We’re all familiar with the idea of spring-cleaning, but what about winter-cleaning? Clutter and mess accumulates over time, and waiting until the snow melts before taking care of it makes the job overwhelming and impossible to manage.
Besides, nobody wants to leave their house in the middle of a snow storm, so why not make the most of your time indoors by getting a head start on those dreaded chores instead of waiting until March when you actually want to be outside.
With that in mind, here are 5 tips to keeping your home spotless in the winter months!
Invest in Floor Mats
This isn’t so much of a cleaning tip as it is a preventative measure, but investing in floor mats will make a huge difference when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Snow, mud, and salt are the biggest offenders to home-cleanliness during in the winter, so catch them at the door before they have a chance to stain the floor!
Check Your Furnace Filters
Even though you’re probably not using your furnace during the summer months, it’s still accumulating dust and dirt. This means that when you turn it on for the first time when the temperature drops, the air will be filled with undesirable particles. Clean and change your filters regularly to avoid this problem, and keep your furnace working in tip-top condition for longer.
Sweep the Chimney
Leaving your chimney unattended leads to huge build-ups of soot and grime which will prevent proper smoke ventilation—a huge health concern for you and your family. While it is possible to clean your chimney yourself if you have the proper tools, we’d recommend hiring a professional at least once a year to make sure the job is done correctly.
Clean Your Mattresses
Mattresses should be cleaned at least twice a year to avoid dust mites, and the beginning of winter is the perfect time to do this. Simply remove sheets, vacuum one side, then flip it and vacuum the other. Maintain this cleanliness by investing in a mattress cover.
Clear Out the Closet
As the winter parkas and woolly coats get pulled out, you’ll without a doubt be hard-pressed to find ample closet space. Use this as an opportunity to sort through all your old coats, shoes, and accessories, and either give away or donate anything you’re not still using.
Organize Attic
There’s a good chance you’ll be heading into the attic this season, whether it’s to pull out Christmas lights or stow away those summer toys until next season. While you’re up there, why not take the opportunity to organize boxes and get rid of anything that’s just collecting dust and wasting space?