Why You Should Consider a Winter Deep Clean

You might not love cold, dreary winter weather. But being stuck indoors can have its benefits. Winter is the perfect time to give your indoor space a thorough clean.
The cleanliness and organization of your home have a major effect on your physical and mental health.
One older study found that people who described their homes as unfinished or cluttered felt increasingly depressed over the course of a day. On the flip side, those who said their homes were orderly reported feeling better.
Another 2018 study in China found that people whose homes were tidy were likelier to report good health.

Clearly, keeping your living space clean and tidy is important. But spring isn’t the only season when you might benefit from a thorough cleaning. Winter is the perfect time to declutter and disinfect.

Prevents seasonal illness

Regularly cleaning and disinfecting your home can help prevent cold and flu germs from spreading, especially before and after hosting guests during the holidays.
You or other household members can easily catch or spread viruses by touching surfaces previously touched by someone carrying a virus. Bacteria tend to transfer to hands from hard, nonporous surfaces, according to experts.
Regular home cleaning practices can help you maintain a “hygiene barrier” that can prevent your household from infections.

Unwanted germs tend to hang out in certain places. Maintain your home’s hygiene barrier by cleaning:

• countertops
• frequently touched areas like doorknobs, cabinet pulls, fridge handles, sink handles
• drains and sinks
• shower stalls
• toilets
• sponges and dishcloths

Better air quality

Regular cleaning can improve the air quality in your home year-round.
Indoor air quality can dip in the winter, increasing your risk of respiratory infections and allergies.
Pollution is partly to blame. In the warmer months, pollution naturally dissipates into the sky. In cool weather, pollution that happens at ground level — like from idling cars — stays low to the ground and may end up inside your home.
Dry air can be an issue in the winter, too. ResearchTrusted Source shows it can worsen sore throats and other respiratory issues.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the target range for humidity inside your home should be between 30 to 50%.
In the winter, people are also more likely to gather indoors, which can increaseTrusted Source the risk of infection transmission.
Cleaning and getting rid of moldy home furnishings or materials is essential, too, since mold in the air can cause allergic reactions.

Here are a few cleaning tips to help improve air quality:

• Mop your floors with a damp mop.
• Vacuum frequently, preferably with a vacuum that has a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter to catch small particles.
• Use pillow and mattress protectors.
• Vacuum your mattresses regularly and wash your sheets in hot water weekly to kill dust mites.
• Check your dryer vent to ensure it vents outdoors and is clear. Remove any lint buildup on the outside vent.

Improved mental health

Clutter can have a significant impact on your overall well-being — and even your mental health.
Since you’re likely spending more time indoors, winter is a great time to tackle clutter in your living space.
Here are a few key ways to help your home feel extra tidy and welcoming:
• Clear out your fridge and pantry, dispose of expired items, clean the inside surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner, and put the food items back where they belong.
• Clean and sanitize your kitchen and bathroom garbage cans.
• Wipe down cupboards, especially the handles, using an all-purpose cleaner.
• Scrub and sanitize your bathroom and kitchen sinks.
• Vacuum under furniture and beds where your guests will be staying.
• Dust lampshades and bookcases.
• Clean mirrors and windows with glass cleaner.