Weekend Warrior Project: Get Your Home Summer-Ready
Six quick cleans that will help keep you cool once it gets hot, hot, hot outside.
Design: Kimberly Hall Creative
http://www.wayfair.com/Shop-The-Look/Designer/Kimberly-Hall-Creative-D9270
Knock these warm-weather preps off your to-do list at the start of the season, so sunny days can be spent on the beach, by the pool—or really anywhere you’d rather be than cleaning your house.
1. Test Your AC
Design: Chancey Design
http://www.wayfair.com/Shop-The-Look/Designer/Chancey-Design-D636
It’s better to be safe than sweaty, right? Make sure this vital piece of equipment is running smoothly before the temperatures get too hot to bear. Depending on your unit, you may need to clean or replace the filter each year. If your AC has an outdoor condenser unit, make sure the cover has been taken off before using. If the unit isn't working properly, call a professional—and the sooner the better.
Tip! If you didn't cover your outdoor unit and branches or leaves made their way inside, turn off power then remove debris, hosing down if needed.
2. Reverse Ceiling Fans
Design: KMID Kate Maloney Interior Design
During summer months, ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise (blades tilted up as they spin) to push air downward. Dirt accumulates on top of the fan and blades, so take the time to wipe blades to remove dust before reversing the direction—or it will spread around the room once you turn them on.
Now is also a great time to remove and wash pillow covers, slip covers, and give carpets and rugs a good wash, too. A professional-grade vacuum or steam clean once a year is ideal to keep carpeting in tip-top shape. If you or someone in your family has allergies, this should be done a few times a year.
3. Let Fresh Air In
Design: The LifeStyled Company
http://www.wayfair.com/Shop-The-Look/Designer/THE-LifeStyled-COMPANY-D303068
Give window screens a good clean by removing them and hosing them down. Let screens air dry, then repair any tears or slits before setting back in windows. While it’s still relatively cool, open windows to let the fresh air in, and wipe the panes clean—both inside and out. You'll be surprised at how much brighter your home will instantly look with clear windows. If you find gaps in window seams, caulk them.
Tip! Wash windows on a cloudy day. The sun will dry cleaner too quickly and leave streaks on panes.
To ensure your houseplants are able to filter as much air as possible, give them a proper dusting. Consider placing plants near windows to capture breezes—spider plants, English ivy, and rubber plants are some of the best natural air filters.
4. Stash Away Your Winter Wardrobe
Design: Niki Landry Designs, LLC
http://www.wayfair.com/Shop-The-Look/Designer/Niki-Landry-Designs-LLC-D203901
Goodbye flannel, heavy coats, and weatherproof boots—we’ll see you again in a few months. These bulky items take up too much coveted closet space and get in the way of an organized summer closet filled with bathing suits, sandals, and lighter clothing.
Tip! Take a peek at your towels, too. Bathing and beach towels alike may have been in a dark closet for months, so run these through the wash before the first time you go grab them.
5. Check Your Fridge
Design: Tobi Fairely Interior Design
http://www.wayfair.com/Shop-The-Look/Designer/Tobi-Fairley-Interior-Design-D2862
The condensing coils that keep your fridge running cool, but can overheat when they get covered with dirt, dust, and lint. A filthy filter adds extra heat to the home and eats up more energy.
Remove everything from the fridge and unplug it, then check your owner’s manual to locate the coils; you may need to remove the base plate. Use a vacuum clean attachment to clean out any debris. If your fridge has an ice maker or water dispenser, check the filter and replace it if necessary.
6. Clean the Grill
Design: Chancey Design
http://www.wayfair.com/Shop-The-Look/Designer/Chancey-Design-D636
A thorough cleaning before your inaugural cookout is necessary. Simply heat the grill on high for 10 minutes to make it easier to scrape leftover debris from the grates. Once it’s completely cooled down, remove grates, baskets, and drip tray and soak in a bucket filled with warm water and dish soap—using a sponge to scrub off food particles.
