10 Tips for Toledo Homeowners
As winter takes hold in Toledo, keeping your home clean can feel like a constant battle. Snow, salt, and mud make their way inside, while the extra time spent indoors leads to more dust, clutter, and germs. A solid winter cleaning routine is fundamental to maintaining a comfortable, healthy home during the colder months.
At Poseidon’s Mermaids, we know that a clean home is key to enjoying the season. Here are ten winter cleaning tips to help you stay ahead of the mess and keep your home fresh all winter long.
1. Stop Snow and Mud at the Door
The best way to control winter messes is to prevent them from spreading throughout your home. Entryways and mudrooms tend to collect slush, dirt, and salt, which can damage floors and require extra cleaning work.
Placing a heavy-duty doormat inside and outside your door helps trap dirt before it gets tracked in. Boot trays or a designated shoe area near the entrance can keep wet footwear contained. Keeping an old towel near the door is also a good idea for quickly wiping up any puddles that form.
2. Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs
With everyone in Toledo spending more time indoors, carpets and rugs collect more dirt and dust than usual. Snow and salt from shoes can break down carpet fibers, leading to long-term damage. Regular vacuuming, especially in high-traffic areas, keeps carpets fresh.
For an added layer of cleanliness, consider sprinkling baking soda over carpets to neutralize odors before vacuuming. Deep steam cleaning is also a great way to remove built-up dirt and allergens, leaving your carpets looking and smelling fresh.
3. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
Winter is the peak season for colds and flu, making disinfecting high-touch surfaces a critical part of your cleaning routine. Doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, kitchen appliances, and bathroom faucets are all areas that collect germs.
Using disinfectant wipes or sprays a few times a week can help minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses. In addition to surfaces, consider sanitizing frequently used items like cell phones and keyboards, which often get overlooked.
4. Improve Indoor Air Quality
With windows shut tight against the cold, indoor air quality can suffer during winter. Dust, pet dander, and allergens circulate through the air, so changing HVAC filters every three months is important. Replacing filters frequently can help maintain a healthier home environment if you have pets or allergies.
Using a humidifier in Toledo, OH, can also prevent dry air, which often causes irritated sinuses, dry skin, and static electricity. Occasionally, cracking a window, even for just a few minutes, can help bring in fresh air and improve circulation.
5. Declutter and Organize for the Season
Winter tends to bring extra layers of clothing, holiday decorations, and gifts, which can quickly create clutter. A little organization goes a long way in keeping your home feeling open and stress-free.
Packing away summer gear and items you don’t need for the season can free up space. Clear storage bins with labels make it easy to access seasonal items when you need them. Donating unused clothing and household items reduces clutter and helps those in need.
6. Keep Entryways and Mudrooms Tidy
The constant coming and going during winter means entryways can quickly become a mess. Jackets, scarves, gloves, and boots pile up, cluttering the space. Organizing for a few minutes each day can prevent chaos.
Adding hooks for coats and baskets for accessories helps keep everything in its place. Regularly sweeping or vacuuming the area prevents salt and dirt from spreading to the rest of the house.
7. Maintain Your Chimney and Fireplace
A warm fire in your Toledo home is one of the best parts of winter, but maintaining a fireplace requires regular upkeep. A dirty chimney can be a fire hazard and reduce indoor air quality. Scheduling a professional chimney sweep before heavy winter use ensures it is safe and efficient.
Cleaning out ashes regularly also helps improve airflow. Using dry, seasoned wood minimizes smoke buildup and keeps your fireplace running efficiently throughout the season.
8. Clean and Sanitize Kitchen Areas
Winter often means more cooking, especially during the holiday season. The kitchen sees more use, leading to grease, spills, and bacteria buildup. Regularly wiping down appliance handles, countertops, and sink faucets can keep the space sanitary.
This is also a great time to deep clean the refrigerator by tossing expired food and wiping down shelves. Dish sponges and towels should be changed frequently, as they can harbor bacteria that spread to other surfaces.
9. Protect Floors from Salt and Water Damage
Salt and slush tracked in from outside can wear down the flooring over time, leaving stains and causing damage. Using rugs or mats in high-traffic areas helps protect your floors, while regular sweeping and mopping prevent buildup.
A mixture of vinegar and water can wipe away salt residue from hard floors. Wiping up spills immediately also helps prevent water damage and staining.
10. Hire a Professional Cleaning Service
Keeping up with winter cleaning can feel overwhelming, especially with busy schedules. A professional cleaning service in Toledo can help maintain a spotless home by handling deep cleaning tasks that might be overlooked.
Poseidon’s Mermaids offers a range of winter cleaning services, including deep carpet cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, and full-home sanitization. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or recurring service, we’re here to make your home feel fresh and inviting all season long.
Enjoy a Clean and Cozy Home This Winter
Winter in Toledo can bring plenty of messes, but a solid cleaning routine can keep your home comfortable and tidy. By taking small steps each day and tackling deep cleaning projects when needed, you can enjoy the season without worrying about clutter and grime.
If winter cleaning feels like too much to handle, let Poseidon’s Mermaids help. Contact us to schedule a deep cleaning service and keep your home looking its best all winter.
