Summer is a season for sunshine, backyard parties, and beach days—and let’s be honest, a little bit of chaos. Between the extra foot traffic, kids at home, open windows, outdoor gear, and warm weather, your home can get messy quickly. That’s why a smart summer cleaning routine is key to keeping things fresh and organized while still enjoying everything the season has to offer.
Here are ten simple, effective summer cleaning hacks that will help you breeze through chores, save time, and enjoy a cleaner, cooler home.
1. Use Lemon and Baking Soda to Freshen Your Garbage Disposal
With all the fresh fruits, corn husks, and summer cooking, your garbage disposal might start to smell less than pleasant. For a natural solution to combat odor, toss a handful of ice cubes, a few slices of lemon, and a tablespoon of baking soda into your disposal. Run the disposal with cold water, and it’ll be clean and fresh in no time.
Hack Tip: Freeze lemon slices in vinegar or water in ice cube trays. Drop one in weekly to keep things smelling clean.
2. Keep Sand at Bay with the Baby Powder Trick
If you have kids, live near the beach, or enjoy seaside vacations, you understand that sand somehow always finds its way indoors. Keep a bottle of baby powder near the door—sprinkle it on feet and legs, and the powder will absorb moisture, making it easy to brush off sand before coming inside.
Bonus Tip: Use a plastic bin or hamper near the entryway for beach towels, shoes, and swim gear to keep messes contained. Let towels air dry before bringing them indoors so you can keep most of the sand outside!
3. Make a Natural All-Purpose Cleaner with Vinegar and Citrus Peels
Take advantage of summer citrus and create your own eco-friendly cleaner. Fill a jar with orange, lemon, or lime peels and cover them with white vinegar. Let it sit for two weeks, then strain and dilute with water in a spray bottle.
Perfect for: Countertops, windows, sinks, and even outdoor furniture.
4. Declutter and Rotate Summer Essentials
Take the opportunity to donate heavy winter blankets, dated summer gear, and other items that you normally store but no longer need or use.
Use clear bins or baskets to store frequently used items such as pool towels, sunscreen, and bug spray. Place the bins by the door for easy access.
Pro Tip: Label your bins so everyone knows where things belong—this keeps clutter from piling up on countertops or kitchen tables.
5. Use Dryer Sheets to Wipe Down Baseboards
Baseboards are dust magnets, especially with windows open or air conditioners blasting in the summer. Skip the mop and use a dryer sheet to clean them. It’ll not only remove dust but leave behind a light, pleasant scent and reduce static, which helps repel future dust.
6. Keep Your Fridge Smelling Fresh with Coffee Grounds
Summer means more produce, leftovers, and cold drinks, which means your fridge is working overtime. Absorb odors by placing used coffee grounds or a small bowl of baking soda in the back of the fridge. Swap it for fresh grounds or soda every few weeks.
Extra Hack: Wipe down shelves with a solution of water, vinegar, and a drop of essential oil like lavender or lemon for a clean and refreshing scent.
7. Create a DIY Screen Cleaner
Window screens collect pollen, dirt, and dust quickly in summer. Mix 1-part vinegar with 1-part warm water in a spray bottle. Spray on screens and gently scrub with a soft brush or microfiber cloth.
To deep clean: Pop screens out and hose them down in the yard, scrubbing lightly with soapy water before rinsing and letting them dry in the sun.
8. Speed Clean Your Ceiling Fans with a Pillowcase
Dusty fan blades are unavoidable in the summer but cleaning them doesn’t have to mean dust in your eyes. Slip an old pillowcase over a blade and gently pull it back, trapping the dust inside.
Don’t forget: Clean the base and light fixtures while you’re up there. A microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner work wonders.
9. Freshen Up Outdoor Furniture with Dish Soap and a Hose
Patio furniture can get grimy fast, but most materials clean up easily with a little warm water and dish soap. Scrub with a sponge or soft brush, then rinse with a hose and let it dry in the sun.
For mildew or tough stains: Add a splash of white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to your soapy solution.
10. Use Essential Oils to Deter Bugs While You Clean
Summer means more bugs inside and out. Add a few drops of peppermint, lemongrass, or eucalyptus essential oil to your cleaning water to naturally deter ants, spiders, and mosquitoes. Bonus: Your home will smell amazing.
Use it in: Mop water, spray bottles, or even soaked cotton balls placed near entry points.
Final Thoughts
Summer cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore, especially when you use smart, simple hacks that make life easier. From tackling sandy floors and sticky kitchen counters to refreshing your fridge and outdoor areas, a few quick tricks can make a significant difference. The key is staying ahead of the mess. By incorporating some of these habits into your weekly routine, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying warm evenings, backyard dinners, and the relaxed pace of the season. So, grab your lemon peels, vinegar, and favorite playlist—summer cleaning just got a whole lot easier.
