Long sunshine-filled days beckoning us to enjoy the outdoors is one of the many wonders of summer that makes it typically associated with relaxation and leisure… It also brings increased heat, humidity and often increased foot traffic as we spend more time outdoors which means higher levels of bacteria and allergens in the home!
Sadly, this means that summer isn’t a chore-free season. In fact, there are some household items and areas that actually require more cleaning and attention in the summer!
Here are 6 things you should be clean more frequently during the summer months:
Sinks & Drains
Bacteria thrive in the warmth and moisture of drains in summer! This is especially true for your kitchen sink where food scraps and oils provide a nutrient rich environment for bacteria to multiply rapidly. Cleaning your drains frequently will ensure this illness-causing bacteria cannot spread and cause you harm! Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar are highly effective at cleaning your drains if you do not have drain cleaner handy – simply pour half a cup of Bicarbonate down your drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. Leave for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Bedding & Towels
The heat of summer naturally causes increased sweat and body oils while we sleep. This then seeps into bedding – from sheets and duvets to pillow cases – creating a breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites. The added humidity in bathrooms also means that towels stay damp for longer. Swimming and beach towels also tend to be repeatedly used during hot days spent by the waterside, leaving little time for them to thoroughly dry which can attract bacteria and mould… Both bedding and towels need more frequent washing to prevent these illness and allergen causing microscopic organisms from taking over! Add a cup of white vinegar to your summer laundry loads to effectively help combat bacteria and kill mold spores and, whenever possible, hang it out to dry in the sunshine additional, natural UV sanitising.
Mattresses and Couch / Chair Cushions
The summer months tend to bring more daily traffic from family, visitors and pets resulting in more food/drink spills and tracking in outdoor dirt etc. This added activity combined with increased sweat, body oils and moisture from high temperatures and humidity means that your mattress and couch / chair cushions are an ideal environment for mold, fungi and pests to multiply and thrive. Regular washing & airing can help reduce allergens and improve your air quality. Placing your mattresses / cushions in direct sunlight for 2-3 hours every 1 to 3 months is a great way to disinfect them, eliminate odours, and reduce dust mites. However, getting your mattresses, sofas and chairs professionally deep cleaned in the summer will ensure you eliminate pests and bacteria!
Air Conditioning Units & Vents
Your air conditioning unit works extra hard in the summer. If your Aircon filter becomes clogged with dust, dirt, pet hair and other particles, it reduces airflow causing damage to the appliance and increasing airborne allergens in your home. Similarly, air vents are all too frequently overlooked when cleaning ones home, but clean vents will allow for better air flow in rooms and help improve air quality, which can reduce symptoms of allergies and respiratory discomfort!
Showers
Mildew loves showers! The small grooves and crevices created by corners and tiling combined with heat and moisture means creates the perfect conditions for mildew to become deeply engrained. Add the increased temperatures and humidity that comes with the heat of summer which causes bathrooms to remain damp for longer and mildew can quickly spread causing a health hazard! To prevent mildew and mold from taking over your shower in summer months, best practices advise to wipe down the walls and doors after each use, ventilate your bathroom as much as possible and thoroughly clean the whole shower, including the shower head and taps, with an effective anti-bacterial cleaning agent or vinegar wash at least once a week!
Fans
There’s no doubt that fans get more use with the hotter temperatures which causes rapid dust buildup that reduces cooling efficiency, triggers allergies, and puts strain on the motor. Ensuring your fans – whether stand fans, desk fans or ceiling fans – are cleaned more frequently allows for air to circulate better and help keep allergens at bay. A microfibre cloth or duster is an effective tool to use as it acts like a magnet to trap dust and allergens, removes dirt in one or two passes and is gentle on surfaces to prevent scratching.
WANT A DEEPER CLEAN THIS SUMMER? CALL CLiCK CLEANING!
If you don’t have the time (or energy in the heat!) to clean more frequently this summer, CLiCK Cleaning have over 15 years’ experience provide high quality cleans at affordable rates! We use the finest cleaning technology available on the market with cleaning products that are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and safe for use around children and pets, guaranteeing a deep clean.
Our services include:
– Quick-dry upholstery deep cleaning
– Quick-dry carpet cleaning
– Quick-dry mattress deep cleaning
– On-rail quick-dry curtain cleaning
– Kitchen deep cleaning & sanitising
– Bathroom deep cleaning & sanitising
Get in touch today!