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Summer is finally here! If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer, or have a lot of visitors in your home, you may find that your apartment takes a bit of a beating. Here are our top tips for how to keep your apartment fresh and sparkling clean all summer long.

Why your apartment gets dirty in the summer

So, why does summer seem to amplify the dirt and clutter inside your home?

Increased foot traffic

Whether it’s friends coming over for a BBQ, kids running in and out from playing, or simply you returning from a sandy beach, more people (and pets) means more dirt tracked in. Sand, grass, dust, and pollen are the usual suspects.

Open windows, patios and doors

People tend to open their windows and doors more often in summer. This invites more than just a breeze. Pollen, dust and even tiny insects can easily make their way inside, settling on surfaces.

Sweat and humidity 

Summer means more sweat, which can transfer onto your furniture and surfaces. Higher humidity can also exacerbate dust accumulation and sometimes contribute to musty smells if air circulation isn't optimal.

Outdoor activities and gear 

Camping gear, picnic blankets, beach towels, gardening tools, muddy shoes – all these items come back inside with you, often carrying dirt, sand, and leaves with them. They then need a place to be stored, often leading to temporary clutter.

More cooking and entertaining

You might be cooking more often or hosting friends for meals, leading to more dishes, crumbs, and potential spills in the kitchen or on your patio.

Easy summer cleaning tips for success 

The key to maintaining a clean and fresh summer apartment isn't about deep cleaning constantly. It requires prevention and consistent, small actions. Think "maintenance cleaning."

Doormats

Invest in a good quality outdoor mat to trap mud, grass, and debris, and a washable indoor mat for dirt. Shake them out or vacuum them regularly.

Designate a shoe-free zone 

Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes upon entering. Have a designated shoe rack or basket by the door to keep shoes contained. This dramatically reduces the amount of dirt tracked into your home.

Quickly sweep and vacuum

Take a bit of time daily to quickly sweep or vacuum your entryway and main living areas. It makes a huge difference in preventing dirt from spreading. Consider a stick vacuum for quick clean-ups.

Wipe down your kitchen and bathrooms

Wipe down your kitchen counters, stovetop, and sink after meals. Load the dishwasher immediately or wash dishes by hand. This prevents food from drying and attracting pests. Quickly wipe down the sink and counter in your bathroom(s). A quick swipe of the toilet bowl brush also goes a long way if done daily.

Clear the clutter 

Put items back where they belong. Don't let mail pile up or clothes accumulate on chairs.

Combat sand and grit 

If you're coming home from a day at the beach, shake out your dirty towels and clothes outside before bringing them in. Have a dedicated "beach bag" that can be easily emptied and shaken out. A hand-held vacuum is excellent for quick sand clean-ups on upholstery or floors.

Keep fresh air circulating

While open windows can bring in dust, good air circulation is crucial. Use fans to keep air moving and consider an air purifier if you have seasonal allergies. Change HVAC filters more frequently in summer.

Create your own speed-cleaning routine 

You don't need a rigid cleaning routine and schedule. Just having a general idea of what needs to be done and when can be helpful.

Morning maintenance 

Make your bed, open your window blinds, and quickly tidy up your living room daily.

Evening sweep and swipe

Wipe down the kitchen surfaces, put away dishes, sweep the floor if needed, and clear any bad clutter before bed.

List and assign key chores 

It’s not necessary to tackle bigger cleaning tasks daily. Instead, create a big chore to-do list and divide it between you and the members of your household so it’s less intimidating. Maybe someone can vacuum the living room on Saturday mornings and someone else can do a bathroom deep clean on Sunday afternoons, etc.

Summer is for living, not for cleaning. By adopting these simple habits and understanding why your apartment gets dirtier during this busy season, you can easily maintain a clean and welcoming home. 

Moving and looking for an apartment to call home? Panoramic Properties would love to welcome you home. Please visit our website to browse our available apartments.