Getting Your Idaho Falls Home Ready for Winter: 7 Cleaning Tasks to Tackle Now
The first real snowfall signals the beginning of winter in Idaho Falls. Some winters, we don’t see the ground until March.
One day it’s a crisp morning. The next, there are wet boots by the door, a dog shaking snowmelt across the living room, and a fresh layer of grit on the floors. Our winters are long, cold, and spent mostly indoors, so your home works a little harder from now until spring.
Most of us remember the big winter prep items, but sometimes the small things slip through the cracks. A little winter cleaning now makes it much easier to keep a clean home when the snow is piling up.
So, before the snow settles in, here is your winter cleaning checklist.
1. Give Your Entryway a Winter-Ready Refresh
Your entryway takes the brunt of an Idaho winter. Snow, mud, road salt, and grit ride in on boots and paws, and your floor is the first place they land.
- Clear everything out and clean the floors thoroughly
- Wipe down baseboards, doors, door frames, and walls
- Wash or shake out rugs and mats
- Add a boot tray and a designated spot for wet shoes and coats
2. Deep Clean Your Carpets and Upholstery
Winter means more movie nights and more time on the couch. Soft surfaces trap dirt, pet hair, crumbs, and dust, and they hold onto allergens too.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture, including under furniture and between couch cushions
- Wash removable cushion covers and blankets according to their care instructions
- Consider a professional carpet or upholstery cleaning if your surfaces need more than routine care
3. Clean the Windows, Sills, and Tracks
With windows shut for months, tracks and sills collect dust, dirt, and the occasional dead bug. Clean glass also helps you soak up every bit of light on those short winter days.
- Wipe down interior window glass
- Vacuum window tracks with a brush attachment
- Use a damp cloth on sills and frames
- Dust blinds and other window treatments
4. Show Your Kitchen Some Extra Attention
Holiday baking, family dinners, and everyday cooking all add up. Grease and splatters build up fast on cabinets, backsplashes, and appliances.
- Wipe down cabinet doors and drawer fronts
- Clean appliance exteriors, especially handles
- Degrease the stovetop and backsplash
- Clean the countertops, sink, and inside of the microwave
- Don’t forget the floors and the spots underneath your busiest surfaces
5. Wash Your Winter Bedding and Cozy Fabrics
Out come the heavy comforters, flannel sheets, and favorite blankets. After months in storage, they’ve collected dust and everyday debris.
- Wash bedding before it goes into regular rotation
- Launder throw blankets and removable pillow covers
- Vacuum mattresses and upholstered headboards
- Dust bedside tables and lamps
- Freshen up the guest bedding if family is visiting for the holidays
6. Give Your Bathrooms a Thorough Cleaning
More people at home means more bathroom traffic. And if you’re hosting over the holidays, a fresh bathroom is one of the details guests notice.
- Scrub showers and tubs to remove soap scum
- Clean grout and tile
- Wipe down vanities, cabinet fronts, and mirrors
- Clean behind and around the toilet
- Wash bath mats and shower curtains
7. Don’t Forget the Details
Baseboards, doors, and light switches are easy to skip. But these small finishing touches make a home feel noticeably fresher without a complete overhaul.
- Wipe down baseboards, door frames, and doors
- Clean light switches and door handles
- Dust shelves, decor, and lampshades
- Clean underneath and behind furniture when you can
Make Winter Cleaning Easier With a Little Consistency
You don’t have to do it all in one weekend.
Break it into smaller tasks and build a few simple habits. It also helps to get your family cleaning together, even if it’s just a 15-minute reset after dinner. Here’s more on getting your family cleaning as a team.
Remember, consistent cleaning beats the big once-in-a-while scrub every time.
Enjoy a Cleaner, More Comfortable Home This Winter
Preparing for winter doesn’t mean spending your whole weekend scrubbing. A few of these tasks now can make the whole season easier.
And if you’d like a little extra help with your winter cleaning, Distinguished Cleaning offers professional home cleaning services in Idaho Falls and surrounding communities.
Ready to enjoy a cleaner home without adding more to your winter to-do list? Contact us today for your free estimate, and let’s get your home sparkling clean.