Now is the perfect time to shake off the cobwebs—literally and figuratively! As the weather continues to heat up, there’s no better time than now to hit the refresh button on your home with some much-needed cleaning.
From clearing out the clutter in your closet to deep cleaning those neglected corners, experts like Rafyah Lumb of NaturallyNeat Cleaning Services says there is no better time to get organized and create space for blessings to flow your way.
“Seasonal cleaning isn’t just about tidying up your space, it’s an opportunity to refresh your environment and rejuvenate your spirit,” Lumb tells BrownStyle Magazine exclusively. “When you clean your home for the new season, you’re not just removing dust and clutter—you’re creating a more harmonious, healthy living space that can significantly boost your mood and well-being.”
Before Summer’s sun-soaked days and outdoor adventures sweep you away, we suggest giving your space some TLC with these quick and easy steps!
Get Started By Defining Your Cleaning Goals
To effectively clean your home, Lumb suggests writing a list of all the areas that need attention. Next, break down the tasks into manageable chunks to make the process less overwhelming.
“Focus on one room at a time to stay organized and see immediate progress,” the cleaning expert notes. “Begin with decluttering and removing unnecessary items that no longer serve a purpose. This not only makes cleaning easier but also revitalizes your living space. Finally, ensure you go beyond surface cleaning by deep cleaning—think about washing windows, cleaning carpets, and wiping down walls to eliminate hidden dirt and allergens.”
Lumb, whose business specializes in environment-friendly cleaning solutions, is an advocate for using natural cleaners whenever possible. “They are better for your health and the environment,” she notes.
The Philadelphia entrepreneur continues, “Work from top to bottom in each room, cleaning from the highest points, like shelves and ceiling fans, down to the floors to ensure any dust or debris falls to areas that will be cleaned last. Don’t forget hidden areas such as behind furniture, inside appliances, and other often-overlooked spots where dust and dirt accumulate.”
Essential Cleaning Tools
- Microfiber cloths for dusting and wiping surfaces without leaving streaks or lint
- A vacuum cleaner with attachments for hard-to-reach areas
- An all-purpose cleaner to reduce the need for multiple products
- A mop and bucket
- Scrub brushes for tougher grime and dirt, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.
- EDITOR’S NOTE: Try Sonic Power’s Eletric Scrubber ($59) for ease!
Change Your Air Filters
According to Jennie Bergman, the senior product manager for Indoor Environmental Quality at American Standard, changing the air filter is a quick and easy thing many people tend to forget when cleaning their homes.
“Filters should be replaced every 30-90 days,” Bergman reminds us, noting reusable filters should be cleaned regularly. “Changing air filters is a simple task that doesn’t require any tools. Not only does it help create a healthier home environment for people with compromised immune systems, but allowing dust and dirt to collect on the filter screen forces your system to work harder to move air through it and maintain your chosen temperature. This can result in premature replacements and costly repairs.”
For those with pets or someone in your home who suffers from allergies or asthma, Bergman suggests changing them closer to every 30 days.
Caulk Your Doors And Windows
Have you caulked and weather-stripped your doors and windows? If not, you should. Bergman recommends ensuring the caulk in your home is good because it prevents water and/or pests from entering your home. She adds, “It also prevents hot air from getting in and cool air from escaping.”
Schedule A Preventative Maintenance Checkup For Your AC Unit
No one wants to experience a broken AC unit during the heat of the Summer. To prevent this from happening, Bergman suggests having your unit maintained to help it perform at its peak.
“What might seem like a minor issue now could become an expensive one later if you don’t repair it,” she notes. “For peace of mind, schedule a preventative HVAC Fall maintenance checkup with your local American Standard dealer before the first heat wave of the season arrives. You can also learn about several ways to save money, including eco rebates, special financing options, tax credits, and more.”
Freshen Up The Air
When freshening up your space, don’t forget to brighten up the aroma of your home. Currently, we are loving the soft scent of Enviroscent’s Plug Hub Starter Kit, which is a liquid-free plug-in that’s both non-toxic and pet-friendly.
Switch Up The Scent Of Your Home
Finding a Spring/Summer fragrance that fits your home’s vibe is a lot easier than you think. According to experts, the best way to freshen your home for the warmer seasons is to find scents that bring you joy. According to the Product & Fragrance Development team at Bath & Body Works, the smell of your home can be a great way to reflect your mood.
“Depending on how you are feeling, you can change out your candles, room sprays, and wallflower fragrances,” they note, adding one of the most popular scents this year is Warm Ocean Breeze and Coconut Piña Colada. “If you need stress relief, try our Aromatherapy Eucalyptus Spearmint for spa vibes at home.”
Refresh Your Outdoor Space
According to Kris Kiser, the President and CEO of TurfMutt Foundation, there’s no better time than now to show your outdoor space some love.
“A healthy yard will give back to you,” Kiser reminds us. “Your living landscape does a lot. It produces oxygen, reduces the urban heat island effect, filters and captures runoff, improves air quality, controls erosion, absorbs carbon dioxide, and supports biodiversity. Your family, wildlife, and pets benefit when your yard is in top shape.”
Besides mowing and mulching, Kiser suggests sprucing up your outdoor space by planting grasses, trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. Not only will it look beautiful, but it can also help provide food and habitat for birds, small mammals, and pollinators. He also suggests creating a space outdoors to entertain.
“Consider your yard an outdoor room for play, recreation, and work. Add a fire pit, pergola, outdoor furniture, or a decorative water feature,” he adds. “Also, consider installing Turfgrass to create an ideal play space for kids and pets. Your local garden center or landscaper can help you identify what will work best for your climate zone and lifestyle. And don’t forget to avoid toxic plants to pets—check the ASPCA lists to know which plants to avoid.”
FYI: Check out the International Backyarding Fact Book to learn why spending time in our yards and community parks is good for us and the planet.
How To Stay Motivated While Cleaning
When it comes to staying motivated while cleaning, Lumb says it is all about mindset and setting the mood. “To stay motivated while cleaning, create a playlist with your favorite upbeat songs to keep your energy levels high,” she advises.
To make the project a fun experience for the entire household, think outside the box. “Involve the family by turning cleaning into a fun activity by assigning tasks to each member and adding some friendly competition or rewards for a job well done,” she suggests.
She also advises taking before and after photos throughout the process. “They can be incredibly satisfying and motivating to witness the visual transformation of each area,” she notes, adding the importance of taking short breaks after completing tedious tasks.
How To Keep Your Home Clean Between Seasonal Deep Clean
Lumb offers the following advice to keep your home clean between seasonal deep cleaning: “After completing your seasonal cleaning, set up a regular cleaning schedule to keep your home in top shape throughout the year. By incorporating these strategies, you can transform the chore of seasonal cleaning into a rewarding and joyful process. Remember, ‘A Clean House Is A Healthy House’ and a little effort can bring immense joy and comfort to your living space.”
