While spring cleaning is behind us, the summer months bring a whole host of new cleaning tasks that need to be tackled lest our houses become hotspots for dirt, pollen, and germs.
As July rolls around, we will have been starting to spend more time outdoors and with our windows and doors open, resulting in new messes and hidden dirt spots to tackle if we want to stay healthy and enjoy the rest of the good weather.
With that in mind, these are the six things to clean in July, with smart cleaning tips, to keep your home hygienic in the hottest months and prepare your space for hosting guests.
Things to clean in July
These six things to clean in hot weather will keep your home fresh throughout the summer months, reducing allergens and even pests, professional cleaners assure.
1. Air filters and windows
‘July often brings high pollen levels, and clean air filters and windows can significantly improve indoor air quality and ensure clear views,’ begins Vanessa Terra Bossart, cleaning expert and owner of Green Terra Cleaning.
Whether you are cleaning an air conditioner, or cleaning an air purifier, the filters should be cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions, Vanessa urges. ‘Remember to also vacuum around the filter area to remove any accumulated dust and inspect ducts and vents for dust buildup and clean them as needed.’
‘To clean windows without streaks, dust window sills and frames with a microfiber cloth before cleaning the glass with a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial glass cleaner, using a squeegee or lint-free cloth for a streak-free finish. Wipe down screens with soapy water and rinse with a hose,’ she adds.
2. Pools
July is a key season for pool maintenance. While you should have spent a good amount of time preparing your pool for initial use at the start of the spring/summer season, regular maintenance is essential to keep it hygienic reminds Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors:
‘The more frequently you use tools like pool skimmers and pool vacuums, the easier it will be to keep your pool clean and save wear and tear on your filter. Ideally, you should clean your pool once a week during the season, and clean the filter at least once a month.’
3. Planters and pots
Summer is a key season for getting outside and doing some gardening. Before you start repotting plants, however, you should always clean flower pots and planters, suggests Tanu Grewal, chief cleaning officer at Chloralen:
‘A lot of people don’t realize you should be cleaning your flower pots and planters before they become permanent homes for your plants. Particularly for planters that haven’t been used in a while, they can be breeding grounds for bacteria and diseases that could harm your plants.
]A bleach and water solution typically does the trick. Just mix together a small amount of bleach with water and – using gloves – wipe down the inside and outside of the pot. Rinse again with water, and allow the pot to air dry. Then, plant away.’
It doesn't hurt to give your already potted plants a quick once over at the same time. Use a damp sponge free from chemicals to freshen up the pots and remove dirt and pests from the exterior for a more professional-looking yard.
4. Patio Furniture
Sticking with the outdoor theme, July is the perfect time to clean outdoor furniture again. The hot sunny days mean they will dry quickly preventing rust or water spots, and it freshens them up ready for outdoor hosting, says Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors.
Spot clean soft furnishings during this time, too, leaving them out on a flat surface to dry in the sun to kill mold and bacteria.
5. Entryways
You should be cleaning your entryway weekly anyway, but July is a good time for a deep clean, suggests Tanu Grewal, chief cleaning officer:
‘The more time you spend outdoors, the more likely you are to track dirt, grass, and other debris into the house. This is especially true for those of us with pets or kids who are often running through the yard with muddy feet. If you have hardwood floors, this can be made easy with a quick soap and water wipe-down. But if you have carpets, keeping the entryway clean can be more difficult.
To simplify the process, I recommend getting a washing machine-safe entryway rug or doormat,’ Tanu says. ‘When the doormat gets dirty, you can throw it in the wash with detergent and cold water.’
6. BBQ Grills
It wouldn’t be summer without a cookout. In July, take advantage of the hot sunny days to deep clean your grill, urges Vanessa Terra Bossart, cleaning expert.
‘Disassemble the grill grates and other removable parts and soak them in warm, soapy water to loosen any built-up grease and grime. Then, scrub with a grill brush or sponge, and use a baking soda and water paste for stubborn stains.
‘Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely before reassembling, remembering to also wipe down the exterior of the grill with a damp cloth and mild detergent.’
These monthly special cleaning tasks are, of course, to be done on top of the household chores you should be doing weekly. This might seem like a lot of extra work, but they are essential to keeping your home, particularly your outdoor areas, clean and safe to use in the warmest months of the year. Create a good cleaning plan and schedule to keep yourself accountable and ensure they are all achieved in good time and not rushed.
