It’s that time of the year again.
Mid-summer in the Ozarks.
In other words, crank up those air conditioners—because ‘blazing hot temperatures’ are on the menu!
Thankfully, the greater Springfield area is known for relatively mild (if somewhat unpredictable) weather patterns.
Until the months of July and August hit us in the face (like a sizzling flying pan)!
Yep. It gets HOT in these parts at this time of the year.
But thankfully, you don’t need to let the heat get you totally down.
One of the greatest inventions of our modern era is the air conditioner.
And one of the best excuses for staying indoors for a prolonged period of time (in a nicely cooled 67 degree environment, with iced lemonade in hand) during this time of the year is to do a little bit of mid- to late-summer house cleaning.
Prior to the relieving temps of fall, you can certainly beat the heat, and the dirt, with a deep-clean in the cool environment of the indoors.
And here are 5 tips for making the most of it (without setting foot outside the safety of your much cooler domicile) as those temperatures continue to scorch.
1. Take It Room By Room
There’s no reason to get overwhelmed.
Breaking each room down, making a to-do list, pouring yourself a glass of iced tea, and tackling the project one step at a time is usually the ticket (especially if you’re prone to overstimulation when things get chaotic).
Don’t be afraid to take some breaks, either.
This methodical approach will have you cleaning, decluttering, and cooling off in no time.
Pro Tip: Start with the coolest spot in the house (for motivation, of course), and then work your way around for a full 360 degree cleanup!
2. Cut That Clutter
Late summer is an awesome time to declutter because it gives you time to shuffle storage to and from your garage before the weather turns cold.
It also gives you the opportunity to catch up on organization before the holidays set in (yep, they’re right around the corner at this point).
Pro Tip: As the holidays approach, start decluttering by focusing on spaces where you’ll entertain guests—clearing out and organizing these areas now will save you stress and create a welcoming environment when the festive season arrives.
Pro Tip #2: If you use your attic for storage, limit the time you spend there in the summer, as it can be 20 to 30 degrees hotter up there!
3. Deep Clean Your Cooling Systems
While you’re enjoying the cool breeze from your air conditioner, don’t forget that it needs a little TLC too.
Dust and debris can accumulate in the filters and vents, reducing efficiency and possibly circulating allergens throughout your home.
Take some time to clean or replace the filters, dust off the vents, and ensure that your cooling systems are running at peak performance.
Pro Tip: To maximize the life of your air conditioner and keep your indoor air fresh, clean or replace the filters every month during the summer—this also helps keep energy bills lower!
4. Freshen Up the Kitchen
With the holidays on the horizon, a clean kitchen is a must.
Take advantage of your indoor time to deep clean appliances, wipe down countertops, and organize your pantry.
This way, when it’s time to start cooking those big holiday meals, your kitchen will be sparkling clean and ready for action.
Pro Tip: Focus on one appliance at a time—like your oven or fridge—and give it a thorough clean. This will make the overall task more manageable and ensure that everything gets the attention it needs.
5. Revitalize Your Bathroom
Summer humidity can lead to a buildup of mildew and grime, especially in the bathroom. Now’s the perfect time to tackle these problem areas.
Scrub down tiles, sanitize the toilet, and don’t forget to wash shower curtains and mats. A clean bathroom not only looks good but also promotes a healthier home environment.
Pro Tip: Keep a squeegee handy in the shower for quick after-use wipe-downs—this small step can help prevent mildew buildup and keep your bathroom cleaner for longer.
Conclusion
With these tips in hand, you can turn your late-summer cleaning session into a refreshing and productive experience. So, beat the heat, stay cool, and get your home ready for the cozy months ahead!
And don’t forget—if you need a hand (or two, or six…), don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at RCH. We’d love to help you beat this heat with an awesome home deep-clean!
