Summer Cleaning & Maintenance Guide
Written by Shannon, Owner and Founder of Long Island MaidsSummer on Long Island means humidity, beach sand, sunscreen residue, and more foot traffic. Here's how to keep your home fresh when the weather won't cooperate.
Humidity is your enemy. Keep indoor humidity below 50% with a dehumidifier. High humidity promotes mold, mildew, and musty odors—especially in bathrooms, basements, and closets.
Summer's Unique Challenges
Long Island summers are humid. Moisture promotes mold, mildew, and musty odors—especially in bathrooms, basements, and closets.
- Run dehumidifier to keep humidity below 50%
- Use exhaust fans during and after showers
- Check for mold in grout, under sinks, and corners
- Leave closet doors open for air circulation
- Wash bath mats and shower curtains monthly
Sand gets everywhere, and sunscreen leaves greasy residue on furniture, clothes, and upholstery.
- Create a "sandy entry"—outdoor mat + indoor mat + towel station
- Keep a handheld vacuum near the door
- Vacuum car seats weekly during beach season
- For sunscreen stains: dish soap + baking soda paste, then launder
- Wipe patio furniture with mild degreaser regularly
Ants, flies, and mosquitoes are more active in summer—and they're attracted to food residue and moisture.
- Empty trash frequently, wash bins monthly
- Wipe down counters after every meal
- Check window screens for holes
- Store fruit in the refrigerator
- Clean up pet food immediately after feeding
Summer Cleaning Priorities
Weekly Summer Checklist
- Kitchen: Deep clean fridge, wipe appliance exteriors, empty and wash trash cans
- Bathrooms: Check for mold/mildew, wash bath mats if damp, clean exhaust fans
- Floors: More frequent vacuuming (sand/dirt), mop hard floors weekly
- Entry areas: Shake out mats, sweep porches, clean door handles
- Outdoor: Hose down patio furniture, clean grill grates after use
Outdoor Space Maintenance
- Patio furniture: Wipe weekly, deep clean monthly with mild soap solution
- Grill: Brush grates after each use, deep clean monthly (degrease, clean drip pan)
- Pool area: Skim daily, vacuum weekly, maintain chemical balance
- Deck/patio: Sweep weekly, pressure wash once or twice per summer
- Outdoor cushions: Bring in before rain, wash covers monthly
Prevent Summer Odors
Heat and humidity amplify odors. Stay ahead with these tips:
- Garbage: Take out more frequently, freeze smelly food waste until trash day
- Drains: Pour baking soda + vinegar down drains monthly
- Laundry: Don't leave wet towels or swimsuits in hampers—wash immediately or hang to dry
- Pet areas: Clean more frequently, wash pet bedding weekly
- Basement: Run dehumidifier continuously, check for musty spots
End-of-Summer Tasks
Before fall arrives:
- Clean and store outdoor furniture cushions
- Deep clean the grill before covering for winter
- Wash all beach gear before storing
- Clean out coolers and dry completely
- Wash summer bedding before switching to heavier blankets
Too Busy Enjoying Summer?
Let us handle the cleaning while you hit the beach. Our recurring cleaning service keeps your home fresh all summer long.
Serving: Great Neck · Manhasset · Garden City · Huntington · Commack · +40 more
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my house fresh in Long Island's humid summer?
Run a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 50%. Use exhaust fans during and after showers. Leave closet doors open for air circulation. Check for mold in bathrooms and basements regularly. Wash bath mats and shower curtains monthly.
How do I remove sunscreen stains from fabric?
Sunscreen contains oils that leave greasy stains. Make a paste of dish soap and baking soda, apply to the stain, let sit 15-30 minutes, then launder as normal. For white fabrics, add oxygen bleach. Treat stains before they set.
How do I keep beach sand out of my house?
Create a "sandy entry" system with an outdoor mat, indoor mat, and towel station. Keep a handheld vacuum near the door for quick cleanups. Shake out beach bags and towels outside. Rinse feet with a bucket of water before entering.
How often should I clean my AC filter in summer?
Replace or clean AC filters monthly during heavy summer use. Dirty filters reduce efficiency and can circulate dust and allergens. Also clean window AC unit coils and check for mold growth, which thrives in the condensation.
How do I prevent summer odors in my home?
Take out garbage more frequently and freeze smelly food waste until trash day. Pour baking soda and vinegar down drains monthly. Don't leave wet towels or swimsuits in hampers—wash immediately or hang to dry. Clean pet areas more frequently.
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