The Ultimate Summer Cleaning Checklist

The long, warm days of summer are ahead, and soon you'll be sharing barbecues and parties with your neighbors, friends and family. Spruce up your home with our ultimate summer cleaning checklist so you can create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere to share with your guests all season long.

Before you begin, make sure your cleaning supplies are stocked and ready to go. Grab essentials such as:

General supplies

• All-purpose cleaner
• Dish soap
• Microfiber cloths
• Brushes and dusters
• Sponges or scrubbing pads

Floor cleaning

• Mop and bucket
• Vacuum cleaner
• Broom
• Floor cleaner solution

Glass and furniture cleaning

• Glass cleaner
• Furniture polish
• Newspaper/paper towels/cloths

Bathroom cleaning

• Bathroom cleaner
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Scrub brushes for tough stains or grout

Dusting

• Dusting spray or wipes
• Dusters or cloths

Specialized cleaning

• Stainless steel cleaner (if applicable)
• Carpet cleaner or shampoo
• Upholstery cleaner
• Oven cleaner

Outdoor cleaning supplies

• Hose
• Outdoor broom
• Patio cleaner
• Paper leaf bags

Miscellaneous

• Rubber gloves
• Air freshener or room spray
• Garbage bags
• Paper towels or cleaning cloths for quick cleanups

Start by decluttering and organizing the living room. Maximize your storage by using vertical space like wall-mounted shelves or cabinets to free up floor space and give the illusion of a larger living room. If you find items that no longer serve a purpose, consider donating or selling them. This reduces clutter and also benefits others who may find value in those items.

Next, deep clean your living space by:

• Dusting and cleaning light fixtures, including ceiling fans and lampshades
• Cleaning curtains, blinds or shades
• Washing windows and mirrors
• Wiping down electronics, including the TV, gaming consoles and remote controls
• Cleaning baseboards and then vacuuming thoroughly
• Shampooing your carpets and rugs
• Laundering your throw pillows and cushion covers

Add some seasonal touches to make your living space inviting for all your summer gatherings. Place fresh flowers or houseplants around the room and switch to lighter, summer-themed throws, cushions and curtains.
Just before your guests arrive, light some scented candles or set up a diffuser with a refreshing scent, such as citrus, to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Begin by tidying and going through closets to donate unwanted clothing, blankets and bedding. Then start the following deep cleaning tasks:

• Vacuum and spot clean your mattress using an upholstery cleaner or baking soda, which helps eliminate odors and stains.¹ Then, help extend the life of your mattress by rotating it to even out wear and tear, prevent sagging and ensure a more supportive and comfortable sleep. However, there's no need to lift that heavy bad boy, as it's generally no longer recommended to flip your mattress.²
• Launder all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers.
• Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly, paying attention to corners and edges. Then, dust and clean all bedroom furniture, including dressers, nightstands and headboards.
• Consider buying a new mattress (if necessary) or at least refreshing your bedding with new pillows, which typically need replacing every two years.³
• For home furniture upgrades, your Synchrony HOME™ Credit Card can be a good idea. Use our Synchrony HOME locator to find Synchrony HOME partner retailers in your area that may offer special deals for cardholders.*

Elevate your guest bedrooms with fresh linens, toiletries and thoughtful touches, ensuring a welcoming space for visitors. Give your guests a personalized welcome by providing books or magazines, a notepad and pen and a bottle of water on their nightstand.

Guests often come to the kitchen to chat as the host prepares meals and drinks, so this space must look inviting. Start by wiping down countertops and cabinets and cleaning appliances, fixtures and kitchen surfaces to create a clean and hygienic space.
This is a good time to make sure all your appliances are working properly. The cost of appliance repairs averages around $200, so if you find faults, depending on their age, it may be more economical to replace or upgrade them.⁴
Check your pantry and fridge for any expired or unused food items. Restock with party supplies and delicious treats. Then, make your dining areas inviting for guests with attractive table settings, candles or even homemade decorations.

Deep clean your bathrooms with these tips:

• Disinfect all bathroom surfaces, including countertops, vanities and shelves.
• Clean the toilets, showers and tubs, and remove mineral deposits and limescale using water and white vinegar
• Scrub grout lines and tiles using a grout brush and mildew-resistant cleaner.
• Wash shower curtains, liners, towels and bathmats, or replace them with new ones if needed.

Get your guest bathrooms ready by stocking up on all essentials, including toilet paper, soap, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Make sure you have an ample supply for the duration of your guests' stay, along with fresh and neatly folded towels.
For practicality, consider placing a toilet plunger in an inconspicuous but accessible location. This is a thoughtful addition to handle unexpected plumbing issues without the need for awkward requests.

Take a few steps to ensure your outdoor space is just as inviting as the inside of your home, including:

• Mowing your lawn, trimming any overgrown bushes and adding fresh mulch to flower beds.
• Cleaning and organizing outdoor furniture, including patio sets, cushions and umbrellas.
• Preparing outdoor entertaining areas by cleaning barbecue grills, setting up outdoor lighting and creating cozy corners with cushions and throws.

Prepare your backyard pool for visitors by:

• Checking and maintaining essential equipment like the pump, filter and skimmer baskets.
• Priming the pump, fixing leaks and using a water test kit to monitor pH, chlorine levels, alkalinity and calcium hardness..
• Using a chlorine-based shock treatment to eliminate contaminants, and running the pump afterward.
• Brushing and vacuuming the pool, inspecting for damage and repairing any issues.
• Setting up poolside furniture and ensuring safety equipment is in good condition.

The onset of summer is a great annual reminder to conduct safety checks in and around your home. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly, and address potential hazards. Then, make sure you review safety protocols with your guests, including pool rules, to keep your home safe for everyone who visits this summer.

Perform regular maintenance tasks around your home, including inspecting your HVAC systems, plumbing and roof, and schedule any necessary professional maintenance or repairs.
As you tackle each room and outdoor area, you're cultivating a special space to make cherished summer memories. Your family and guests will appreciate your efforts to create a clean, comfortable and welcoming home to make this summer truly unforgettable.