Summer Maintenance Tips for Keeping Spaces Cool and Clean

Summer can bring extreme heat, so you must focus on keeping air circulating and reducing the temperature for added comfort. It’s also a season of increased outdoor activity, so focus on reducing any resulting mess and keep everywhere as clean and tidy as possible.

Tackling Increased Foot Traffic and Dirt Ingress

The good weather in summer means a lot more movement between indoor and outdoor spaces. That can mean a lot more dirt is brought into the house, so concentrate on keeping this to a minimum so the need for constant cleaning is reduced.

A prime focus should be on creating barriers between the dusty exterior and the clean interior. This can be achieved by installing hardy grass and having clearly defined paths. You can also install permeable paving that will drain away excess water and ensure soil is aerated and top dressed for drainage. The aim is to provide surfaces that can handle wear and compaction while dealing effectively with dirt.

Combating Heat and Pests: Focus on Kitchen and Waste Areas

The hot weather in summer can increase the speed of breeding for pests as well as driving them indoors for food, water and shelter. Infestations will require professional pest control services, but you can reduce the chances by removing food sources and keeping everything as clean as possible.

Ensure food is stored properly in sealed containers, wipe down all surfaces regularly and fix leaks quickly to avoid moisture that attracts pests such as cockroaches and termites. Refrigerate perishable food at below 5⁰C and ensure waste is removed into sealed bins that are emptied and disinfected frequently.

Seal cracks and gaps in walls that can provide entry points for pests and trim back shrubs and trees adjoining the property. Keep outdoor areas tidy, particularly removing wood and organic debris that can provide shelter, and inspect for pests regularly, using a professional for a more thorough and reliable service.

The Importance of Seasonal Deep Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Using a vacuum cleaner on your carpets and upholstery is necessary to maintain a healthy indoor environment and professional cleaning is recommended every 12-18 months, more frequently for areas with high traffic volumes, to achieve a really deep clean. Seasonal cleaning should focus on removing dust and allergens in spring, dealing with increased foot traffic and humidity in summer, getting rid of fallen leaves and debris in autumn and combating mud and moisture in winter.

Seasonal cleaning is important to:

• Improve air quality by removing pollen, dust and other contaminants that are trapped in carpets and upholstery.
• Extend the life of furnishings by removing dirt and particles that can cause premature wear.
• Eliminate stains and smells to improve the fragrance and look of your home.
• Prevent the build-up of harmful mould and mildew caused by excessive moisture.

Maximising Natural Light: Essential Window and Exterior Cleaning

Dirt and dust on windows block natural sunlight, so keeping them clean adds to the brightness of your home, making you feel healthier and happier. Avoid direct sunlight when cleaning for best results.

Use distilled water to prevent streaks, adding mild detergent to it and applying with a microfibre cloth. Rinse off with clean water and dry with a squeegee for a brilliant finish. Frequent cleaning is necessary in coastal and dusty regions.

Equipment Care: Ensuring Machinery Runs Smoothly in the Heat

Machinery can be adversely affected by extreme heat, so you need to take steps, paying particular attention to cooling systems, to avoid this:

• Maximise airflow by removing dust and debris from air filters, fans and radiators.
• Check coolant levels and strengths frequently.
• Check oil and lubrication levels, using summer-grade oils during hot weather.
• Avoid overloading equipment since this can generate extra heat.

At Big Clean, we have a wide range of equipment and materials to help your summer maintenance programme. Get in touch if you need advice on what to use.