Although relaxing and vacationing should be at the top of your summer must-do list, cleaning is something that doesn’t magically disappear with the season of leisure rolls around.
And while some places in your home might not need as much cleaning, there are other places that require more.
Related: 7 Household Dilemmas and How to Solve Them
I’m not saying you need to drop everything and get to scrubbing and dusting, but it’s always good to know what tasks are necessary depending on the season.
So, if you’d like to prioritize your cleaning schedule (and get back to the things you like to do!), hopefully this list will be helpful.
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Air Vents
If there’s one MVP during the summer months, it’s your air conditioning. But when it’s running all the time, cleaning it might be in the back of your mind.
Take some time out of your week to make sure the vents are clear of any dust. You can wipe them down with a slightly damp cloth, and you can also use the brush attachment on a vacuum to get rid of excess dust.
If it’s been longer than you’d like to admit since you’ve cleaned your vents, unscrewing them from the wall and cleaning them in the sink with hot, soapy water might be necessary.
You’ll also want to check your AC filters. When they become clogged, they have to work harder. And you know what that means… higher energy bills. NO THANKS!
Patio
Are you a summer entertainer? Make sure your patio is in good shape by giving it a good clean-up!
Weed in between the sidewalk or stones on the ground and do some pest control if need be. If the ground is looking especially dirty, use a power washer to clean the patio. But if it’s just a bit dusty and dirty, a good broom session should do the trick?
Do you have patio furniture? Check out my blog HERE to learn how to clean it correctly!
Grill
While you’re out on the patio, it’s probably time to clean your grill! After all, it is grilling season. And if you want your meat to taste delish, those grates should be clear of debris.
Set the burners on high and close the lid to your grill for about 15 minutes to burn off any excess grease or food.
Then, take a grill brush to brush off anything that didn’t burn and fall.
After the grill cools (and it’s safe to touch), wipe down the inside with a stainless steel or multi-purpose cleaner.
Laundry
Summer means sweatier clothes, grass stains, pool/beach towels and more. And if you have pets that are dealing with the heat, they’ll shed more. too!
Click HERE to see how to remove household stains. And if odor is your main problem, add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle or 1/2 cup to the wash cycle.
Windows
Bring the bright summer sun indoors with the help of natural light! But to really make sure you’re making the most of that light, get those windows squeaky clean.
I love the Mrs. Meyers Mirror and Window Cleaner. It smells like lemon verbena and it leaves my windows spot-free. If you’d like to go the DIY route, you can create a simple glass cleaner with a 1:10 ratio of distilled vinegar to water.
Just make sure to use microfiber cloths to dry!
Refrigerator
No matter the season, it’s important to clean your refrigerator regularly. But with the start of a new season, you have a great excuse to do a deep clean!
Use soapy water and a sponge to wipe down drawers and shelves. You can also take out any removable parts and wash them in the sink.
I’m a little more careful with chemicals in my fridge, so I often disinfect the space with a towel that’s covered in diluted vinegar.
Appliances
Yes, your refrigerator is important. But so are your other appliances!
The warmer weather can cause mildew in your appliances which not only results in unclean surfaces, but a rotting smell as well.
I shared how to clean all of your appliances on a TODAY Show segment that you can find HERE.
Don’t forget the garbage disposal, too!
Trash Can
Why would you clean your trash can if you’re just going to throw more trash in it later today? Because the summer heat can make it more foul than usual — meaning that nasty smell will travel throughout your home.
Take the trash bin outside and wash it down with the hose to release any stuck-on food or scraps. Then, use a sponge or scrubber with soap and water and give it a good scrubbing.
With one extra rinse, you’ll have a fresh-smelling trash bin! (I also like to give it a thorough Lysol spray as well)
Bed Sheets and Linens
If you sweat more in your clothing, you’re likely sweating more in your bed as well. So, washing them more often is advised.
And I know those linens can get expensive. So if you want to save the fibers, be sure to wash your sheets on cool or warm — not hot! And because it’s nicer outside, you can save energy by air drying on a laundry line.
Garage
Summer is filled with fun happenings like outdoor games, gatherings on the patio, kids’ sports practices and travel. But that can also mean a messy garage.
Start the summer by tidying up a bit and designate areas in the garage for everything that belongs in the garage. Notice I say belongs.
The garage can easily become a dumping ground so if you have items that should go somewhere else, it’s time to move them! And if you have tools or equipment you no longer use, throw them away or donated them.
Hanging racks and shelves is another way to clear clutter while opening up floor space. The garage isn’t a place where you want to slip and fall!
