Summer Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Home Fresh, Breezy, and Ready for Fun

Last Updated on May 21, 2025 by Nell Marie

Summer’s here, and while we’re all dreaming about beach days, BBQs, and long lazy afternoons, there’s one thing that can sneak up on us fast—summer mess. Yep, with all the extra time spent at home, in and out with the kids (and maybe even pets), summer can leave your house feeling more chaotic than calm.

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But don’t worry, summer cleaning doesn’t have to feel like a chore. In fact, with the right approach, it can be refreshing and even satisfying. Think of it as a seasonal reset—out with the grime and in with the sunshine. Ready to make your home feel lighter, fresher, and more fun for the season? Let’s get to it.

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• Do This Not That: Spring Cleaning Laundry Room Edition

Summer Cleaning Tips

Before we jump into the summer cleaning tips, let me just say—I totally get it. When the sun is shining and the days feel longer, the last thing any of us really want to do is clean. But honestly? A little seasonal tidying can make your whole home feel lighter, fresher, and way more enjoyable.

Summer brings a different kind of mess—think sand, grass, popsicle drips, and all the in-and-out foot traffic. So if you’re ready to give your home a warm-weather refresh without spending all day scrubbing, these simple summer cleaning tips will help you stay on top of things while still leaving plenty of time for fun.

Start with the windows—let that sunshine in

There’s something magical about summer sunlight streaming through clean windows. But if your panes are dusty or streaky, you’re not getting that full golden glow.

• Use a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a streak-free finish.
• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water for a natural cleaning spray.
• Don’t forget the sills and tracks—those get gunky fast.

Pro Tip: Clean your windows in the early morning or late afternoon so the sun doesn’t dry your cleaner too fast and leave streaks.

Swap out heavy linens and bedding

Pack away the flannel sheets, thick blankets, and heavy comforters. Summer is all about light, breathable materials.

• Switch to cotton or linen bedding for a cool, crisp feel.
• Wash and store winter linens with lavender sachets to keep them fresh.
• Refresh throw pillows and maybe swap in some fun, summery patterns or colors.

Bonus: This is a great time to vacuum your mattress and rotate it.

Tackle the fridge and freezer

Summer = cold drinks, popsicles, and fresh produce. So you’ll want your fridge to be in tip-top shape.

• Toss expired condiments and mystery leftovers.
• Wipe down shelves and bins with warm, soapy water.
• Put an open box of baking soda inside to neutralize odors.

Don’t forget the freezer! Clear out the icy build-up and organize so you can actually find your ice cream stash.

Create a summer entryway station

Between flip-flops, pool bags, and wet towels, your entryway can turn into a dumping ground. A little prep goes a long way.

• Add a small bin or basket for sandals and flip-flops.
• Keep a hook or two handy for beach towels or hats.
• Place a mat outside and inside to trap dirt.

Pro Tip: Make this area kid-friendly if you’ve got little ones—they’ll be more likely to put things where they belong.

Declutter and donate

Summer cleaning is the perfect time to simplify your space. Less clutter = less to clean.

• Go through clothes, toys, and books—especially seasonal items.
• Make a donation box and schedule a drop-off.
• Don’t forget to check your bathroom and pantry for expired products.

Make it fun: Put on some upbeat music or a podcast and give yourself a time limit for each room.

Scrub those outdoor spaces

Your porch, patio, or balcony probably gets more use in the summer—and more dirt, too.

• Sweep off leaves, dirt, and pollen.
• Wipe down furniture with a gentle cleaner or soapy water.
• Shake out or hose off outdoor rugs.

Add some cozy touches like string lights or a citronella candle to make the space more inviting once it’s clean.

Give your grill some love

Nothing ruins a summer cookout faster than a grimy grill. And you’d be surprised how quickly grease can build up.

• Remove and scrub the grates with a wire brush.
• Wipe down the exterior and any trays or shelves.
• Check the propane tank or restock charcoal.

Quick tip: After each use, do a quick brush while the grates are still warm. It’s way easier!

Freshen up the floors

With barefoot days and outdoor play, your floors can take a beating in the summer. Now’s the time to show them some love.

• Vacuum rugs and carpets thoroughly.
• Mop hard floors with a gentle, summery-scented cleaner.
• Shake out door mats and give them a good sweep or vacuum.

Want a deeper clean? Rent or borrow a carpet cleaner for a weekend refresh.

Check your air filters and vents

This one might not be glamorous, but it’s super important—especially if you’re running the AC constantly.

• Replace air filters to keep your system running efficiently.
• Wipe down vent covers (they get dusty fast!).
• Consider having your ducts cleaned if it’s been a few years.

Bonus: Cleaner air = fewer summer allergies.

Wipe down sticky spots

Warm weather = sticky hands, popsicles, lemonade spills… you get the idea. Summer is the season of surfaces that just need a good wipe-down.

• Kitchen cupboards and drawer handles
• Fridge doors and appliance buttons
• Light switches and doorknobs

Make your own all-purpose spray with vinegar, water, and a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil. It smells like summer in a bottle.

Clean out the car

Road trips, beach days, and camp runs can turn your car into a second messy home. Time to freshen it up!

• Remove trash, crumbs, and receipts.
• Wipe down the dashboard and cup holders.
• Vacuum the seats and floor mats.

Want to go the extra mile? Keep a small bin or bag in the backseat for trash and another for essentials like sunscreen and wipes.

Tidy up the toy situation

If you’ve got kids, you know summer fun comes with summer clutter.

• Rotate outdoor toys so they actually get played with.
• Hose off plastic toys, water tables, and sand buckets.
• Create a toy bin or basket that lives near the door for easy grab-and-go access.

Pro Tip: Make it a team effort. Have the kids sort their own toys to donate, toss, or keep.

Deep clean the bathroom

Let’s be honest—between summer sweat, extra showers, and sandy feet, the bathroom needs more attention in summer.

• Scrub the tub, sinks, and toilet.
• Refresh your shower curtain or liner (toss it in the washer!).
• Wipe mirrors, clean grout, and empty out any old products.

Add a summery scent like eucalyptus, mint, or citrus to your cleaning products for a spa-like vibe.

Keep up with laundry piles

Beach towels, pool swimsuits, and extra outfit changes add up fast. Stay ahead of the mountain.

• Set a summer laundry day or schedule to avoid last-minute stress.
• Air-dry swimsuits to extend their life.
• Consider adding an outdoor drying rack for quick summer sun drying.

Bonus tip: Keep a small laundry basket near your entryway just for wet towels and suits.

Create a calm summer vibe

Lastly, don’t forget that cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing—it’s about creating a space that feels light, breezy, and relaxing.

• Light a candle or diffuse a summery essential oil blend (like lemon, grapefruit, or mint).
• Put out a fresh bowl of fruit or a vase of flowers.
• Open the windows in the morning to let in fresh air.

Sometimes a clean, calm home is just what you need to enjoy the season even more.

Final Thoughts: Clean Less, Enjoy More

Summer cleaning doesn’t have to take over your life. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s about creating a space that feels good, works well, and helps you make more room for the good stuff. So open the windows, put on your favorite playlist, and tackle one little project at a time. You’ve got this.

And when you’re done? Grab a cold drink, put your feet up, and enjoy your fresh, breezy space. You earned it.

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