Keeping it Clean: Summer Maintenance Hacks for a Show-Ready Home

Summer in Southeast Wisconsin brings sunshine, outdoor adventures, and often, a little more hustle and bustle through our homes. If your house is on the market, maintaining that pristine, show-ready look can feel like a full-time job. With increased foot traffic, open windows, and perhaps even a few more furry friends enjoying the season, staying on top of cleanliness is crucial. But don't sweat it – Lavender & Birch Home Staging is here with some savvy summer maintenance hacks to keep your home sparkling and inviting for every showing.

1. The "Five-Minute Freshen Up" Routine:

Before every showing (or even daily!), implement a quick five-minute routine:

• Quick Tidy: Straighten pillows, fold throws, and clear any surface clutter in main living areas and bedrooms.

• Wipe & Shine: Give kitchen and bathroom countertops a quick wipe down. A microfiber cloth with a gentle all-purpose cleaner works wonders.

• Mirror Magic: Quickly wipe down bathroom mirrors and any other reflective surfaces to remove smudges.

• Fluff & Arrange: Make sure all beds are neatly made and towels are folded perfectly in bathrooms.

2. Conquer the Dust Bunnies & Pet Hair Patrol:

Summer breezes can carry in more dust, and shedding pets add to the challenge.

• Daily Dusting (Targeted): You don't need to deep dust every day, but focus on highly visible surfaces like coffee tables, end tables, and TV stands. A quick once-over with an electrostatic duster is incredibly effective.

• Vacuum Vigilance: If you have pets, a quick daily vacuum of high-traffic areas (especially where pet hair gathers) can make a huge difference. Consider a robot vacuum for maintaining cleanliness between your deeper cleans.

• Lint Roller Lifesaver: Keep a lint roller handy for quick touch-ups on upholstered furniture before showings – it's amazing for picking up stray pet hairs and lint.

3. Embrace the Power of Fresh Scents (Subtly!):

While deep cleaning removes odors, subtle freshness enhances the buyer's experience.

• Open Windows (Strategically): On pleasant days, open windows for a short period to air out the house. Close them an hour or so before a showing to ensure comfortable temperatures.

• Simmer Pots & Diffusers: Instead of strong air fresheners, try a pot of water simmering with citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, or a few drops of essential oils (lemon, lavender, or a light floral). Use diffusers sparingly with light, clean scents. Avoid anything overpowering.

• Trash Talk: Empty all trash cans (especially in kitchens and bathrooms) daily, or even multiple times a day if needed, to prevent lingering odors.

4. Flooring First Aid:

From muddy paws to sandy shoes, summer can be tough on floors.

• Entryway Mats: Invest in good quality doormats both inside and outside all entrances to trap dirt before it gets tracked through the house.

• Spot Clean Spills Immediately: Don't let spills set! Address them as soon as they happen to prevent stains.

• Quick Sweeps/Swiffers: For hard floors, a quick sweep or a run with a dry mop like a Swiffer can pick up dust and debris efficiently.

5. Kitchen & Bathroom Brilliance:

These high-traffic areas demand extra attention.

• Sparkling Sinks: Ensure sinks are always empty, clean, and polished.

• Shiny Faucets: Wipe down faucets to remove water spots.

• Fresh Towels: Always have fresh, clean hand towels in bathrooms and a clean dishtowel in the kitchen for showings.

• Appliance Wipes: Keep a pack of stainless steel or general appliance wipes handy for quick touch-ups on refrigerator doors, dishwashers, and ovens.

Maintaining a show-ready home throughout the busy Wisconsin summer might seem daunting, but with these simple hacks, you can keep your space looking its absolute best without sacrificing your entire day.

Ready to ensure your home makes the ultimate summer impression? Don't just clean it, stage it to sell! Contact Lavender & Birch Home Staging today to discover how our expert touch can highlight your home's best features and attract the perfect buyer.