Summer’s almost here! Here is a quick in- and outdoor cleaning checklist to ensure you’ve hit all the major cleaning tasks to prep for a fun, comfortable summer season.
INDOORS
HVAC. If you’ve not done so at least once in the past year, bring in a professional service to inspect and clean all central HVAC equipment, ducts, vents, and air filters. For wall or window-based A/C units, remove and clean or replace filters; inspect to ensure all units are positioned correctly to drain moisture to the outside.
Mold/mildew zones. Inspect for and address any signs of mold and mildew growth, which summer’s humidity will be sure to feed. Hot spots for mold include: bathroom fans, shower curtains, bath mats, tub and tile, toilet tank, garbage disposal, and washing machine (especially front loaders).
Fans. Most portable fans can be easily disassembled for thorough cleaning. For ceiling fans, use an extender pole to clean safely or recruit at least one person to spot you on a ladder.
Lights. Remove and clean covers, recessed fixtures, even the bulbs for brighter summer nights.
Windows, sills, sashes, screens. Wash panes inside and out. Clear dead bugs and other debris from casings. Remove, hose down, and wipe screens, using a bit of degreasing dishwashing liquid if screens super grimy; dry screens in the sun, inspect and patch holes before reinstalling.
Window treatments. Remove and wash blinds and shades; either launder or send out curtains, drapes, valances, and other treatments for thorough cleaning.
Bedding. Flip, rotate, and vacuum mattresses (which should be done at least twice a year) and dust thoroughly in and around beds to remove last remnants of spring pollen.
Refrigerator/freezer. Deep clean fridge and defrost freezer to maximize space for fresh, light summer foods.
OUTDOORS
Patio/deck/balcony. Fix winter wear and tear, such as splintering or rotting wood, loose screws, raised nails, cracks, broken flagstones, stains, and so forth. Wash platters, cups, utensils and other items used for al fresco dining.
Furniture. Especially if patio furniture winters outside, address rust, rot, structural weakness, loose nails or screws. Consider re-painting, re-staining, and treating with rust repellant. Check and treat cushions, pillows, umbrellas, and other textiles for mold and mildew.
Grill. Fill propane tank; clean and inspect all gas lines and connections, clean or replace lava stones, and clean grill grates.
Planters. Seal all the nooks and crannies that make ideal nesting spots for wasps, hornets, and other stinging pests. When placing flowering plants in or around patios, decks, and balconies, research which blooms and scents are most attractive to stinging creatures—such as bees—and to welcome visitors, like butterflies and humming birds.
De-bug! Note that mosquitoes breed rapidly in standing water, so avoid having items around that might collect rainwater. If you live in a region where mosquito, tick, and other pest-borne illnesses present risks—or if you simply want to minimize your family’s exposure to bites—consider a professional service to protect your yard to minimize bugs and maximize summer fun. The founders of MaidPro have created the new mosquito and tick service, FlyFoe: the smarter way to protect your yard from mosquitoes, ticks, and other pesky pests! Check out FlyFoe to see if they service your area.
