A Complete Summer House Cleaning Guide

Summer in Australia is the perfect time of the year for coastal road trips, beach visits, camping and festive parties. However, the same season brings humidity, long warm days and scorching heat in certain regions of the nation. This creates ideal conditions for mould, mildew, dust buildup, germs and bad odours, deteriorating your home’s hygiene levels.

When the heat is on, housekeeping chores become quite challenging. Unfortunately, the dirt, gunk and allergen accumulation can cause discomfort, especially for people with pre existing allergies and respiratory disorders. Of course, you may feel tired, but keep yourself engaged and focused to achieve spotless results.

Worry not! Here is a complete guide to help you deep clean your home during summer. Ensure you pay special attention to damp and humid areas, compact spaces and cluttered rooms to keep dust and other allergens at bay. If you are vacating your rental home during summer, book  a top quality end of lease cleaning Canberra in advance and prepare your property for a hassle free move out experience.

1. What are the Common Summer Cleaning Challenges?

Cleaning a home during a peak heat season comes with its own set of challenges, including:

• Increased Mould Growth Due to Heat and Humidity: Poorly ventilated crannies in bathrooms, kitchen and bedrooms are hotspots for mould stains during summer due to increased heat and high humidity.
• Germ Laden Bathrooms: Lethal germs like e.coli, etc tend to grow when the bathroom condensation elevates. Damp towels, toilet seats, shower curtains and tiles are the breeding grounds for germs.
• Greasy Surfaces: Believe it or not! Grease, dust, and grime quickly accumulate on walls, kitchen appliances, and the backsplash area due to excess heat and humidity.
• Tackling Unpleasant Odours: Sweat, poor ventilation and moisture contribute to persistent unpleasant odour, which may ruin the overall home environment.
• Airflow: Good airflow is often neglected during summer. Poor indoor airflow can trap moisture, increase indoor air pollutants and make the home feel hotter.

2. Keep Exhaust Fans and Air Vents Clean

Exhaust fans remove warm, stuffy air, creating a fresh, breathable indoor environment. When cleaning your home in Summer, pay attention to these areas.

How to clean a filthy exhaust fan? Unplug the fan to prevent electrical hazards. Carefully, remove the fan mesh and submerge it in a hot, soapy water for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, remove loose dirt from exhaust fan blades and filters using a damp microfibre cloth. Also, degrease the filter using a white vinegar solution. Gently scrub and wash before reinstalling.

Follow the same approach when cleaning the air vent of your HVAC system. Firstly, vacuum dust and dirt using a brush attachment. Ensure you wash the cover with soapy water and dry it. Wipe inside the vent with a clean cloth.

3. Dust your Home Top to Bottom

Did you know dust tends to stick on surfaces due to high humidity levels during summer? So, it is good to follow a top to bottom dusting approach when tackling accumulated dust, pollen and other allergens. End of lease cleaning Canberra professionals recommend a telescopic duster to reach high ceilings. Start with your ceiling fans, light fixtures, and fittings, and work your way down to windows, blinds, and floors.

4. Clean your Windows for Bright Natural Light and Fresh Air

Remove dust from sills, frames and glass surface using a microfibre cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool (for nooks and crannies). Next, spray a white vinegar and warm water solution, then gently scrub with a sponge to remove grime, gunk, and other stains. Lastly, run a rubber squeegee to prevent streaks.

Tip: Clean your windows in the evening because direct sunlight dries the water or cleaning solution quickly, leaving streaks behind.

5. Deep Cleaning Your Kitchen

Start from the kitchen cabinets as they attract cooking grease quickly during summer. You can use baking soda as a natural degreaser. Gently scrub in a circular motion, then wipe down with a sponge or clean cloth. Also, clean and degrease a range hood and its filter.

Kitchen appliances also need attention, especially your oven, BBQ and refrigerator. You can use eco friendly cleaning products to remove buildup, grease, food splatters and other stubborn stains from your oven and BBQ.

How to clean a fridge? Remove all expired food, leftover food, and empty your fridge. Now, remove drawers and other removable parts and soak them in hot, soapy water. Meanwhile, clean the interiors like walls, doors, handles and crannies using all natural cleaner.

Clean the sink, faucets, and unclog the garbage disposal with baking soda, vinegar and lemon. Make sure you disinfect kitchen hotspots, such as cabinet handles, trash cans, light switches, and faucets, with rubbing alcohol.

6. Cleaning a Dirty Bathroom

Pay special attention to your bathroom, especially during the summer, to keep germs and allergens at bay.

• Scrub your shower, glass doors and sink with a sponge and vinegar solution.
• Wash shower curtains in hot water.
• Clean the bathtub and toilet using baking soda and castile soap
• Clean and sanitise sink, taps, and counters
• Polish mirrors
• Wash or replace damp towels with clean ones
• Clean tiles and grout lines

Make sure you hire experts when moving out to get your bond back without any dispute.

7. Tackle Mould and Mildew Naturally

You can use 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide or vinegar + tea tree oil to combat mould and mildew stains from your home. You should look for initial signs and tackle the mould and mildew infestation as quickly as possible. Keep doors and windows open when cleaning to prevent allergy triggers.

8. Bedroom Cleaning is a Must

Make sure you dust your bedroom daily. This includes your lamps, beds, and dressers. For curtains and blinds, you can vacuum them weekly. Change your bed linens in 10 days and wash a dirty sheet in hot water.

9. Freshen up your home

Summers tend to linger, with the stench of sweat and humidity. So, freshen up your home using all natural methods. You can spray all natural essential oils, such as lavender, rose, etc to enjoy a fresh smelling home. However, if the smell still lingers, hire professionals for a guaranteed end of lease cleaning Canberra. They know the best methods to banish lingering smells and stubborn stains, preventing bond deductions.

Infographic For Summer House Cleaning Tips

Wrapping Up

Aussies usually love the festive vibe of summer, thanks to Christmas and New Year celebrations. However, house cleaning is equally essential to keep allergens and gunk at bay. You can follow the tips shared above and enjoy a spotless home in summer as well.