Don’t Forget to Clean These Areas This Summer

Summer should be relaxing, but it doesn't mean you can drop all your usual responsibilities. You still have to clean and maintain your home, even if you'd rather be outside grilling or just chilling in your air-conditioned home.

In fact, there are some things you definitely don't want to forget about cleaning during the summer. When certain home features are getting more used, keeping them clean is more important than ever.

So remember to take care of these all-important areas of your home this summer if you want to avoid a big mess to clean up when fall arrives.

Why is it important to clean these areas in the summer?

Maintaining and cleaning these areas is important because they are used more frequently in summer, increasing dirt and bacteria buildup. Not cleaning them regularly can lead to bad odors, mold and mildew growth, and the spread of germs.

Item to Clean	Cleaning Frequency	Tools & Tips
Pool or Hot Tub	Check and adjust chemical levels weekly. Deep clean monthly.	Pool skimmer, pool brush, vacuum, and pool testing kit. Always use chemicals as directed.
Deck	Sweep weekly. Deep clean and seal every 1-3 years depending on weather conditions.	Broom, power washer (for deep clean), deck cleaner, and sealer. Use a mildew-resistant sealer in humid climates.
AC Unit	Change filters monthly during heavy use. Professional maintenance annually.	New filters, coil cleaner. Turn off the power before cleaning.
Grill	Clean grates after each use. Deep clean 1-2 times per season.	Grill brush, dish soap, and water. For deep clean, disassemble and soak parts in warm soapy water.
Patio	Sweep weekly. Wash monthly or as needed.	Broom, hose or pressure washer, mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage patio surfaces.

Keeping these areas clean not only helps maintain your home's appearance but also extends the lifespan of these items and can prevent costly repairs.

Your Pool or Hot Tub

Having a pool or hot tub gives you somewhere to unwind in the summer. But the more you use them, the more important it is to keep them clean. You need to get the balance of chemicals right, keep out debris, and perhaps carry out a deep clean now and then. This can all be a lot of work, so you might want to get someone to take care of pool and hot tub maintenance for you.

If you do decide to do it yourself, make sure you schedule the time to do it. Be careful with any chemicals to ensure you don't mix the wrong ones. And don't forget to check your pool or hot tub's pH levels regularly.

How many times should you clean your pool or hot tub?

The frequency of cleaning your pool or hot tub will depend on how often you use it. If you're using it daily, then it should be cleaned at least once a week. But if you're not using it much, once every two weeks should do the trick.

Your Deck

Your deck is great for hosting barbecues or relaxing with your family. But the summer weather can take its toll on wood and other materials, so make sure you keep up with your maintenance schedule. Pressure washing, staining, and sealing are all important processes for maintaining your deck in good condition.

If you don't have time to do the job yourself, getting a professional in is best to ensure your deck looks great all summer.

This task should be done at least once a year, preferably in the springtime.

The AC

Your air conditioning needs to be functional for the summer. You don't want it to be ineffective, working overtime to try and get past dirt and dust or making your home dirty with unclean air. Cleaning out your AC unit and any filters is necessary when summer arrives.

You might also want to check it during the summer to make sure. Again, you might choose to use a professional service for this job. An AC technician can also service your air conditioning and check that it works as it should.

Please ensure your AC unit is cleaned at least once a year, and also check it regularly during the summer to ensure it's working as intended.

Your Grill

We all like to get out and grill when the weather is good. But a grimy grill is gross. The grime can build up over time, even if you clean your grill after you've used it. Before you start grilling for the first time, it's a good idea to give it a really deep clean.

You don't have to have lots of fancy equipment to get the job done. A wire brush and some dish soap might be all you need, as long as you can use a little elbow grease too.

How often should you clean your grill?

You should give your grill a deep clean at least once a year. But if you use your barbecue often, it might be worth giving it a regular wipe down in-between uses to ensure all the food bits and grease don't build up too much.

Your Patio

Your outdoor areas are sure to get some good use during the summer. So it makes sense to give them a deep clean before you start really enjoying them. If you have a patio or paved area, pressure washing is a great way to get it looking shiny and new.

It will blast away the dirt and grime to reveal the original surface underneath. You can pressure wash other areas too, and it's good for eliminating various unsightly problems.

Cleaning can indeed be a chore. But don't forget to give your home the attention it needs during the summer, so you can really make the most of it. Make sure you take care of these areas before anything else – and then you have more time to sit back, relax, and soak up the warm weather. Enjoy!