Living in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan, we get to experience all four seasons in their full glory. From the crisp, snowy winters to the sun-drenched summer days on Lake Michigan, the changing seasons bring a lot of joy – and a variety of challenges when it comes to keeping your home clean! To help you stay ahead, we’ve put together the ultimate year-round cleaning guide tailored specifically for Traverse City homes. Let’s dive in!
Spring: A Fresh Start
As the snow melts and spring begins to bloom, it’s the perfect time for a deep clean to refresh your home. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Windows and Screens: After a long winter, your windows are likely covered in dust, grime, and water spots. Clean your windows inside and out and give your screens a good scrub.
- Dusting: Spring is the time when dust and allergens are at their peak. Dust all surfaces, including baseboards, ceiling fans, and those hard-to-reach places you may have missed during the winter.
- Decluttering: With spring comes the urge to tidy up. Go through closets, drawers, and storage areas and donate or dispose of anything you no longer need.
- Outdoor Areas: Sweep and clean patios, decks, and entryways. Don’t forget to schedule a gutter cleaning after all the snow and ice have taken their toll!
Local Tip: The pollen count in Northern Michigan spikes during the spring. Regular dusting and vacuuming can help reduce allergens in your home.
Summer: Keep it Cool and Clean
Traverse City summers are all about beach days, barbecues, and enjoying the great outdoors. But with more foot traffic in and out of your home, it can get messy fast. Here’s how to maintain a clean home during the busy summer months:
- Floor Care: With sandy beaches nearby, sand often gets tracked inside. Be sure to vacuum and mop regularly, focusing on entryways and high-traffic areas.
- Grill and Patio Furniture: After each use, clean your grill to prevent grease buildup. Wipe down outdoor furniture to remove pollen and dust.
- Air Conditioning Vents: Clean or replace filters in your air conditioning units to keep them running efficiently and to improve indoor air quality.
- Laundry Control: With more outdoor activities, summer often means more laundry. Stay on top of it by doing smaller loads more frequently.
Local Tip: Placing doormats both inside and outside can help reduce the amount of sand and dirt tracked into your home from Traverse City’s beaches.
Fall: Prepare for the Cold
As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your home for the long Michigan winter. Use these fall cleaning tips to get ready:
- Leaf Cleanup: While raking leaves outside, don’t forget to clean up any that have found their way inside. Fallen leaves can bring dirt and moisture that could damage your flooring.
- Chimney and Fireplace: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure it’s cleaned and inspected before the colder months set in.
- Carpets and Rugs: Fall is a great time to deep-clean carpets and rugs, as they’ll see a lot more use during the colder months.
- Garage and Mudroom Organization: As winter approaches, make space for snow gear, shovels, and boots by decluttering your garage and mudroom.
Local Tip: The crisp fall air in Traverse City is perfect for airing out your home. Open the windows on dry, cool days to let in some fresh air before winter hits.
Winter: Stay Cozy, Stay Clean
Winter in Northern Michigan is magical, but snow and salt can wreak havoc on your home’s cleanliness. Here’s how to stay on top of things during the cold months:
- Entryway Cleanup: Salt, snow, and slush will be constant companions during the winter. Keep your entryways clean by placing absorbent rugs and wiping down floors frequently to prevent water damage and salt stains.
- Dust and Vacuum Regularly: Since homes are sealed up tight in the winter, dust can accumulate quickly. Make sure to dust and vacuum weekly to keep your indoor air clean.
- Bathroom Mold Prevention: With the windows closed and heaters running, moisture can build up in bathrooms. Clean tiles and grout regularly to prevent mold and mildew.
- Holiday Cleanups: If you’re hosting guests during the holidays, plan for extra cleaning both before and after. Focus on guest rooms, bathrooms, and common areas.
Local Tip: Traverse City winters are cold! Schedule a professional carpet cleaning to get rid of any grime tracked in from the snow and to refresh your space for the long winter ahead.
Year-Round Cleaning Tips
While each season brings its own challenges, there are a few cleaning habits that you can follow all year to keep your Traverse City home looking its best:
- Regular Decluttering: Make it a habit to declutter a little each month to avoid overwhelming cleanups.
- Monthly Deep Cleans: Dedicate one day a month to deep clean a specific area of your home – whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or living room.
- Set a Cleaning Schedule: Consistency is key. Set up a weekly cleaning routine to tackle dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces.
Keeping your home clean year-round in Traverse City can be a breeze when you break it down season by season. Whether you’re tackling spring cleaning or preparing for the winter ahead, staying proactive will help you maintain a fresh, inviting space.
Need a little extra help keeping your home spotless? Brightline Cleaning offers professional home cleaning services in Traverse City and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning and enjoy a clean home no matter the season or Book Online Today!