Winter has arrived, which implies plenty of time spent trapped home to stay warm. It is time to put on your housekeeping gloves and start checking things off your to-do list to make your house seem clean and welcoming.
A proper winter cleaning program is vital, from dusting the floor to thoroughly cleaning the drapes. Because of the rapidly changing temperature and weather, we bring a lot of dirt into our homes. Since most of us now work remotely, keeping our homes clean is even more necessary than usual to make them as pleasant and warm as possible.
I will be sharing some outdoor cleaning tricks to keep your home cozy this winter.

Make Use of a Checklist

Using room checklists can ensure that you never forget a location again, from large jobs to small dusty corners. It helps me organize like an expert; I either make a list on paper or install an easy-to-use cleaning application.

Cleaning the Septic Tank

In my opinion, it is essential to clear up your gutters before the weather becomes too chilly. Your drains can back up and float to the surface if blocked with leaves and trash. Your gutters may overflow after the first severe downpour, forcing water to spill out and ruin your home's siding, roofing, or base.
Any water stored in your gutters might freeze as the temperature lowers, forcing them to slump under the added weight. They may potentially collapse or peel away from the structure entirely. This might lead to expensive repairs, which you do not want!
Thankfully, you may avoid these issues by cleaning up your gutters like I do at the end of the fall or early in the winter. This will allow water to flow easily through them during a downpour or after a snowstorm, reducing damage.

 

Do Not Overlook the Windows

Smears and lines are visible on windows, particularly when the winter sunbeams through. I use a moist towel to clean my windows thoroughly. Then I remove any cobwebs or dust from the frame first. To avoid water stains, I dry everything with a kitchen cloth.

Arranging the Seats and Furnishings

It is essential to clean your furniture and cushions thoroughly before storing them for the winter. Grime may ruin your furnishings over time, so I make sure I clean it regularly. The cleaning process will be determined by the type of furnishings you own:
  • Metal: To remove dirt, I sprinkle it with a faucet. To eliminate any leftover filth, I use a scouring sponge and clean water to go over the furniture. Then I rinse it carefully with lukewarm water and dry it thoroughly.
  • Wood: I use a clean dish brush to remove dirt, then scrape challenging regions with sandpaper. I rinse my couch with a hose, wipe it off with soap, warm water, and a towel. Then I use clean water to spray the area. I usually coat the furnishings with a wood-specific oil, such as teak oil, once thoroughly dried. Regular vegetable oil will suffice as well if you want to try it.
  • Wicker: Avoid saturating wicker furniture with too much water while washing it. This is the tip I would stress the most. I remove as much dirt and filth as possible using a handheld vacuum or a stiff brush, and then I wipe it with a lukewarm cleaning solution. After rinsing everything with clean water, I make sure that everything is completely dry.
  • Read the maintenance labels if your furnishings include cushions. You might be allowed to clean the pillow covers in your washer if you separate them. If this is not feasible, clean the cushions with soapy water as I do.

Placing them in the Sun to Dry

I also clean the umbrella because my patio table has one. Before closing and storing it, I wash it with soap and water and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Preparing the Grill

I prepare my grill for barbecue for the winter. I begin by cranking up the heat on a gas grill or creating a fire on a charcoal barbecue. Then I let the fire burn for a few minutes before putting it out. In this way, any material that has become stuck will be burned away. I scrape off any debris and wipe all surfaces with warm, soapy water when my grill has cooled. If I am putting my gas barbecue away, I make sure the tank is removed. I wrap the tank in plastic wrap and keep it safely on my patio.

Finishing Touches

Once I have cleaned my furniture items, I put everything away. I get a cover that fits well. I buy a heavy-duty cover that is both UV and water-resistant and make sure to check my items before buying. I firmly fasten the cover to my furnishings and inspect it during the winter.

Conclusion 

This is an extensive list of things I do to get my home ready for the fall and winter seasons. It is easy to become overwhelmed, but I accomplish my goals by checking off one item at a time. If I am low on time or energy, I consider hiring someone to assist me.