Summer in Lebanon, PA, brings beautiful weather, outdoor adventures, and, unfortunately, the inevitable aftermath of dirt, sand, and stains in your home. Whether it's from sandy trips to the beach or muddy hiking adventures, your house might need a good post-summer cleanup. Here's a comprehensive guide to get your home back in shape, along with expert cleaning tips and hacks.

1. Say Goodbye to Sand

After beach trips, you might find sand everywhere—from your shoes to your furniture. Here’s how to tackle it efficiently:

• Shake it Off at the Door: Before entering the house, give shoes, bags, and towels a good shake. A doormat is essential to trap sand before it gets inside.
• Vacuum with Attachments: Use a vacuum with a hose and attachments to reach crevices, especially in the living room and car. For fabric furniture, a handheld vacuum works best.
• Baby Powder Hack: Sand sticking to your skin? Sprinkle baby powder on it before you vacuum or brush it off; the powder absorbs moisture, making sand easier to remove.

2. Stubborn Stains from Outdoor Fun

From grass stains on clothes to BBQ sauce splattered on outdoor furniture, stains are inevitable during summer activities. Here's how to deal with them:

• Grass Stains on Clothes: Treat them by making a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Rub the mixture into the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then throw the clothes in the washing machine.
• BBQ Sauce Stains: For fabric, immediately blot the area (never rub!). Apply a mild dish soap solution to break down oils and prevent staining. For furniture, use a mix of water and dish soap, scrubbing lightly with a soft-bristle brush.
• Sunscreen Stains: Often found on car seats and clothes, sunscreen can be tricky. Use cornstarch to absorb excess oils, then treat with dish soap before washing.

3. Remove Dirt and Mud from Floors

Summer hiking trails may leave you with muddy shoes, and that dirt tends to find its way onto your floors. Here’s how to tackle it:

• Use a Scraper for Dried Mud: If dirt has dried on your floors, use a plastic scraper to gently lift it without damaging the surface.
• Mop with Vinegar and Water: Mix one cup of white vinegar with warm water for a natural cleaning solution that breaks down dirt and grime on tile, vinyl, or hardwood floors.
• Entrance Mats: Consider using mats both outside and inside your entryway to reduce the amount of dirt tracked into the house.

4. Refreshing Your Upholstery

After months of summer lounging, your upholstery might need a deep refresh. Here’s a simple hack:

• DIY Fabric Refresher: Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few drops of essential oil. Sprinkle this on couches and chairs, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then vacuum thoroughly. This removes dirt while leaving behind a fresh scent.
• Spot Clean with Mild Detergent: For small spills, use a mixture of water and mild detergent. Dampen a cloth and gently blot the stain until it lifts.

5. Windows and Screens Cleanup

Dust and pollen often build up on your windows and screens during the summer. Here's how to bring clarity back to your views:

• DIY Window Cleaner: Mix water, vinegar, and a bit of dish soap to create a streak-free window cleaner. Wipe in a “Z” pattern with a microfiber cloth for the best results.
• Clean Window Screens with a Lint Roller: Instead of removing your screens, use a lint roller to pick up dust and pollen. It’s quick and effective!

6. Deep Clean Your Carpets

Summer dirt often embeds itself into carpets, leaving them dingy. Here’s how to bring them back to life:

• Use a Steam Cleaner: Renting a steam cleaner can make all the difference. Steam cleaning penetrates deep into carpet fibers, removing ground-in dirt and bacteria.
• Baking Soda Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet, leave it for 15-20 minutes, and vacuum. This neutralizes odors and lifts surface grime.

7. Organize Your Outdoor Gear

Post-summer cleanup isn’t just about cleaning—organizing your seasonal gear is key to a clutter-free home.

• Storage Bins for Beach Gear: Sort and store items like beach towels, sunscreen, and outdoor games in labeled bins. It makes it easier to find things next year.
• Clean and Store Camping Gear: Wipe down tents and clean sleeping bags before storing them in a dry, cool place. Proper storage prevents mildew and damage.

Call SOAA Cleaning Services for Your Post-Summer Cleanup in Lebanon, PA!

Whether it's removing stubborn sand, tackling tough stains, or deep cleaning your home, post-summer cleaning can be overwhelming. Let the experts at SOAA Cleaning Services handle the heavy cleaning! Contact us today for professional cleaning services that will leave your home sparkling clean and ready for the fall season.