Winter months can cause quite the build-up of filth within the walls of your home. With guests and family members tracking in snow/ice, ashes lingering from the fireplace, constant usage of the heating unit with no open windows, debris can easily settle and settle well into your home. There’s no need to wait until spring to clean your home; in fact, the sooner you do it, the less of a problem you’ll have on your hands once the season changes. Here are five ways to keeping your home clean during the winter season:

1.       Maintain your furnace. Change the filter once a month, as this will save energy and keep the air supply clean. Inspect the actual furnace for dust and debris; if present, vacuum to prevent a fire hazard.

2.       Clean your floors. Whether carpet or hardwood, floors can become quite filthy during wintertime. Road salt can become trapped in carpet fibers and melted salt water can ruin your hardwood. Steam clean your floors, along with a good scrubbing. If you bring your shoes indoors, place them on several layers of baking sheets (paper) to drain the snow and ice away by the door. Make sure there’s an edged bottom underneath the sheets so the water doesn’t get on the floors.

3.       Get rid of the dust bunnies. With the air being warm and dry within your home, it’s easy for dust to collect. Regularly dust your surfaces from top to bottom, including ceiling fan blades, window moldings, lighting fixtures, and books on shelves. This also includes having your air ducts cleaned, which reduces the amount of dust, bacteria, and allergens in the air while maintaining your furnace’s performance capability.

4.       Clean your windows. Soot can build up with excessive use of the fireplace and candles, so be sure to clean your windows with the proper cleaning solution or the homemade mixture of vinegar and water.

5.       Clean your kitchen ceiling. Build-up can occur in this room of your home due to moisture, fumes, and smoke from cooking. Clean the ceiling as well as the walls with dish soap, warm water, and a sponge (using a very small amount of water). Do not continue if streaking and/or discoloration occur.