Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!

As the temperature drops and we begin spending more time indoors, it’s time to shift our focus from summer decluttering to winter deep cleaning. 

Winter cleaning isn't just about tidying up, it's about creating a warm, healthy, and comfortable space where you can truly relax through the coldest months of the year.

At COIT, we’ve been helping homeowners maintain fresh, clean homes for over 70 years. With winter right around the corner, here’s our expert-backed guide to winter cleaning and getting your home truly ready for the season.

1. Deep Clean Before You Cozy In

Winter is the season of hibernation, and if you're going to be curled up on the couch more often, make sure the surfaces around you are clean. Start by vacuuming and shampooing your carpets and rugs to remove any trapped dirt, allergens, or pet dander from the fall. If you have kids or pets running in and out, a professional carpet cleaning can go a long way in restoring freshness.

Don’t forget the details: baseboards, light fixtures, blinds, and ceiling fans all collect dust. Give them a thorough wipe-down before you close up your home for winter.

2. Refresh Your Bedding and Upholstery

Cold nights call for warm blankets, but those cozy textiles can also trap dust, skin cells, and allergens. Wash all bedding, including duvet covers and throw blankets, and vacuum your mattress. This is also a great time to flip or rotate your mattress to extend its life.

If you have fabric couches or chairs, give them some attention, too. Vacuum under the cushions and spot-clean stains. Consider professional upholstery cleaning for a deeper clean, especially before holiday guests arrive.

3. Improve Air Quality and Fight Winter Germs

When your windows stay shut all winter, your indoor air can get stale fast. Cleaning your home is about more than what you see, it’s also about what you breathe. Start by replacing your HVAC filters. Not only does this help your system run more efficiently, it also improves indoor air quality by reducing dust, allergens, and mold spores.

Wipe down high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, remotes, and phones. If you use a humidifier or air purifier, sanitize it regularly and change the filters as recommended. A clean device means cleaner air.

4. Clean the Entryway

Your entryway is your home’s first line of defense against winter mess. Mud, snow, road salt, and dirt can all get tracked inside. Set up a winter-ready mudroom area with washable mats, boot trays, and a bin for wet gear.

Wipe down walls and floors in this high-traffic area, especially around the door frame. And make sure your doormats are clean both inside and out. If they’re worn out, replace them with something that can handle heavy use and soak up moisture.

5. Tidy Up the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it tends to get busier in winter. Between holiday baking and hearty winter meals, it sees a lot of action. Pull out your fridge and stove and clean behind and underneath. Wipe down your pantry shelves and toss expired goods. Clean the microwave, scrub the sink, and sanitize cabinet handles.

Don’t forget the small appliances: descale the coffee maker, clean the toaster crumb tray, and check the seals on your fridge and freezer.

6. Dust the Forgotten Spots

Some surfaces get cleaned regularly. Others? Not so much. Use your winter cleaning as a chance to reach those forgotten places: ceiling fans, vents, behind furniture, under beds, and the tops of bookshelves or cabinets. These out-of-sight spots can harbor dust that affects both air quality and your overall sense of cleanliness.

If you have pets, pay special attention to corners where fur tends to gather. A damp microfiber cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment works well here.

7. Take Care of Your Windows

Your windows help regulate indoor temperature, so be sure to keep them clean. Clean both the glass and the frames, and remove any buildup of grime or mildew. If you live in a cold climate, consider applying window insulation film to keep heat in and cold out.

Curtains and blinds also need attention. Dust them or wash them according to the care instructions. You’d be surprised how much fresher your home feels when these fabric surfaces are clean.

8. Prep the Fireplace Area

There’s nothing better than a warm fire on a cold night, but fireplaces can get messy. Sweep out old ashes and clean the interior before your first fire of the season. Wipe down the hearth and inspect your chimney to ensure it's free of creosote buildup or blockages.

If you use decorative logs or candles instead of a working fireplace, give the area a good dusting and arrange it for maximum winter coziness.

9. Wash and Rotate Seasonal Items

Winter brings out coats, scarves, hats, and gloves. Wash everything before it goes into heavy rotation for the season, and store summer gear in labeled bins. If you’re tight on space, consider under-the-bed storage or vacuum-sealed bags.

This is also a good time to clean and disinfect sports gear, pet sweaters, snow boots, and outdoor blankets.

10. Check for Drafts and Seal Leaks

Energy efficiency and cleanliness go hand in hand. Check your windows and doors for drafts. If you feel cold air sneaking in, install draft guards or add weatherstripping. Use caulk to seal cracks around baseboards or window frames.

Even a small draft can affect indoor comfort and raise your heating bill. Take an hour to inspect your home and seal up any weak spots.

11. Clean and Disinfect Garbage Areas

Garbage cans are often the dirtiest places in the house. Rinse them out with hot water and scrub the interiors with a disinfecting cleaner. Don’t forget to clean the area around the cans, especially if they’re in a cabinet or pantry.

While you’re at it, check your recycling area. Wipe down bins and make sure they’re free from food residue that can attract pests.

12. Pay Attention to Indoor Plants

Your plants need some winter TLC too. Dust their leaves, check for pests, and remove dead or dying foliage. Winter can be tough on houseplants due to dry air and lower light, so make sure they’re near windows and not directly in the path of heat vents.

A cleaner environment helps them thrive, and they, in turn, help clean your air.

13. Create a Cozy Atmosphere

Cleanliness can also mean how a space makes you feel, so take time to swap in winter-themed candles, add plush throws to the couch, and fluff your pillows. Dust lampshades and clean mirrors to help reflect more light during the shorter days.

Even a quick tidy-up and fresh scent can make your space feel more welcoming.

14. Get Ahead of the Holidays

The winter season often brings guests, holiday meals, and extra clutter. Take time now to deep clean guest rooms, stock up on essential cleaning supplies, and organize your kitchen for holiday cooking. Wash any special-occasion linens or dishware so they’re ready to go.

You’ll thank yourself when the holidays roll around and you’re not scrambling to clean up.

15. Schedule a Professional Cleaning

Some tasks are better left to the pros. Winter is a great time to schedule a deep clean of your carpet, tile, grout, upholstery, or air ducts. These areas tend to collect dust and debris over time, and a professional cleaning can dramatically improve the look, feel, and smell of your home.

At COIT, we bring the tools, expertise, and attention to detail that make winter cleaning easier and more effective. Whether you need help with your floors, furniture, or post-holiday cleanup, we’re here to help.

Ready to hand off the hard work? Contact COIT for a professional winter clean that keeps your home fresh, warm, and worry-free.

Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!