Somehow, in the winter, the house is messier than ever with muddy boots, wet floors, and all the dust that seems to settle everywhere while we’re stuck inside.
And cleaning feels like an uphill battle.
Between keeping the kids bundled up and juggling all the holiday chaos, who has time to deal with everything?
That’s why I created a winter cleaning hacks list that makes it easy to knock out winter cleaning without feeling overwhelmed. They’re simple tips that help keep your home cozy and organized.
Quick Wins for a Cleaner, Cozier Winter Home
- Keep it Simple – Use a winter cleaning checklist to stay organized and make sure every area of your home gets the attention it needs.
- Protect Your Home from Winter Wear and Tear – Check gutters, windows, and outdoor areas to prevent damage and keep everything running smoothly during colder months.
- Prioritize Deep Cleaning – Tackle those overlooked spots like behind appliances, ceiling fans, and furniture to keep your home fresh and cozy.
23 Winter Cleaning Hacks Every Mom Needs to Know
1. Use a Cleaning Checklist
Having a cleaning checklist is a total game-changer. I keep my winter cleaning hacks checklist on the fridge to cross off tasks as I go. Checking things off helps keep me motivated.
A good checklist keeps seasonal cleaning tasks from piling up and feeling unmanageable.
Grab a deep cleaning checklist that fits your family’s schedule, and you’ll be surprised how much easier it all feels.
2. Check Your HVAC
A quick HVAC check and clean can save so much hassle later on! Winter is definitely not the time to deal with a broken heating system, especially when it’s freezing outside.
Scheduling a check-up early in the season helps catch any issues before they become big (and expensive) problems.
It’s one of those things that makes a big difference in keeping the house warm and the energy bills under control.
Trust me, it’s so much better to get it checked now than wait until you’re shivering under a blanket waiting for a repair. It’s definitely one to keep on your winter cleaning checklist!
3. Have Your Fireplace & Chimney Cleaned and Inspected
Nothing beats a cozy fire in winter, but safety comes first. Having the fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected before lighting the first fire of the season is a must.
It keeps everything working safely, prevents soot buildup, and even stops any funky odors from creeping in.
Plus, knowing your fireplace is in tip-top shape gives you peace of mind when you’re sitting by the fire.
Adding this to your winter routine means you can relax and enjoy those warm nights by the fire without worry—and that’s a win for everyone!
4. Clean the Air and Dryer Vents
Winter is all about fresh, clean air, especially when the windows are shut tight! Cleaning the air vents and dryer vents might seem like a small thing, but it makes such a difference.
It improves air quality, helps with allergies, and prevents lint buildup in the air and dryer vents—which is a big safety win.
A quick vacuum or brush gets rid of dust and lint and keeps everything running smoothly.
You’d be surprised how much dirt can collect in those vents, and a quick clean can even improve the efficiency of your HVAC.
5. Dust Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
Ceiling fans and light fixtures are so easy to forget, especially in winter, but the dust on them can really add up!
Giving them a good wipe is one of those winter cleaning hacks that instantly makes a room feel fresher.
It’s amazing how much cleaner the whole space feels when the dust is gone, and it’s so satisfying to check off that to-do.
6. Turn the Ceiling Fan Blades
Did you know you can flip your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in winter? It’s such an easy trick that helps keep warm air from rising and makes the house feel cozier.
This little winter cleaning hack can even make a difference in your heating bill by improving the circulation of warm air throughout the room.
Just flip the switch on each fan, and you’ll feel the warmth circulate better, especially in rooms with high ceilings.
It’s quick, simple, and totally worth it—and your house will thank you for it with a more even temperature and lower heating costs!
7. Add Doormats Inside and Outside
Having sturdy doormats both inside and outside stops dirt, snow, and water from getting dragged all through the house.
It’s one of those easy winter cleaning hacks that saves so much time on daily cleanup.
Adding this to your deep cleaning house prep every winter is totally worth it—it means fewer muddy footprints to mop up and a cleaner, drier entryway for everyone.
8. Put a Waterproof Shoe Tray by the Door
A waterproof shoe tray by the door is one of my favorite winter cleaning hacks to keep our entryway tidy.
As soon as we come inside, we have a designated spot for wet, muddy boots and shoes so the floors don’t end up soaking wet or covered in dirt. I even added a little towel next to it for wiping down boots.
It’s one of the most simple winter cleaning hacks, but it saves a ton of time and hassle when it comes to mopping and cleaning up tracked-in messes.
9. Declutter and Clean the Garage
Winter means being in and out of the garage a lot more, so giving it a good clean and declutter now can make a huge difference.
Start by tossing anything broken or worn out, and organize your storage so the things you actually need are easy to grab.
Creating space for winter gear—like shovels, snow blowers, and salt buckets—makes the garage way more functional all season long.
If you’ve got shelves or bins, label them to keep things organized and easy to find. It’s so satisfying to check this off the winter cleaning list, knowing that you won’t have to dig through mountains of stuff just to find a pair of gloves or that one snow shovel!
10. Organize Mudrooms and Entryways
Mudrooms and entryways turn into chaos zones in winter, right? Boots, jackets, and bags are everywhere!
Taking just a little time to organize this space can make a huge difference. Throw up some hooks, add a few baskets, and suddenly, scarves and gloves are easy to find instead of buried in a pile.
This is one of the little winter cleaning hacks that keeps things neat and saves everyone from those frantic “Where’s my hat?” moments.
11. Clean Behind Large Appliances
Dust and grime love to hide behind big appliances like the fridge and stove, and it can build up fast!
Winter’s the perfect time to pull those appliances out and tackle the mess that’s been collecting all year. This is one of those winter cleaning hacks that instantly makes the kitchen feel fresher and cleaner.
Plus, getting rid of the hidden crumbs and dust back there can help keep pests away, and it even helps the appliances run better by clearing out any blockages around the vents.
12. Check Your Gutters for Clogs
Nobody loves cleaning out gutters, but it’s worth it when the snow starts melting!
A quick gutter check in late fall or early winter helps prevent water damage and those massive icicles that can form when things get backed up.
It’s an easy winter cleaning task that makes life easier when the big thaw comes, so you’re not dealing with surprise leaks or messes.
Plus, clear gutters keep rainwater flowing where it should go, protecting your home’s foundation and landscaping. A little effort now saves a lot of stress later!
13. Winterize Your Pool
If you’ve got a pool, winterizing it is a must before the temperatures drop. Draining and covering it up saves you from big headaches and repair costs in Spring.
Adding this to the winter cleaning checklist means your pool is ready to go as soon as the weather warms up, without any costly surprises waiting for you.
14. Store Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture really takes a beating in winter, with all the snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.
Giving it a quick clean before storing it away can help keep everything in great shape for next season.
A simple wipe-down removes dirt and prevents buildup while stacking or covering the pieces protects them from rust and weather damage.
Taking a few extra minutes now means your outdoor space will be ready to enjoy as soon as the warm weather hits!
15. Clean Stove and Oven
The kitchen gets a lot of action during the holidays with those big family meals to cozy winter baking sessions!
Giving your stove and oven a good scrub as part of your winter cleaning checklist gets them ready for whatever delicious recipes you’re planning next.
A little baking soda and water on stubborn spots works wonders by breaking down grime without harsh chemicals.
Taking the time to clean these appliances not only makes them look great but also keeps them running efficiently.
16. Check the Pantry and Cabinets for Expired Food
There are usually some really good canned food sales around the holidays, so it’s the perfect time to give your pantry and cabinets a once-over and stock up on what you need.
Check for expired items or anything that’s been sitting there way too long—you might be surprised at what’s hiding in the back!
Clearing out old food not only makes room for fresh supplies but also helps keep everything organized.
Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the frustration of grabbing an expired can or stale snack when you’re in a rush to make dinner.
17. Clean the Microwave
The microwave can be one of those “out of sight, out of mind” spots, so it’s always a relief to get it sparkling.
A quick steam with a bowl of water and lemon juice loosens all that stuck-on grime, and it smells amazing, too!
This is one of those winter cleaning hacks that takes just a few minutes and makes the whole kitchen feel fresher.
18. Vacuum Furniture
Winter means more time on the couch, which also means more crumbs and dust hiding in the cushions!
Giving your furniture a quick vacuum freshens up the whole room and makes it feel cozier and cleaner. Be sure to hit the cushions, nooks, and crannies where all the little bits love to collect.
It’s one of those quick cleaning tasks that makes the whole space feel refreshed without much effort.
Plus, it’s a great way to keep the living room ready for family movie nights or impromptu hangouts.
19. Switch Out Seasonal Clothing and Gear
With winter here, it’s time to pull out the heavy coats, scarves, and boots and pack away the summer clothes.
This little swap keeps closets organized and makes sure everyone has what they need without digging through piles.
It’s also the perfect chance to go through and donate anything outgrown or unused—it clears space and helps someone else at the same time.
Swapping out seasonal gear means fewer hectic mornings when everyone’s rushing to find gloves or hats that aren’t buried somewhere.
20. Shampoo Carpets and Rugs
A freshly cleaned carpet can make the whole room feel warmer and more inviting, especially in winter when you’re inside so much.
Shampooing carpets and rugs lifts out dirt and dust that hides deep down, leaving everything feeling refreshed.
Plus, it’s so nice to walk on a soft, clean rug when it’s cold outside! If you don’t have a carpet shampooer, renting one for the day is an easy way to get it done and make the house feel more put-together.
21. Clean Window Shades and Curtains
Winter light has a way of showing off all the dust on window shades and curtains, so this is the perfect time to give them some attention.
A quick vacuum or wash makes the room feel brighter and cleaner right away. You’d be surprised how much dust collects on them, especially with the heat running all the time.
Clean shades and curtains not only freshen up the space but also help reduce allergens, which is always a win when you’re spending more time indoors.
22. Flip or Rotate Your Mattress
Flipping or rotating your mattress might seem like a small thing, but it helps it stay comfortable and last longer.
It’s one of those quick seasonal tasks that makes a big difference in your sleep.
While you’re at it, this is a great time to vacuum the mattress, too, and give it a little refresh.
With all the cozy winter nights ahead, a well-maintained mattress makes your bed feel so much better.
23. Deep Clean Mattress and Bedding
Nothing feels better in winter than crawling into fresh, cozy bedding!
Deep cleaning the mattress and swapping out lightweight blankets for heavier ones makes a big difference in how comfortable everything feels.
Sprinkling some baking soda on the mattress before vacuuming keeps it fresh, and giving the blankets a good wash adds that crisp, clean smell.
It’s an easy way to make your bed the perfect spot to relax on those long, chilly nights.
More Cleaning Tips You’ll Love!
If you’re looking for even more ways to keep your home clean without spending all day scrubbing, you’ll love these extra tips!
Check out Lazy Cleaning Tips for quick tricks that make cleaning easier (because who has time for complicated routines?).
And don’t miss the Spring Cleaning Hacks packed with clever ideas to refresh your home in no time in the Spring.
FAQs
How often should I do a deep clean in winter?
Honestly, I like to do a good deep clean right before winter really sets in. After that, just staying on top of the usual stuff—like vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and decluttering once a week or so—keeps things from getting out of control.
You don’t have to go overboard; just hit the spots that need it most.
What are the most important winter cleaning tasks?
Checking for drafts, cleaning the vents, and flipping the mattress are big ones. And don’t forget the areas where winter mess builds up, like the entryway. A mat or a shoe tray can save your sanity with all the dirt and snow that gets tracked in.
How can I keep my home cleaner during the winter?
Keeping your home clean in the winter is all about staying ahead of the mess with these winter cleaning hacks. Put some doormats inside and outside to catch dirt and snow, and set up a waterproof shoe tray by the door for wet boots—game changer!
Give the furniture and high-traffic areas a quick vacuum now and then to keep dust and crumbs under control. Little things like this go a long way in making your home clean, even with all the winter chaos.
Final Thoughts
These winter cleaning hacks can be done in stages. With a few quick hacks and some planning, your home can stay cozy and clean all season long.
Whether it’s throwing down a waterproof shoe tray to catch the mess or flipping the mattress for a little refresh, these small tasks go a long way.
You don’t have to do it all at once—just tackle one thing at a time when you can.
Before you know it, your home will be ready for all the winter snuggles, hot cocoa, and movie nights. You’ve got this, Mama!
