor surfaces you can use pressure washing techniques. Clean your driveways, sidewalks, patio, and outdoor furniture to remove dirt, grime, and mildew that may have accumulated over time. There’s nothing like a rejuvenated outdoor area!
Tip #10: Prune Flowers, Bushes & Trees
This one should probably be in a spring rather than a summer cleaning tips list. But, some of us are not that organized, or notice that the greenery outside is getting a bit out of hand after all the sun.
Take advantage of long summer days by pruning your flowers, bushes, and trees. Eliminate dead branches and spent flowers to encourage healthy growth. You might also consider adding new plants to your garden for a burst of color; it’s like adding decor inside your home – but outside where you’re spending more time during this lovely season of the year!
Tip #11: Have You Chimney Swept
If you have a fireplace and chimney in your home that you use during the colder months, you absolutely want to ensure your chimney is clean and free of blocks, obstructions, nests, animals – there are a lot of things that can get stuck (or stick themselves) in your chimney!
Hire a chimney cleaning company to come out, inspect, and clean your chimney to ensure that the first time you fire up your fireplace results in a cozy experience, rather than one where you’re coughing from smoke filling your home.
If you’d like to chat with Summit Maids about scheduling an appointment to help you tackle some of these issues, feel free to click the chat bubble in the lower corner of this screen, give us a call at 216-877-8835, or book online in less than 60 seconds by clicking the button below.
