January 14, 2025

5 Winter Cleaning Tasks You Shouldn’t Skip (and How a Maid Service Can Help)

The holidays are behind us, and as we settle into the heart of winter, it’s easy to let cleaning take a backseat. But this is precisely the time when your home needs a little extra care. With windows and doors sealed shut against the cold, dust, germs, and allergens can linger indoors, affecting air quality and making your space feel less inviting.

Between the mud and salt tracked in from icy sidewalks and the post-holiday clutter still hanging around, winter can leave its mark on your home. Winter cleaning isn’t just about tidying up — it’s about creating a healthier and more comfortable home environment for the months ahead. Tackling key cleaning tasks now can save you time and stress later while keeping your space fresh and welcoming all season long.

We know winter cleaning can feel overwhelming — especially when the weather and shorter days leave you craving more time to relax. That’s where a professional maid service like White Glove Cleaner can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll walk you through five essential winter cleaning tasks you shouldn’t skip and show you how we can help make them effortless.

1. Deep cleaning carpets to remove trapped dirt and moisture

Winter can be tough on carpets. From muddy boots and wet shoes to road salt and holiday foot traffic, your floors bear the brunt of the season’s mess. Keeping carpets clean throughout winter is challenging because winter dirt doesn’t just sit on the surface. Moisture and fine particles, like salt and sand, get ground into carpet fibers over time, making them harder to remove. High-traffic areas — entryways, hallways, and living rooms — are especially prone to buildup. The result? Dingy, matted carpets that trap unpleasant odors and allergens.

While a quick vacuum might seem like enough, a deep clean is essential to restore freshness and extend the life of your carpets. On the other hand, deep cleaning feels overwhelming because of the equipment and time required to do it right.

How to deep clean your carpets

1. Vacuum thoroughly. Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris, paying special attention to high-traffic areas and moving furniture as needed to reach hidden spots.
2. Shake out area rugs. Take smaller rugs outside for a vigorous shake to remove surface dust and dirt.
3. Follow up with shampooing or steam cleaning. For wall-to-wall carpets, use a carpet shampooer or steam cleaner to lift deeper grime and sanitize the fibers. These machines use water and cleaning solutions to break down dirt and allergens embedded in the carpet. In our agency, we love steam cleaning because it is effective for killing bacteria and refreshing carpets without leaving behind chemical residues.
4. Clean smaller rugs. Check the care labels on smaller rugs — many are machine-washable. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent to keep your rugs looking fresh. Allow them to air dry completely before putting them back in place.
5. Add protective measures. Place absorbent mats both inside and outside entryways to minimize the amount of snow, salt, and mud tracked into your home.

2. Cleaning and sealing windows to prevent drafts

Winter grime is often stubborn. Windows accumulate dirt, smudges, and streaks from condensation and the elements, especially if they weren’t thoroughly cleaned in the fall. Winter drafts can be a major source of discomfort, driving up heating bills and leaving your home feeling cold and less cozy. Cleaning and sealing your windows not only improves energy efficiency but also enhances the clarity and brightness of your view during these shorter, darker days. However, this task can be more challenging than it seems, especially when dealing with grime buildup, old caulking, or hard-to-reach windows. If your windows are large or located on upper floors, safety can also become a concern.

How to clean and seal windows

1. Clean the glass and frames. Use warm water, mild detergent, and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and streaks from window panes, frames, and sills. If accessible, clean both sides of the glass for maximum clarity.
2. Inspect for drafts. Check for gaps, cracks, or old, peeling caulking around the frames. Replace damaged seals as needed.
3. Seal gaps. Apply fresh weatherproof caulking to cracks or gaps in the frames. For movable windows, add adhesive weatherstripping for a snug fit.

3. Sanitizing high-touch areas to reduce germs

During winter when we spend more time indoors, high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, remote controls, and even trash cans can quickly become hotspots for bacteria and viruses. Sanitizing these areas is crucial for maintaining a healthier home environment, especially during cold and flu season.

How to sanitize high-touch areas

1. Identify high-touch surfaces. Focus on doorknobs, light switches, cabinet handles, remotes, keyboards, and phones — anything that is frequently touched by multiple people.
2. Clean first, then disinfect. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution to remove dirt and grime. Follow up with a disinfectant spray or wipe, ensuring the product stays on the surface for the recommended time to kill germs effectively. At White Glove Cleaner, we use eco-friendly disinfectants that leave no chemical traces.  
3. Don’t forget trash cans. Empty trash cans and take them outside for a deep clean. Wash them with hot, soapy water and a disinfectant, scrubbing away any residue or buildup.

4. Decluttering spaces for easier winter living

Winter is the time to embrace cozy living, but clutter can get in the way of comfort and functionality. Whether it’s bulky winter coats, holiday leftovers, or unused items taking up valuable space, decluttering is key to creating a home that feels organized and inviting during the colder months. While it may seem overwhelming, breaking it into manageable tasks can make the process much easier. Tackle one room or area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Begin with high-impact spaces like entryways, coat closets, or mudrooms, where winter clutter tends to pile up:

• Entryways. These are ground zero for winter mess. Add hooks or shelves to keep coats, boots, and accessories organized and accessible.
• Closets. Check winter apparel for holes, ensure sizing fits, and organize items by frequency of use.
• Pantry. Review expiration dates on spices, baking supplies, and canned goods, and toss anything expired or unusable. Make a list of essentials to restock.
• Basement and garage. These storage areas can become clutter magnets. Sort and organize items into categories, and consider adding shelving or pegboards for efficient storage.

5. Maintaining good air quality by addressing dust and allergens.

Winter means more time indoors, making clean air essential for comfort and health. Dust and allergens often accumulate in unseen places, impacting your home’s air quality. Here’s how to address them:

• HVAC system and vents. Change HVAC filters regularly and clean heating vents to improve airflow and reduce allergens.
• Ceiling fans, trim, and baseboards. Use a microfiber cloth or the pillowcase trick to trap and remove dust from these often-overlooked areas.
• Bedding and furniture. Mattresses and bedding can harbor dust mites and allergens. Wash comforters, duvets, and other bedding regularly. Vacuum upholstered furniture, using attachments to clean crevices and under cushions. Inspect your mattress for pests, rotate or flip it as recommended, and clean headboards and bed frames.
• Window treatments and blinds. Machine-wash or dry-clean curtains if care instructions allow. For blinds, use a microfiber duster or a vacuum attachment for dusting, and wipe down sticky grime with a mild cleaning solution.

Let White Glove Cleaner Help

Winter cleaning presents a unique set of challenges. Without proper equipment, it can take much longer and be more exhausting than usual. For example, deep cleaning carpets or sanitizing high-touch areas requires powerful vacuums, steam cleaners, and professional-grade disinfectants. These are not just cleaning tasks; they are comprehensive processes that ensure your home is both clean and safe from germs and allergens.

A professional maid service, like White Glove Cleaner, is equipped with the right tools and expertise to tackle these demanding tasks efficiently. Our team uses specialized equipment to reach those hard-to-reach places, apply the right disinfectants, and handle the heavy lifting of deep cleaning. White Glove Cleaner specializes in detailed disinfection, ensuring your home stays safe and sparkling all winter long without adding stress to your schedule. We save you time and energy, ensuring that your home gets the thorough care it needs for a healthy and inviting winter environment.

When you work with White Glove Cleaner in NYC, you’re choosing a team that understands the intricacies of winter cleaning and has the experience to handle it. Let us take care of the dirty work, so you can enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable home this winter.