Summer in the City: How to Stay Clean and Cool

Summer in the city means heat, humidity, and more time spent indoors enjoying the air conditioning. A few strategic deep-cleaning tasks can help keep your apartment feeling fresh, comfortable, and cool all season long. Here are our favorite tips for maximum impact with minimal effort.

Keep the Cool Air Flowing

A clean cooling system works more efficiently and helps improve indoor air quality.

• Clean your A/C units. Remove the filter behind the front panel, wash it with warm water, allow it to dry completely, and reinstall.
• Dust ceiling fans to prevent them from circulating dust throughout your home.
• Wipe down blinds and clean windows if you didn’t get to them during your spring cleaning.

Prevent Odors and Unwanted Guests

Summer heat can turn even small messes into big invitations for pests. Keeping key areas clean helps eliminate odors and makes your home far less attractive to unwanted visitors.

Focus on the areas that tend to collect moisture and food residue:

• Clean the refrigerator.
• Freshen the sink disposal and drain.
• Wash trash and recycling bins.
• Wipe down the cabinet beneath the sink.

Pro Tip: Place an enzymatic drain maintenance stick down the drain to help prevent odors and discourage insects. For garbage disposals, pour ½ cup baking soda followed by 1 cup white vinegar into the disposal, let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with warm water.

Refresh Your Textiles

Summer is the perfect time to swap out heavy winter textiles for lighter, breathable fabrics that make your home feel cooler, brighter, and ready for the season.

• Flip or rotate your mattress and let it air out.
• Replace heavy duvets and flannel bedding with lightweight cotton or linen.
• Swap out thick throws and dark accent pillows for lighter fabrics and seasonal colors.
• Wash throw blankets and small washable rugs.
• Give upholstered furniture and area rugs a professional cleaning or a thorough vacuum to remove accumulated dust and allergens.

If You Have a Terrace, Patio, or Backyard

Take advantage of the season by giving your outdoor spaces a refresh, too.

• Wash outdoor furniture using warm water, a small amount of dish soap, and a soft-bristle brush. Add a cup of white vinegar to help remove mildew. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry.
• Clean your grill before peak barbecue season.
• Vacuum and wipe down sliding door tracks.
• Power wash decks, patios, and walkways. (We recommend leaving this one to the professionals.)
• Eliminate any standing water to help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Need a Helping Hand?

If you’d rather spend your weekends enjoying summer than deep cleaning, the Elves are here to help. From seasonal deep cleans to meticulous apartment maintenance, our team will leave your home spotless so you can simply enjoy the season.

Contact us now to enjoy a refreshed home and see why we were named Best of New York by Curbed and New York Magazine. 

 Call (212) 673-5507 or email us to get started.