As the Snow Falls: How to Make Tracks with Cleaning Chores

Unexpected snow day? Use the time to focus on a few cleaning chores that make sense when you’re stuck indoors. Here are professional house cleaning tips from the house cleaners at MOLLY MAID.

HEAT’S ON

Maintaining your heating system plays a huge role in energy efficiency and in prolonging the life of the equipment. First and foremost, replace filters regularly – experts recommend once a month. This will help to keep dust, pet hair, etc., from building up on the filter. If it gets too clogged, efficiency is reduced. If your heating system has a permanent air filter, wash and clean it every month too. Clean other accessible parts of the furnace such as grills and vents so they are clean and free of obstructions. Central heating systems of all types, including those heated by a boiler, should be checked and serviced annually by a professional.

CARPET CLEAN

To freshen carpets, start with a deep-cleaning shampoo. Use a spot cleaner on the most visible stains. Ask a home supply store or hardware store for a good product and remember to test it in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it won’t fade the carpet. Further refresh carpets by sprinkling baking soda over them, letting it sit to absorb odours, and then vacuuming it up after several minutes. To keep carpets at their best, vacuum at least weekly.

DUST BE GONE

When windows are closed tight – and they should be in the winter to conserve energy – the house can get extra dusty. Consider hiring a professional duct cleaning company. This will help to reduce the allergens, dirt and dust that circulate throughout the air ducts and within the furnace. You can make a big difference by dusting yourself as well. Always start any cleaning by dusting first, from top to bottom. Don’t forget ceiling fan blades, tops of window frames, and tops of bookshelves and books. These areas can be overlooked and collect dust easily. Give lighting fixtures a good dusting too.

SEE-THROUGH WINDOWS

With the short days of winter, it is a good idea to keep windows as clean as possible – to let in as much light as possible too! Also, if you tend to burn candles there may be a thin film of soot on the inside. To clean windows, use window cleaner (vinegar mixed with water is a great homemade solution), a clean microfibre cloth and a little elbow grease. Spray the window cleaner on the surface. Polish with a dry, lint-free microfibre cloth. The professional house cleaners at MOLLY MAID recommend you clean the entire window but if you’re not able to, spot-clean fingerprints when you see them.

SPOT ON CEILINGS

Look up. The ceilings in your home are probably grittier than you think. The worst culprit is the ceiling in the kitchen where grease and cooking odours often end up. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water, grab a ladder (and someone to spot you – safety first) and use a soft cloth to wash the ceilings. Try an inconspicuous corner first and if you see any discolouration, stop. Once you have removed dirt and grease, consider having the ceiling painted for a complete clean overall!