416-742-0082As the temperature drops and the leaves begin to fall to the ground, it is time to get your home ready for the colder months ahead. Most of these tasks you will have done during your spring cleaning, but there are a few more tasks that should be done specifically for winter. These tips will have your home looking bright and cozy – unlike the weather outside.
Clean your windows
It will be difficult to clean your windows once the snow starts to fall, so be sure to get to them while you still can. Use glass cleaner or a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid to clean your windows. Pick an overcast day so that you can see streaks better.
Do not forget the curtains and blinds either. Start by vacuuming or dusting the frame and valance. Use an upholstery attachment to clean drapes and the brush attachment for blinds. You could also submerge shades or blinds in cool water with some dishwashing liquid. Be sure to check the label to be sure it is safe to wash. Some wool, rayon, polyester, and cotton drapes can be machine washed on the delicate cycle. Silk, satin, lace, and linen should always be cleaned by a professional.
Change your furnace filter
This should be done with the change of every season (every three months) so if you have not done it in a while, do it now.
Declutter and reorganize
Go through your closet and either donate or sell items that are in good condition that you have not worn in more than a year. Toss out things that cannot be used again. Do the same for your attic and other closets. It may be difficult to part with items you have had for years, but it is easier to live with less clutter. It will also give you more room for your winter wardrobe.
Polish metal
Silver, brass, and copper add warmth and elegance to any home. It will tarnish over time, but it is easy to polish with a high-quality cleaner.
Dust, dust, and dust
Summer brings warm weather and, unfortunately, dust with it as well. Give your home a thorough cleaning by dusting from the baseboards to the ceilings, and all the woodwork in between. Do not forget about ceiling-mounted light fixtures either as a lot of dust tends to settle up there.
Clean the fabrics
Carpeting should be professionally cleaned since these dense fibres can easily trap debris – especially if you have pets. You should vacuum upholstery weekly to keep it looking its best. Protect the upholstery by using a screen on the vacuum nozzle to prevent fabric from being sucked in.
Clean your oven
Prep this kitchen appliance for holiday cooking and baking. Use oven cleaner for the interior and hand-wash racks. You can make oven cleaner by mixing baking soda and water into a paste and coating the oven with it. Be sure to avoid metal and heating elements. Let it stand overnight and use a plastic spatula to remove the paste. Use a wet sponge to wipe away remaining residue.
While cleaning out your closet and organizing your home are things only you can do, you can leave the rest of your winter cleaning to A1 Maids. Our professionals have years of experience making sure every nook and cranny is spotless. Call us today for a quote.
