Winter is the perfect time to give your home a thorough cleaning. With snow days offering extra time and longer hours of daylight, now is a great time to check winter cleaning off your list. To help you get started, we’ve put together a comprehensive winter cleaning checklist for a clean and healthy home. From dusting to decluttering, our winter cleaning tips will make sure that every inch of your house gets the attention it deserves. Keep reading to learn how to make the most of your winter cleaning!
Clean Your Washing Machine
While the cold and flu season has us all taking extra precautions to stay healthy, making sure that your washing machine is in tip-top shape should also be on the agenda. Doing a deep clean on your washer every winter can help prevent bacteria from forming and spreading, ensuring a clean and healthy home. Here are some winter cleaning tips for a deep clean of your washing machine:
1. Begin by running an empty cycle with hot water and a few tablespoons of baking soda. This will help loosen dirt and residue that might be lingering in your machine.
2. Wipe down the inside of the washer drum and the door seals with a cloth dampened with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent. Be sure to pay special attention to these areas, as they collect bacteria and mold.
3. Once the inside has been cleaned, wipe down the outside with a cloth dampened with warm water and mild detergent. This will help remove any grime or dust that has built up over time.
4. Finally, run a full cycle with hot water and one cup of white vinegar to help remove any residual detergent buildup. This will leave your washer looking like new and ensure it stays that way for the long winter ahead.
Go through Your Pantry
It’s important to include your pantry in your winter cleaning checklist. Start by checking the expiration dates on all of your food items. Throw away anything expired or close to expiring. It’s a good practice to keep the pantry organized and to store food items in airtight containers. This will help keep any pests out and prevent contamination. For a deep clean, use a vacuum to clean up any crumbs or dust that may have accumulated in hard-to-reach areas.
Wash All Bedding
Washing your bedding is especially important during cold and flu season when germs can easily spread. Taking the time to launder all sheets, pillowcases, duvets, and blankets will keep your family safe and healthy.
Start with your mattress pad and work your way up. Wash each item in hot water and a gentle detergent. Be sure to read the labels for washing instructions if they’re not the same for each item. After the items have been washed and dried, it’s a good idea to vacuum your mattress to remove any remaining dirt or dust.
For pillows, you can either machine wash them or spot-clean them with a damp cloth and mild detergent. If you opt to machine wash them, use the delicate setting and a mild detergent. For feather or down pillows, place a few tennis balls in a sock and add them to the dryer to help fluff them up after they’ve been washed.
Dust Ceiling Fan Blades
Make sure you don’t overlook the importance of dusting your ceiling fan blades. They can accumulate a significant amount of dust and grime, especially during the winter when windows are closed and air circulation is limited. Dust buildup on fan blades can cause poor air quality in the home and even reduce the efficiency of your fan.
To get started, turn off the fan and use a ladder to carefully reach up and dust the fan blades with a soft cloth or microfiber duster. If there is excess grime, you may need to use a slightly damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. For a winter deep clean, you may also consider removing each blade and wiping them down one at a time. Once complete, turn on the fan to make sure all blades are spinning correctly.
Disinfect Commonly Touched Places
A winter cleaning checklist should always include disinfecting commonly touched places. This will help prevent the spread of germs that can cause colds, Covid-19, and other illnesses.
Start by wiping down doorknobs, handles, light switches, phones, and remotes with a disinfectant cleaner or wipes. Be sure to wear gloves while you are disinfecting to avoid transferring germs to yourself or others.
Let Our Professionals Help with Some of Your Winter Cleaning Needs
Winter cleaning can be daunting, and we understand that sometimes it’s just too much to take on. That’s why hiring a professional cleaning service is a great way to keep your home clean and sanitized during the winter season.
Four Seasons Cleaning is equipped with the latest technology and methods to get your home spotless and germ-free. Don’t stress about your winter cleaning this year – let our professionals take care of it for you!
We offer one-time, bi-weekly, and monthly cleaning services in Seattle and surrounding areas including Redmond, WA, Kirkland, WA, Mercer Island, WA, Woodinville, WA, Bellevue, WA, and more! Call us today at (425) 821-4503 to schedule your first cleaning or book online!
