How to Clean Your Home in Winter: Actionable Steps for Prep, Execution, and Wrap-Up

In winter, low temperatures and dry air mean cleaning differs from summer. Wrong water temperature can solidify grease, poor ventilation timing can cause indoor dampness, and mopping without drying afterward increases slip hazards. Follow these actionable steps across preparation, execution, and cleanup phases. A full clean of a 90 sq ft two-bedroom apartment typically takes 3-4 hours.

Step 1: Pre-work Preparation (approximately 20 minutes)

1. 1Operate between 10:00 and 15:00. This is when outdoor temperatures are highest, so opening windows won't cause a sharp drop in indoor temperature.
2. 2Prepare two buckets of warm water at approximately 40°C (one for cleaning, one for rinsing). Water exceeding 60°C can cause the wood floor finish to turn white; do not use boiling water.
3. 3Prepare 4 towels by color-coding: one for the bathroom, kitchen, living room/bedroom, and glass surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.
4. 4Take rugs and cushions to the balcony beforehand to shake off dust. Winter air is dry, so dust rises more easily than in summer.

Step 2: Clean from top to bottom (approx. 2 hours)

1. 1Start with high-level dusting: ceiling corners, light fixtures, curtain boxes, and air vents. Use a dry mop or long-handled duster to prevent dust from settling on already cleaned surfaces.
2. 2Re-clean windows: In winter, large temperature differences between the inside and outside can cause fogging. First, wipe off dust with a dry cloth, then apply glass cleaner and squeegee from top to bottom, finishing with a dry towel to prevent streaks.
3. 3Clean kitchen grease: Wipe the stovetop with warm water and a neutral cleaner while it's still warm. For stubborn spots, spray degreaser, let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe. Do not use steel wool, as it can leave scratches.
4. 4Clean the bathroom: Scrub tile grout with a soft-bristle brush and stain remover, then rinse fixtures with water. Do not mix chlorine-based disinfectants with acidic cleaners; wait at least 10 minutes between applications and rinse thoroughly.
5. 5Final mop pass: Wring the mop until it's not dripping. Mop from the farthest part of the room toward the exit to avoid stepping on cleaned areas.

Step 3: Finish and anti-slip (approx. 30 minutes)

1. 1After mopping, go over the floor with a dry mop. Pay special attention to drying tiles and entryway areas. In winter, floors dry slowly, increasing slip risks compared to summer.
2. 2Close the window after 20-30 minutes of ventilation. Excessive duration may reduce indoor humidity below 30%, increasing the risk of cracking in wooden furniture.
3. 3Soak towels and mops in hot water at 60°C or above for 15 minutes, then let them dry. Avoid drying them in the dark during winter, as this can promote mold growth; do not leave them piled in bathroom corners.
4. 4Check the floor drain and bathroom sink. Pour a cup of warm water to confirm smooth drainage, as grease is more likely to congeal on pipe walls in cold weather.

Frequency and Cost Reference

In winter, we recommend routine cleaning every two weeks (35-45 USD/hour, minimum 2 hours) and deep cleaning once per quarter (8-12 USD/sq.m). A typical deep clean for a 90 sq.m home costs approximately 720-1080 USD, completed by 2 cleaners in 4-6 hours. If kitchen grease and bathroom lime buildup have accumulated for over six months, DIY cleaning may take more than 5 hours. We suggest starting with a professional deep clean, then switching to routine maintenance for easier upkeep.

Customize the treatment plan by material or request a low-VOC formula for homes with infants or pets. Please note your requirements during booking, and we will confirm the plan in advance.