Preparing your home for the Summer Season
Brisbane summers are famous for their blazing heat, high humidity, and intense storms. As a cleaner, you know this season doesn’t just call for a tidy-up—it demands a strategic, deep clean to prevent mould, manage pests, and keep the home cool and healthy.
This detailed guide breaks down the essential tasks to make your (or your client’s) home summer-proof and sparkling, ready to handle the sub-tropical climate.
Cleaning Preparing your home for the Summer Season – Cleaning Guide.
1. The Humidity and Mould Defence (Indoors)
Brisbane’s biggest summer challenge is moisture. High humidity is a breeding ground for mould and mildew, which can quickly take hold in poorly ventilated areas.
| Area | Task | Cleaner’s Tip |
| Air Conditioning & Fans | Clean filters and vents. Dust and moisture build up here, reducing efficiency and circulating allergens. | Vacuum and wash removable AC filters with warm, soapy water. Use a damp cloth and mild disinfectant to wipe ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, and vents. |
| Bathrooms & Laundry | Deep clean grout, tiles, and shower screens. Check for mould and mildew, especially around silicone sealant. | Use a baking soda and vinegar paste on grout and let it sit before scrubbing. For persistent mould, use a commercial mould killer and ensure the room is well-ventilated during and after cleaning. |
| Soft Furnishings | Deep clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Humidity traps odours and allows dust mites to thrive. | If possible, steam clean carpets and upholstery. If not, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and sprinkle baking soda on carpets, leave for 15 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly to absorb odours. |
| Windows & Blinds | Wash curtains and dust/wipe blinds. This removes trapped dust and allows maximum natural light when closed for cooling. | Vacuum blinds (especially timber or vertical slats) before wiping them down with a microfibre cloth and mild solution. Wash curtains as per fabric instructions before the season starts. |
| Wardrobes & Storage | Clear and ventilate. Hot, closed-up spaces are prone to mustiness. | Remove all winter bedding and clothes, wash them, and store them in airtight, elevated containers. Place small bowls of charcoal or moisture absorbers in damp cupboards and walk-in-robes. |
2. Kitchen & Appliance Refresh
A clean fridge works more efficiently, which is crucial in the extreme heat. The kitchen is also a prime entry point for summer pests.
- Defrost and Deep Clean the Fridge/Freezer: Empty all contents, throw out expired foods, and wipe down all shelves, drawers, and seals. A clean seal is vital for energy efficiency.
- Wipe Down Kitchen Cupboards: Clean out any crumbs, grease, or sticky spots, especially around where appliances sit, to deter ants and cockroaches.
- Clean Out the Pantry: Remove all food, check for any pest activity, and wipe down shelves with a mild disinfectant. Store staples (flour, rice, sugar) in airtight containers.
- Degrease Rangehood Filter: Soak the metal filter in hot water with a strong dish soap or commercial degreaser to ensure it’s running optimally to pull hot air and moisture out of the kitchen.
3. Outdoor & Storm Preparation
Brisbane is synonymous with the summer storm season. Your cleaning checklist must include proactive maintenance to prevent damage and reduce bushfire risk.
| Area | Task | Cleaner’s Tip |
| Gutters & Downpipes | Clear all leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling, mould inside the home, and water damage during heavy rain. | For safety, this may require hiring a professional. If doing it yourself, use thick gloves and a sturdy ladder, and flush downpipes with a hose to ensure they run freely. |
| Pest Control | Inspect for nests, webs, and entry points. Brisbane’s warmer months bring out spiders, wasps, and other creepy crawlies. | Spray non-toxic pest repellent around window and door frames, eaves, and cracks. Knock down old wasp nests and cobwebs, especially in sheltered outdoor areas. |
| Outdoor Living Areas | Pressure wash or scrub the deck, patio, and pavers. Remove built-up grime, algae, and mould. | A pressure washer or a stiff-bristle broom with a bleach-free outdoor cleaner will remove the slick layer that develops in the humidity, making surfaces safe and inviting. |
| Window Tracks & Screens | Clean all window tracks and inspect flyscreens. Blocked tracks prevent windows from sealing properly, letting in heat and insects. | Vacuum tracks thoroughly before wiping with a damp cloth. Check screens for holes and patch or replace them to keep out mosquitos and flies. |
| Loose Items | Secure or remove all loose yard items. During a storm, trampolines, furniture, and toys can become dangerous projectiles. | Have a designated, sheltered storage area (shed, garage) for easily moveable items, and make sure any large outdoor furniture is weighted or tied down. |
Your Quick-Reference Summer Cleaning Checklist
- ✅ Clean AC Filters & Ceiling Fans
- ✅ Treat Mould & Mildew (especially in bathrooms/laundry)
- ✅ Deep Clean Soft Furnishings (carpets, mattresses, upholstery)
- ✅ Clear and Ventilate Wardrobes
- ✅ Defrost and Disinfect Refrigerator
- ✅ Check and Clean Gutters (for storm prep)
- ✅ Pest-Proof Doors and Windows
- ✅ Pressure Wash Outdoor Surfaces
- ✅ Wash Windows and Blinds
By tackling these key areas, you’re not just making a home look clean; you’re actively preparing it to resist the unique challenges of the Brisbane climate, ensuring a cooler, healthier, and more resilient space all summer long.
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Do you live in Brisbane? Before investing your time in cleaning, try our cleaning service. Our springtime cleaning, including apartment spring cleaning, can help out by cleaning, decluttering and organising your home to prep it for a more regular cleaning service. We also provide move out cleaning, pre-sale cleaning, professional carpet cleaning, furniture cleaning, leather cleaning, mattress cleaning, apartment cleaning, builders’ clean and many other domestic cleaning services in Brisbane.
If the thought of cleaning is just too much call our Nest Cleaners and we would love to help!
BOOK NOW: Call 0438 079 996 OR Online Estimate with Nest Cleaning in Brisbane, Australia
