As the warm breezes and sunny days of summer approach, it’s time to ready your beach house for the season. A thorough cleaning will ensure your retreat is fresh, inviting, and ready for countless summer memories. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your beach house sparkling clean.

1. Declutter and Organize

Begin by removing any clutter that has accumulated over the off-season. Go through each room and gather items that no longer serve a purpose. Donate, recycle, or store away off-season items to create a more spacious and serene environment.

2. Deep Clean Surfaces

Start with a deep clean of all surfaces. Dust and wipe down furniture, light fixtures, and ceiling fans. For air vents, use the homemade disinfectant with a soft cloth and clean the grates inside and outside. Pay special attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs and light switches. Use Method All-Purpose Cleaner to clean these surfaces in an array of scents from peony, rose, lavender and so many more. These products will ensure your home is free from dust and grime.

3. Refresh Floors and Carpets

Sweep and vacuum all floors to remove sand and debris. If your beach house has carpets, consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional service to give them a deep clean. For hardwood, use Method Daily Wood Cleaner, a plant-based wood cleaner to mop the floor. For tile floors, use the homemade disinfectant to restore their shine. If the tile grout is filthy, use Soft Scrub with a scrub brush to remove the embedded dirt. It may take more than one application, but it works wonderfully. Open the windows and allow the scent to dissipate and the fresh air to dry the floor. After the embedded dirt is removed, keep the floors clean by daily wiping the floors with homemade disinfectant to avoid another buildup of dirt.

4. Air Out and Clean Upholstery

Use sunny days to air out cushions, pillows, and mattresses. This helps eliminate any musty odors and refreshes the fabric. Vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly and clean any stains with appropriate cleaning solutions. Wash all pillow covers, mattress covers, throws, and blankets with Beach Sage plant-based Method Laundry Detergent for a beautiful ocean scent.

5. Kitchen and Bathrooms

In the kitchen, clean out the refrigerator, pantry, and cabinets, discarding expired items. Use baking soda and hot water to wipe the insides of the refrigerator and freezer. Wipe down countertops, appliances, and sinks with the homemade disinfectant cleaner, followed by Mrs. Meyers Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner as a finishing touch. Although Mrs. Meyers is not a disinfectant cleaner, it is a natural cleaner that leaves the home smelling lovely. Personally, the peony and rose scents smell delightful.  For the bathrooms, scrub tiles, grout, and fixtures with the homemade disinfectant cleaner and replace old shower curtains and liners. Ensure all towels are free of holes and can stand up to another season; otherwise, replace them with new ones.

6. Windows and Doors

Clean windows inside and out to let in maximum sunlight. Dust and wipe down windowsills and tracks. Check screens for any holes and repair as needed. Clean sliding door tracks to ensure they operate smoothly. The best cleaner for windows and sliding door tracks is a homemade disinfectant that removes all the nasty stuff from the tracks. The recipe is below. I use it daily to clean showers; it helps keep the bathroom spotless and is cheap to make. Need a homemade disinfectant cleaner? Here is a simple ingredient disinfectant cleaner: pour 16 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 16 ounces of 70% isopropyl alcohol, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of blue Dawn dishwashing soap. Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle and start cleaning!

7. Outdoor Areas

Finally, don’t forget your outdoor spaces. Sweep porches, patios, and decks, and hose down outdoor furniture. Check for any needed repairs and address them promptly.

With these steps, your beach house will be spotless and ready for summer fun. Enjoy your freshly cleaned haven and make the most of the sunny days ahead!

If there’s a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached to it.

-Jimmy Buffett