10 Essential Things You Need to Clean More in the Winter

While spring cleaning tends to get all the attention, winter cleaning is just as crucial. As fun and festive as wintertime can be, it often leads to the buildup of dust, dirt, debris, and, depending on your climate, salt, snow, and moisture. The colder months are also prime season for flu, colds, and viruses, so germs are more likely to cover high-touch surfaces such as door handles, light switches, and countertops.

In addition to sanitizing and disinfecting more frequently, there are specific things you should focus on cleaning more in the winter. We're sharing the top spaces that need a little more TLC between snowball fights and fireside nights. Here's where to start.

Related: 8 Surprising Things to Declutter Before Winter, According to a Professional Organizer

1. Entryways (Don’t Forget Doormats!)

Whether your family enters through the front door, garage, or mudroom, mud, snow, and salt will get tracked in, especially after a big storm. Place a boot tray by the door and encourage everyone to remove their shoes the second they come inside. Regularly clean the floors around the entryway, and don’t forget about outdoor doormats.

Related: The 12 Best Doormats of 2024 to Keep Your Home Stylish and Clean

2. Flooring and Carpets

Even with the best of intentions, outdoor muck will inevitably make its way past the entryway. If it’s not because someone forgot to kick off their shoes, it’s probably because an excited furry household member snuck by before you could wipe their paws. Dry wet floors as quickly as possible to avoid accidents, and sweep or mop debris and mud. Immediately address carpet stains to keep them looking like new. Consider laying down extra washable rugs, like hallway runners, in the winter to make cleaning them easier and keep feet warmer.

Related: How to Clean Hardwood Floors for a Polished Look

3. Windows (Inside and Out)

Snowstorms take a toll on the exterior of your home, including windows. After inclement weather, take the time to clean outdoor windows or hire a professional if they’re too hard to reach on your own. Although your window interiors are spared from the elements, condensation can collect if the temperature between the outside and inside drastically differs. Use a homemade window cleaner of white vinegar and distilled water to keep them shiny and streak-free. As a bonus, you’ll let in more light, which can help ward off the winter blues.

Related: How Often Should You Clean Your Windows? 8 Factors That Will Impact the Frequency

4. Fireplaces

If you’re fortunate enough to have a working fireplace, you likely take advantage of it during the colder months. Not only does it create a beautiful ambiance, but it’s also (generally) a more economical way to heat your home. But maintenance is key to keeping it running smoothly, so safely clean your fireplace regularly and according to care instructions (wood, gas, and electric will vary). If you don’t already have one, adding a fireplace screen prevents embers and smoke from dirtying the area around the hearth.

Related: 10 Winter Hacks for a Warmer House Without Cranking Up the Heat

5. Air Filters and Vents

Most people rely on their HVAC systems to maintain a warm, comfortable home during the winter. Since you’re spending a lot of time indoors, it’s smart to ensure the air quality is as clean as possible. On average, air filters should be cleaned at least once per month, although feel free to do it more often in wintertime. Likewise, replacing filters every six months is recommended, but it won’t hurt to do it at the end of the season after it’s been working overtime. If visible dust is accumulating on air vents, take a vacuum or microfiber cloth to them whenever you notice.

Related: Complete These 8 HVAC Maintenance Tasks Before Cold Weather Arrives

6. Ceiling Fans

Overhead cooling fans are less likely to be used during the winter months, but that only increases the chance of dust and debris building up on the blades. Clean ceiling fans monthly to keep them pristine and ready to go once the weather warms up.

Related: Is Your Ceiling Fan Turning in the Right Direction to Actually Cool Your Home?

7. Kitchen Appliances

Whipping up holiday treats, gameday feasts, and hot comfort foods like chili can be taxing on your kitchen. After each event, clean appliances to remove stains and grime while fresh. After baking, preparing, and cooking large meals, thoroughly wipe down the oven, stovetop, and microwave. Had guests over for a dinner party and a sink full of dishes at the end of the evening? After running them through the dishwasher, do a deep clean cycle. Before grocery shopping for a party, clear out the refrigerator of expired foods and scrub sticky spills.

8. Blankets

There’s nothing cozier on a cold winter’s night than curling up on the couch with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa. Both living room throws and bedroom blankets are getting much more use this time of year, so expect them to be dirtier than when they’re set aside in the summer. Sick germs, skin cells, and dust will accumulate quickly, so be sure to wash them weekly. Although they’re trickier (but not impossible!), don’t forget to clean any weighted or heated blankets that are regularly used around the house as well.

9. Seasonal Gear

Blankets aren’t the only things that get stored away during summertime. Jackets, beanies, gloves, scarves, and snow boots come out to keep you and your family warm throughout the winter. Take care to wash winter coats that get worn repeatedly (or whenever stains appear), launder accessories according to their instructions at least a few times per season, and promptly remove salt stains from shoes to avoid permanent damage.

10. Outdoor Spaces

While winter weather may not always permit you to tackle these outdoor cleaning tasks, try to prioritize them when it does.

Trash and recycling cans: Placing cans at the curb for pickup during the winter exposes them to harsh elements. Wipe down and clean trash cans as needed.

Outdoor furniture: Hopefully, you’ve winterized outdoor furniture, especially if you live in an area with predictably cold weather. If you live in a milder climate and can still enjoy an occasional night outside around a fire pit, remember to clean outdoor furniture on a regular basis.

Gutters: Depending on the foliage around your properties, you may need to clean gutters at least once during the winter. Pay attention to how clogged they are with debris and use safety precautions.

Related: How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?