Summer is quickly approaching and everyone can feel the excitement of light days and breezy nights. Summer is a wonderful season to take the time to refresh and find joy. Summer doesn’t officially start until June 21 and runs through the end of September, but….. most people observe summer from June 1 to August 31. Summer is also the perfect time to take care of some chores around your home and put things to rights.

Give your home’s exterior a glow-up! Take advantage of the warmer temps and longer stretches of dry weather to paint, power wash and landscape. Perk up your garden furniture with a good wash and new cushions. And one of everyone’s most dreaded chores… clean the windows!

Here’s some quick window cleaning tips:

1. Use a micro fiber cloth or paper towel to remove any dust and debris before you begin. Use a bowl of warm water and a soft cloth to wipe down window frames. Stay away from colored cloths because they can transfer color to plastic trim.

2. A spray consisting of one part distilled (white) vinegar to 10 parts water is the perfect combo. Rub evenly over glass. For an extra sparkle, sprinkle baking powder on the cloth before you add the solution!

3. Don’t forget the frames; inside and out. Open the window and use a toothbrush to loosen dirt and debris and wipe or vacuum clean.

Other items to check off your summer preparation list:

• Smart landscaping. Shade trees and shrubs planted near windows and solid brick walls help to shade and insulate your home.

• Programmable thermostat. Install a new thermostat for maximum efficiency. Many thermostats now connect via wi-fi so you can adjust your interior temp from anywhere.

• Change air filters. More air is processed through your home during warm months. Help your HVAC system “breath better” with clean filters.

• Extra window coverings: inside and out. During hot hours in the day, close blinds and pull the drapes to keep out the sun’s hot rays. Add exterior awnings, shutters or even window film to deter the sun.

• Seal doors and windows. Stop “running in and out” and leaving doors open. And to quote a favorite movie (Sweet Home Alabama), “quit letting all the bought air out”. Keeping doors closed and the air conditioned air in, does really help.

• Look around and behind appliances and clean, clean, clean. Clean behind, under and around the fridge. It is one of the biggest users of electricity in your home. Keep it clean to run with less energy. Check the laundry room and bathrooms for any extra mold growth during humid months.

• Deep clean the BBQ. More time will be spent outdoors and a clean and properly functioning BBQ area will make outdoor cooking more enjoyable.

And when in doubt, call a professional! Professionals can be called to your home to inspect and advise on how to make your home run more efficiently. Or call us! Not only do we make sure your home looks great, we make sure it works great too!

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Stylishly yours,

The Chelsee Sowder Design Team