Summer will be here before you know it, and the last thing you want is to be stuck cleaning when you’d rather be enjoying the sunshine.
Dusty baseboards, sticky fridge handles, and grime-covered patio furniture can sneak up on you, making your home feel less fresh and inviting.
But don’t stress—it’s easier than you think to get both your indoor and outdoor spaces summer-ready.
By tackling a few of these summer cleaning hacks now, you’ll set yourself up for a more relaxed and enjoyable season when the warm weather arrives.
5 Fresh Tips for Using Summer Cleaning Hacks
- Break Tasks Into Bite-Sized Cleaning Sessions – Break tasks into 15- to 20-minute bursts and focus on one area at a time.
- Create a Summer Cleaning Kit – Keep all your essentials—sponges, wipes, sprays, and gloves—in a portable caddy.
- Rotate and Refresh Linens – Swap heavy winter bedding for lighter options and wash your throw blankets.
- Use Natural Cleaners for a Fresh Scent – Lemons, vinegar, and baking soda aren’t just effective—they also leave your home smelling light and summery.
- Set Up a Sand and Dirt Station – Place a small mat or bin near the entry for shoes and outdoor gear to keep the sand and dirt from tracking inside.
17 Summer Cleaning Hacks Every Busy Mom Needs to Know
Getting your home ready for summer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These summer cleaning hacks with help you have both your indoor and outdoor spaces looking fresh and ready for all the summer fun.
1. Start With A FREE Checklist- Like This One!
Before diving into your summer cleaning, start with a simple checklist to keep you on track.
Having a list makes it so much easier to tackle both indoor and outdoor tasks without forgetting anything important.
I love checking things off as I go—it’s so satisfying and keeps me motivated. Plus, when you have everything laid out, you can spread tasks over a few days or even weeks.
Break it into two sections—indoor and outdoor—so you can focus on one area at a time.
To make it even easier, grab these FREE handy printables:
With these checklists, you can break your summer cleaning into manageable tasks and spread them out over the week or month.
2. Defrost and Clean Your Freezer
I realize I never have enough freezer space for all the popsicles and ice cream my kids go through (they’d happily live on ice cream sandwiches alone!) every summer.
Here’s what I do: unplug the freezer and toss anything that hasn’t been touched in months.
If it’s some mystery meat, it’s definitely time to go. Once the ice melts, I give it a good scrub with warm, soapy water.
Then, I line the shelves with freezer paper to catch future messes. Doing this now makes summer snacking so much easier!
3. Deep Clean Air Conditioner Vents
Before I turn on the AC for the first time, I make sure to tackle the vents.
Nothing’s worse than getting blasted with a puff of dust and starting a sneezing fit!
I start by vacuuming the vents, then wipe away any leftover grime with a damp cloth. If the vents pop out, I’ll rinse them in the sink for an extra fresh start.
It’s a quick job, but it makes the air feel so much cleaner—and keeps the sneezes away when the cool air kicks in!
4. Wipe Down Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are dust magnets. I found that out the hard way when I turned ours on and got a shower of dust everywhere!
Now, I grab an old pillowcase, slide it over each blade, and wipe it down. The pillowcase traps all the dust, so I’m not stuck cleaning the floor afterward.
While I’m at it, I make sure to switch the fan to spin counterclockwise. That cooling breeze makes a big difference on those scorching summer afternoons!
5. Declutter Seasonal Items
Swapping out clothes for the season used to feel like such a chore, but now I see it as a little reset.
Pack up the bulky winter coats and boots, wipe down the shelves, and make space for sundresses, swimsuits, and sandals.
Anything the kids have outgrown can go straight into the donation or yard sale pile.
Starting summer with a tidy, organized closet just makes life easier—and getting dressed so much quicker!
6. Clean Windows and Screens
Nothing says summer like sunlight streaming through sparkling, clean windows!
I like to use soapy water or glass cleaner to tackle all the smudges and dirt, both inside and out.
Don’t forget the screens—they hold on to dirt and dust, too! For the outdoor screens, I give them a quick rinse with the garden hose, and for the indoor ones, a wipe-down does the trick.
The difference is like night and day, making the whole house feel brighter and ready for summer!
7. Eliminate Refrigerator Odors
The start of summer is the perfect time to give your fridge a fresh clean—and doing it again halfway through summer doesn’t hurt either!
Between leftover potato salad and mystery items hiding in the back, odors can creep up fast.
I like to wipe down the shelves with a mix of baking soda and lemon—it leaves everything smelling fresh and takes care of sticky spots.
Adding a new box of baking soda helps keep odors away, so your fridge stays ready for all the fresh fruits, salads, and summer goodies!
8. Deodorize Carpets and Rugs
At the start of summer—and definitely by mid-summer—carpets and rugs can feel like sand traps with all the dirt, grass, and backyard fun.
Sprinkle some baking soda over them, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up.
Baking soda is great for neutralizing odors and absorbing moisture that can cause smells to linger.
It’s such an easy way to freshen things up, especially for those “oops, I forgot to take off my shoes” moments!
9. Keep High-Touch Surfaces Germ-Free
During summer, when everyone’s coming and going, high-touch surfaces can get dirty fast.
With kids home all day touching everything, keeping high-touch spots clean can feel never-ending.
Grab a disinfecting wipe or a cloth with an all-purpose cleaner and tackle doorknobs, light switches, remotes, and, of course, fridge handles (sticky hands are always a thing).
It’s a small way to make a big difference in keeping things fresh and germ-free all summer long!
10. Wipe Down Baseboards
Baseboards can collect a surprising amount of dust and dirt, and it’s easy to miss until you’re right up close.
Dust tends to settle along them, especially in busy areas or near vents where air stirs everything up.
Giving them a regular wipe not only keeps things looking tidy but also helps cut down on allergens in your home.
A damp cloth with a little soapy water works wonders and instantly makes the room feel cleaner.
11. Clean Bathroom Vent Fans
Bathroom vent fans can get dusty quickly, so cleaning them at the start of summer and again mid-summer is a smart move.
Over time, buildup can block airflow and cause it to work harder. A clean fan also helps improve indoor air quality by keeping the air fresh and circulating.
Vacuuming the vents and wiping down the covers with a damp cloth keeps everything running smoothly and helps prevent mold from all the extra humidity during summer showers and baths.
12. Power Wash Patio Furniture
Patio furniture can collect a lot of grime just from being outside, thanks to dust, pollen, and rain.
A power washer works wonders to clean everything and bring it back to life.
If your cushions are machine washable, toss them in the laundry; otherwise, a quick scrub with dish soap and warm water will do the trick.
Regular cleaning not only keeps furniture looking great but also helps prevent buildup that can cause wear over time.
13. Scrub Outdoor Grills
Our grill is basically an outdoor kitchen all summer long, so it gets a lot of use—and a lot of grease and gunk buildup.
Cleaning the grates while they’re still warm is key, and rubbing them with half an onion is a surprisingly effective trick.
If you don’t have an onion, crumpled aluminum foil works, too.
A clean grill not only makes food taste better but also prevents flare-ups caused by leftover grease.
Keeping it in good shape means BBQ season is all fun and no stress!
14. Wash and Seal Decks
Decks can take a beating during the summer with all the sun, rain, and foot traffic.
Our deck is like our second living room during the summer, so I like to give it some TLC.
Start by sweeping away debris, then scrub with a deck cleaner to get rid of dirt and stains.
Adding a fresh coat of sealant protects the wood from moisture and UV rays, extending the life of your deck.
And getting the kids in sweeping or light chores can make it a fun family task.
15. Hose Down Garbage Bins
Garbage bins can become unbearably smelly in the summer heat, and that smell can attract pests.
I’ve found that scrubbing the inside with a mix of bleach and warm water, followed by a rinse with the garden hose, keeps them clean and odor-free.
Adding a drop of essential oil or sprinkling in some baking soda after they dry can help maintain a fresh smell.
Regular cleaning also prevents buildup that’s harder to deal with later, making trash day a little less unpleasant!
16. Clean the Pool
Nothing says summer like a sparkling pool! Skim off leaves, scrub the tiles to tackle any buildup, and check the chemicals to make sure everything’s balanced.
Cleaning the filters isn’t my favorite part, but it needs to be done so the water stays clear and safe for swimming.
Plus, regular pool maintenance helps prevent algae growth, keeps bacteria at bay, and reduces the need for costly repairs.
A little effort upfront means fewer headaches later—and seeing the kids laugh and splash around makes it totally worth it.
17. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Summer storms can be a real headache if your gutters aren’t ready for the rain.
Clogs in the gutter can cause water to pool around your house, which nobody wants to deal with.
Early in the summer, I grab a ladder, scoop out the leftover leaves and gunk from spring, and rinse the downspouts with a hose.
It’s not exactly one of the most fun of the summer cleaning hacks, but it keeps the water flowing where it’s supposed to—and saves me a lot of hassle when the storms roll in.
More Posts You’ll Love
If you’re all about finding easy ways to keep your home clean, you’ll love these helpful posts! Check out 25 Lazy Cleaning Tips You Wish You Knew Sooner for simple, time-saving hacks that make cleaning a breeze.
Need to freshen up your indoor air? How to Clean a Vent in Just a Few Steps will walk you through a quick and effective way to tackle those dusty vents.
And if you’re ready to get your cleaning routine on track, don’t miss the Free Cleaning Schedule Template for Moms—it’s the perfect tool to plan your weekly or monthly cleaning tasks with ease.
Final Thoughts
Summer is the season of fun, but it’s so much better when your home and outdoor spaces feel fresh and ready for action.
These summer cleaning hacks are all about making life easier so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying sunny days with your family.
Whether you’re doing indoor tasks like freshening up the fridge or getting your outdoor furniture ready, these summer cleaning hacks will help you stay on top of the mess without missing a beat.
So grab your cleaning supplies, put on your favorite playlist, and get ready to make this summer the cleanest one yet with these summer cleaning hacks!
