10 Pro Tips for Winter Cleaning

Everyone understands the benefits of spring cleaning, right? But did you know that there are certain things you should attend to every winter? Together you and your professional cleaning crew can tackle these tasks. Doing so ensures specific components of your house perform efficiently, thus saving you money on energy costs. Furthermore, they make perfect activities for when you are snowed in or hunkered down, safe from the cold. Here are 10 pro tips for winter cleaning.

1. Take Care of Your HVAC

Every winter, replace your air filters and consider having your air ducts and vents professionally cleaned. According to the EPA, it is best to replace filters at least every three months. We recommend more often in months where you use your HVAC heavily, like summer and winter. It not only makes sure the air stays clean but ensures steady airflow. Furthermore, replacing your air filters also help reduce on furniture and floors. Cleaning your ducts and vents also clears away excessive build-up, once again ensure proper air-flow. It also removes allergens which can get trapped within your home and cause issues all year long.

2. Clean Behind the Fridge

At least once a year, pull your fridge away from the wall. Clean not only the wall and floor but the refrigerator coils. Dirty coils affect energy efficiency and could increase your energy costs from $5 to $10 a month. While this seems insignificant, it adds up. Furthermore, over time, dirty coils could cause damage and reduce the overall lifespan of the appliance. For safety, ALWAYS unplug your refrigerator before cleaning and any maintenance. Also, you may need to rebalance the unit once you move it back. Not sure how to do that? Consult your manufacturer’s user guide. This is also an excellent time to take everything out of the fridge and give the interior a good wipe down.

3. Reduce the Clutter

We have dedicated entire articles to this topic. But, we cannot express to you more: if you want your house to stay tidy between cleanings, organization is key! The more clutter laying around, the more items to get dirty and dusty. If nothing else, consider seasonal storage — no need to have swim gear laying around in winter, or snow boots in the summer.

4. Clean the Dryer Vents

We professionally clean dryer vents. You would never believe the amount of lint we pull for hosing and the back of dryers. It is one of those “out of sight, out of mind” tasks most homeowners never think about. But did you know excess lint build up not only effects your dryer’s efficiency, but it is also a fire hazard? While it is super important to empty the lint filter every time, you should consider cleaning the venting system annually.

5. Deep Clean the Kitchen

While you are winter cleaning, it is a great time to organize and dust out drawers and cabinets. It is also ideal for cleaning and organizing your pantry. Get rid of any expired foods or damages Tupperware that is missing lids. De-grime backsplashes and hood vents. You don’t typically open windows in winter, so cleaning these items could help reduce strong cooking odors. These are all perfect annual services for your professional cleaners.

6. Steam Carpets and Furniture

Winter weather brings with it cold, snowy and mud. While you may think steam cleaning in winter is counterintuitive, we urge you not to let the stains settle. Address them right way, and they are much easier to clean up. Consider professional steam cleaning for heavily soiled furniture or high traffic areas.

7. Wash the Windows

Don’t do windows? That’s ok; the professionals love to! Cleaning your windows brightens the house — a significant component for fighting the winter blues. Winter is also an ideal time to launder all window treatments which can hold on to allergens and dust.

8. Chimney Sweep

Maintaining your chimney is essential. It not only reduces the risk of chimney fires but ensures the air in your home is healthy. Professional services are your best route for safe cleaning with minimal impact on the rest of the house’s cleanliness.

9. Clean and Degrease the Oven

In colder months your oven probably sees a lot of action. With Holiday cooking and baking, plus preparing comfort foods for chilly days, it can become quite a sticky mess. Cleaning your oven prevents smoking and fires and reduces strong food odors.

10. Hire The Pros

While some people look forward to the cold weather and anticipate following these pro tips for winter cleaning, many of us just do not have the time. Contact Maid Healthy. We can handle all your deep cleaning. This winter have a happy, healthy, and clean home. Let us take care of the work, so you can take care of your family, and have the time to enjoy the things you love. You deserve it! Schedule an appointment today.