Housecleaning in winter can be challenging with all the snow, cold, and humidity. But there’s no better way to kick off the new year!
A winter cleaning checklist may differ from what you would do in the spring. Here are some practical pointers.
Don’t Fear Open Windows
Many of us tend to keep our windows and doors permanently closed during the winter months to prevent heat loss. Nevertheless, airing out our houses or condos at least once a week is recommended for optimal air quality. Turn the heating off for about fifteen minutes and leave everything open wide: you’re sure to notice a difference in the air quality inside your home. This is also a great way to combat condensation between windowpanes.
Get the Entryway Ready
The entryway is the first area of the home to be exposed to snow, mud and salt. To start, lay absorbent rugs inside and outside the front door to reduce dirt and water build-up. A watertight boot tray and a coat rack will also prove useful for keeping wet winter gear organized. Regularly clean this zone by sweeping and wiping the floor to prevent stains and to stop salt residue from accumulating, which can damage surfaces.
Disinfect All Surfaces: Kill Those Germs!
Nobody wants to spend the first weeks of January laid up in bed. But what can we do? Winter is cold, flu, and germ sharing season after all! Stay healthy by frequently disinfecting all high-touch surfaces or objects—doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, handrails, etc.—with sanitizing wipes or a solution of water and vinegar. This aids in preventing the spread of viruses and preserving a healthy environment.
Maintain the Windows and Their Frames
Accumulating condensation on windows in winter can lead to mould. Clean the glass with a solution of water and white vinegar to remove all traces of dirt and to reduce fogging. Inspect and clean window frames to eliminate any potential mould growth. Another tip is to hang thermal curtains to retain heat while limiting condensation.
Freshen Fabrics
Carpets, curtains and blankets act as dust and allergen magnets, especially in winter as we spend so much more time indoors. Shake out or vacuum area rugs once a week. Wash the curtains and cushions according to the manufacturer’s instructions (ideally in the washing machine on the delicate cycle). Use washable slipcovers on upholstered furniture for easy maintenance.
Clean the Heating System (At Least Once This Winter!)
Heating systems run at full capacity during the cold months and must be well maintained to ensure optimal performance. Wipe the inside of your baseboard heaters with a damp cloth; replace or clean your forced-air furnace’s filters; dust the ventilation grilles (this advice goes for all air vents in fact). If you use a wood-burning stove or fireplace, have it inspected, and the flues swept to avoid fire hazards and keep the air that flows through them clean.
Battle Humidity and Prevent Mould
Humidity is a common problem in winter, especially in poorly insulated dwellings. But you can be proactive by running a dehumidifier in the rooms most prone to damp, like the basement and bathroom. This preventative measure will help you keep your home cleaner longer.
Be Tough on Dust
As they dust their homes, many people overlook key areas, leading to a build-up of particles and allergens in the air which are invisible to the naked eye. If you want to get at every nook and cranny, move every piece of furniture! Your space can’t be considered spotless if there’s still dirt behind and underneath furniture (beds, dressers, etc.), on top of overhead surfaces (fridge, shelves, bookcases, etc.), on the wood baseboards and radiators, or behind other hard-to-reach places (toilet, oven, etc.). And don’t forget the blinds, framed paintings and decor accessories. This can be a time-consuming chore, but it should be carried out once a month, particularly in winter when dust accumulates more quickly.
Remember the Walls and Ceilings…
Leave no corner unswept for the new year ahead! The walls and ceilings equally deserve some TLC. You can use a floor mop (preferably a new one) for this task. Add hot soapy water, and hey presto! For tougher to clean areas, opt for a brush or a multi-surface sponge cleaner (Magic Eraser). Here’s a tip: don’t use overly abrasive products that might fade the wall paint.
And Inside Your Drawers and Cubbies
Unfortunately, just because you can’t see it, that doesn’t mean it’s clean. If you want to make sure you’ve done a thorough job, empty every drawer, cabinet and storage compartment and carefully wipe down the interior surfaces. It might likewise be wise to clean each item individually before putting back where it belongs.
Declutter Your Overflowing Closets
What articles of clothing didn’t you wear last summer? What doesn’t fit the children anymore? What objects in the closet are you holding on to, yet no longer use? Your trash might be someone else’s treasure at the right price. Or you could gift or donate the items. Either way, before you return the clothes you’re keeping to the closet, make certain you clean it from top to bottom (including the walls, baseboards, shelves and floor).
A deep winter clean means you can start the new year off right! A neat and well-maintained home guarantees a safe and comfortable living environment, even during the coldest months of the year.