5 Things You Need to Clean Before Summer

Summer is right around the corner — but before the sunbathing and BBQs commence, I know I need to take a few moments to address what really needs a refresh in my home and kitchen before the heat rolls in to stay. Because I want to soak up every bit of sun this year, I’m planning on spending as little time cleaning (and indoors!) as possible. 

Now that Memorial Day is over, it can be easy to overlook some of the sneaky spots in your home that may have been collecting dust and grime throughout the holiday season and busy spring. Luckily for you, I’ve done some of the heavy lifting and put together a list of the hidden places and things in your home you’ll probably forget to clean before the summer starts. To avoid pesky pests and unwanted smells and dust, here are the places you’ll definitely want to clean before June 20.

As the weather warms up and your home becomes stuffy and humid (unless you’re one of the lucky AC owners!), ceiling fans will probably be running on full-blast for the foreseeable future. However, before you turn the fan up to high, it’s important to inspect the blades and check for dust or dirt buildup. 

When ceiling fans go unused for a while, the layers of dust can build up on the blades, and if you turn it on after a few months of dormancy, all that icky stuff is going to fly everywhere. Not only is this gross, but it can also trigger seasonal allergies and make symptoms worse!

Warmer temperatures can cause food to spoil faster, leading to more odors coming from your trash can. It’s important to frequently wipe down and deodorize your trash can so foul smells don’t build up and make your whole home stink. Nasty smells (and trash, of course) can also attract pests like gnats and flies.

Similar to ceiling fans, air conditioning systems get extra use in the summer after not being turned on for months. It’s important to clean out the filter in your AC so that it can run as efficiently as possible. According to The Home Depot, a dirty filter can also require more energy to run, which increases your electricity bill.

Additionally, dirty filters can become a breeding ground for things like mold, bacteria, and allergens. Luckily, cleaning your AC filter is really simple. Just turn off your AC system, pop it open, and remove the filter. If it’s a disposable filter then it will have to be replaced, but if it’s a reusable one you can simply use your vacuum hose to get out any dust or grime. Then, soak the filter in equal parts water and vinegar for an hour. Let the filter fully dry before putting it back in your air conditioner.

I find that outdoor furniture is one thing I always tend to overlook when cleaning. Maybe it’s the whole out-of-sight, out-of-mind thing — but by the time I remember to clean it, it’s covered in a thick layer of dirt.

Outdoor furniture tends to get more use in the spring and summer, so it’s important to give it a quick refresh before you start entertaining. If you can, remove the covers on your pillows and cushions and throw them in the washer. Wash them on a cold, gentle wash with your detergent of choice. However, if you can’t remove the covers, simply spray down your furniture with this cleaner from CLR and scrub with a wire brush.

Another outdoor fixture that tends to get the most use in the summer is the humble grill. Over time, food and other debris can build up on the surface, which is why it’s important to not only clean it after every use, but also do a deep-clean every few months as well. If you haven’t opened your grill since you closed it last summer, don’t worry! 

Is there anything else you always clean before summer comes? Let us know in the comments below!