As the clocks roll back this weekend, it’s time for a fresh start at home. Daylight savings time offers a natural reminder to refresh your living space. ABC Cleaning Inc. knows that deep cleaning during this shift can help keep your home organized and healthy. Let us guide you through essential cleaning tips to prepare for the colder, darker months ahead.
Why Fall Cleaning is Important
During fall and winter, people tend to spend more time indoors, which can result in a buildup of dust, allergens, and germs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Regular cleaning combats these pollutants and creates a healthier living environment. Daylight savings time is the perfect moment to start a deep cleaning routine for the season ahead.
1. Start with a Dusting Blitz
Dust accumulates quickly in the fall and winter as homes are often shut tight to retain heat. ABC Cleaning Inc. recommends dusting surfaces, blinds, and light fixtures thoroughly. Dust can affect indoor air quality, making it vital to remove buildup before you seal up your home for the season. Use a microfiber cloth or an electrostatic duster, as these are particularly effective for trapping dust rather than pushing it around.
Focus on areas like ceiling fans, bookshelves, and wall-mounted decor. By removing dust from these hard-to-reach places, you can improve air quality and help your heating system work more efficiently. For those interested in more tips, the American Lung Association offers advice on creating a healthier indoor space.
2. Clean Heating Vents and Change Filters
Since you’ll be using your heating system more frequently, it’s essential to clean heating vents and replace air filters. Clogged vents can circulate dust and allergens, causing poor air quality and decreasing the efficiency of your heating system. ABC Cleaning Inc. advises homeowners to vacuum heating vents or use a damp cloth to wipe them down. Check the furnace filter as well. Many experts recommend replacing it every three months, especially as winter begins. Clean filters can improve your home’s air quality and help your heating system run smoothly.
This step is often overlooked, but it’s crucial. According to the Department of Energy, regularly changing filters can lower energy bills by up to 15%.
3. Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery
As temperatures drop, most families spend more time indoors on carpets, couches, and other upholstered furniture. These items can trap dust, pet dander, and allergens over time. Regular vacuuming is essential, but a deep cleaning should be done at least once a year. ABC Cleaning Inc. offers professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services that use eco-friendly, non-toxic solutions. If you prefer DIY cleaning, make sure to use products that are safe for your home and pets.
Vacuuming and spot-cleaning will remove surface dirt, but a professional clean goes deeper, removing allergens and bacteria that regular vacuuming misses. For a list of carpet care tips, check out the Carpet and Rug Institute’s recommendations.
4. Check and Clean Windows for Optimal Light
As daylight diminishes, it’s more important than ever to maximize natural light in your home. Clean windows allow more sunlight in, which can improve your mood and help reduce winter gloom. Wipe down windows inside and out, focusing on frames and sills, where grime often builds up. Use a streak-free glass cleaner, or make a natural cleaner using water, vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. Make sure to clean blinds and shades as well, as they tend to collect dust and reduce the amount of light filtering through.
5. Clean and Disinfect High-Touch Areas
With flu season approaching, disinfecting high-touch areas can help reduce the spread of germs. Focus on places like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls, as these are used frequently but often overlooked in regular cleaning routines. ABC Cleaning Inc. recommends using disinfectant wipes or sprays approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Be sure to follow the instructions to allow proper contact time to kill bacteria and viruses effectively.
6. Organize Closets and Transition to Winter Clothes
Daylight savings is a great reminder to organize your closets and prepare for colder weather. Pack away summer clothes and bring out your cozy sweaters and jackets. As you reorganize, look for items you no longer wear, and consider donating them to a local charity. ABC Cleaning Inc. suggests using labeled storage bins and space-saving hangers to maximize closet space. This is also a perfect time to inspect your winter wardrobe for any needed repairs or replacements.
7. Inspect and Clean Your Kitchen
With holidays coming up, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home. ABC Cleaning Inc. advises giving your kitchen a deep clean to prepare for the season of cooking and entertaining. Start by clearing out expired items from the fridge and pantry. Clean shelves and drawers to prevent bacteria buildup, then move on to appliances. Clean your oven, stovetop, and microwave thoroughly. Wipe down cabinets, countertops, and the sink with disinfectant. This can prevent foodborne illnesses and keep your kitchen safe for holiday gatherings.
8. Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Daylight savings is an ideal time to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure they are functioning properly, and replace batteries if needed. The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing smoke alarms monthly and replacing them every 10 years. This simple step can save lives and is particularly important as you start using heaters and fireplaces more frequently.
Conclusion
As daylight savings time approaches, use these tips from ABC Cleaning Inc. to make your home a healthier, cleaner space for fall and winter. By tackling these tasks, you’ll improve indoor air quality, prepare your home for colder weather, and create a welcoming environment for family and friends. A well-cleaned home also boosts your comfort and well-being, making it easier to enjoy the cozy season ahead.
For more cleaning tips and expert advice, don’t hesitate to contact ABC Cleaning Inc. We’re here to help you with all your seasonal cleaning needs.
Did You Know?
When Germany first set the clocks forward on April 30, 1916, it became the first country in the world to use DST on a national level. However, the town of Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada implemented DST as far back as 1908.
Suggested Earlier
US inventor and politician Benjamin Franklin first proposed the concept of DST in 1784, but modern Daylight Saving Time was first suggested in 1895. At that time, George Vernon Hudson, an entomologist from New Zealand, presented a proposal for a 2-hour daylight saving shift.
Why Use DST at All?
Less than 40% of the countries in the world use DST. Some countries use it to make better use of the natural daylight in the evenings. The difference in light is most noticeable in the areas at a certain distance from Earth’s equator.
ABC Cleaning, Inc. | Your cleaning Experts
Serving Central Florida since 1992, ABC Cleaning, Inc. has been the acknowledged leader in air duct cleaning, chimney cleaning, and dryer vent cleaning. Also, we’re NADCA certified, we consistently invest in and have the most modern equipment, and utilize the latest technology available with the best-trained service technicians in Palm Coast, FL. So, if you need help deciding whether to replace or repair faulty ducts, please contact us at ABC. We provide quality HVAC service throughout Central Florida.
