Summer Cleaning Essentials
Summer is the time for adventure! 🌄
In this blog we will highlight how to make cleaning work for you to spend more time doing the things you love.
We’ll also explore how to get rid of shoe odor, how to keep your home cool and the air quality clean, plus a step by step window washing guide.
Let’s get started!✨
Simple Tips for Summer Housekeeping
Keeping a tidy home during the summer doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
Here’s a few tips on how to make house cleaning more efficient - while having a little fun! 😉
✅ Set a Timer: Timers help us stay on track, plus 5 to 10 minutes of daily tidying is easier than a 3-hour deep clean.
✅ Create a Daily Checklist: Instead of tackling everything at once, create a checklist for daily tasks like decluttering and wiping down high traffic surfaces. Assign specific cleaning tasks to different days to take it one day at a time!
✅ Keep Cleaning Supplies Nearby: Having everything in one place, like a cleaning caddy, makes the process smoother and quicker.
Fun bonus tips:
Make cleaning more enjoyable by playing your favorite music, podcast or audiobook. Don’t forget to reward yourself after completing tasks like a coffee break or a favorite snack! ☕
Quick Q&A
Q: What’s the best way to keep cleaning from feeling overwhelming?
A: Create a checklist, and break it into small tasks to take it one day at a time.
Q: What’s a quick trick to make a home feel instantly cleaner?
A: Declutter surfaces, make the bed, and wipe down visible areas like kitchen counters and coffee tables.
Q: How can I stay motivated to clean regularly?
A: Set small goals, use a checklist, or treat yourself when tasks are done!
Lean back once your tasks are completed and enjoy the sparkle! ✨
Say Goodbye to Shoe Odor
Shoes can trap moisture and bacteria, causing unpleasant smells - especially in the peak, mid-summer heat!
Luckily, you can freshen them up with simple ingredients you already have at home ☺️
Here’s how:
✅ Baking Soda: Sprinkle inside your shoes overnight to absorb moisture and odors. Shake out the powder before wearing.
✅ Coarse Salt: Pour a small amount inside damp shoes. Salt draws out moisture which is great for fabric shoes!
✅ Rubbing Alcohol: Wipe the insides with a cloth dampened in alcohol. It kills odor-causing bacteria and dries quickly.
✅ Coffee Grounds: Place dry coffee grounds inside a sock or filter, tuck it into your shoe, and leave overnight. This neutralizes odors and leaves a fresh scent!
✅ Tea Bags: Drop dry tea bags into shoes for a few hours. They absorb odors and have natural antibacterial powers.
Why It Matters:
Keeps bacteria and fungi from growing
Helps shoes last longer
Helps build confidence and less embarrassment when you take your shoes off
Quick Q&A
Q: How often should I freshen my shoes?
A: Once a week if you wear them daily.
Q: Can I throw my shoes in the washer?
A: Always do research before putting items in the washer . Only certain types of sneakers may be thrown in the washer - no leather or suede.
Q: How do I prevent odors in the first place?
A: Wear moisture-wicking socks, let shoes air out after wearing, and use foot powder to stay dry.
Keep Your Home Cool & Air Quality Clean
Beat the mid-summer heat! 🥵 In these high temperatures, take care of the maintenance of your AC unit and the air quality of your home by following these tips:
✅ The 20-Degree Rule: Protect your AC in extreme heat waves by never setting the thermostat more than 20° F below the outdoor temperature🌡️this keeps the temperature in your home consistent, without overworking your unit.
✅ Airflow & Maintenance: Check and change your air filter every 1 to 3 months. In addition, make sure all supply vents are open and the area around your outdoor condenser unit is free of leaves, debris, or high grass. 🌱
✅ Dusting: Reduce dust & allergens by regularly dusting surfaces, especially vents & fans. 👍
✅ Passive Cooling: Keep blinds or curtains closed & rely on ceiling fans to keep cool air flowing. 😌
✅ Air Purifier Benefits: Air purifiers capture seasonal pollen and dust, neutralize smoke from summer wildfires, and manage mold spores which thrive in warm, humid weather ☀️
Quick Q&A
Q: How do I know when it’s time to change my air filter?
A: Change your air filter when the surface is visibly grey or clogged with dust, or if you notice restricted airflow from vents, or higher energy bills
Q: How do fans cool my home?
A: Fans help to create a wind-chill effect—this allows you to raise your thermostat setting by 4 degrees without sacrificing comfort.
Q: What are other benefits of air purifiers?
A: According to the CDC, HEPA filters actively capture airborne germs and by using these filters in closed spaces can significantly reduce the spread of airborne viruses. In addition, an air purifier can help extend the life of your AC by removing airborne contaminants that add an extra burden on your system.
Window Washing Guide
Mid-summer thunderstorms bring rain and debris which coat our windows. Dirty windows block the light from entering which affects the air quality of our home.
Enjoy the warmth of summer while also making your home sparkle! ✨
Start with these items:
A large bucket of water + a few drops of Castile soap
Cotton towels
Squeegee
Step-ladder
Our step by step guide:
Add a couple white cotton towels to your water & soap.
Ring out & wipe the window down from top to bottom (use your step-ladder if needed).
Use a squeegee to remove the liquid.
Wipe the squeegee blade with a towel after every pass to prevent drips.
Dry along the edges of the windows & any residual water.
Inspect for any streaks or missed areas
Quick Q&A
Q: Why should I use a squeegee?
A: It’s a great time-saver which also reduces strain and helps prevent streaks.
Q: What is the best time of day to clean my windows?
A: Early morning or in the evening when the sun isn’t directly shining on your windows is recommended. This helps prevent the solution from evaporating or causing cloudiness or streaks.
Q: Why should I use multiple wet towels?
A: Grabbing a new wet towel when one becomes excessively dirty helps to extend the life of your cleaning solution and conserves water. 👍
We’re Here to Help
If you’re looking for help this summer, Dee’s Green Cleaning is here to help you save time and energy 💚
We offer residential cleaning services like:
Deep Cleaning
Maintenance Recurring
One-Time Cleaning
Real Estate Cleaning
As well as light commercial cleaning services such as:
Offices
Salons
Common Areas
Dining Rooms
