Keeping Your Home Clean in Winter

Winter in Australia might be considered mild compared to other countries (think Russia or Canada) but it can still bring its share of headaches. Cooler months come with rain, dampness, muddy shoes, and the occasional mould invasion that always seems to reappear, no matter how much you scrub. Suddenly, your home feels like a magnet for mess. But don’t stress, with the right tweaks and habits, you can keep your home clean and comfortable all winter long.

Why It’s Hard to Keep Your Home Clean in Winter

Mould and Mildew

The mix of cooler air and damp conditions is a perfect breeding ground for mould. Bathrooms, laundries, and even bedroom corners can start looking like science experiments. Apart from being ugly, mould can trigger allergies and asthma, so it’s worth tackling early.

Autumn Leaves

Autumn might be over, but wet leaves, mud, and sticks still seem determined to sneak into your hallway, no matter how many times you sweep. Pets (and kids) are the biggest culprits here, trailing half the garden into your living room.

Laundry. Never. Ends

Rainy days mean laundry can’t always go on the line outside, and clothes horses quickly turn into permanent fixtures that are always in the way. Clothes take days and days to dry, and worse still, they add more moisture to the air, encouraging that dreaded mould.

Windows and Condensation

You wake up, open the blinds, and your windows resemble the outside of a glass of ice-cold water. Condensation is common in winter, especially if you’ve been running heaters inside. Over time, this can cause damage to window frames and contribute to mould growth.

Gutters Full of Gunk

Winter rains and windy days often mean leaves, twigs, and other gunk build up in your gutters fast, leading to blockages that can cause overflow or even damage to your roof and walls. Regularly clearing your gutters keeps the water flowing where it should and saves you from painful surprises later.

Hacks to Make Life Easier

Ventilation

It might feel counterintuitive to let cold air in, but cracking open windows (even for just 10 minutes a day) helps circulate fresh air and reduce moisture. If your budget allows, investing in a home ventilation system or a simple dehumidifier can work wonders.

Upgrade Your Entryway

Think of your entryway as the first line of defence against dirt. A heavy-duty doormat outside (and a softer one inside) can cut down on mud and leaves dramatically. Adding a shoe rack or basket near the door encourages a shoes-off policy… bonus points if you keep some comfy slippers nearby for guests.

Consider Smart Storage

Winter means more coats, scarves, umbrellas, and random soggy items lying around. Things as simple as adding hooks and an umbrella stand can stop clutter from spreading through the house.

Heat and Dry Smarter

Instead of letting laundry take over your lounge room, try using a heated clothes airer or investing in a dryer with good energy efficiency.

Fight Condensation

Wiping down windows each morning helps, but long-term, you might consider double-glazing (if it’s in the budget). For a cheaper option, thermal curtains keep the cold out and reduce condensation while making your living areas cosier.

Battle Mould Before It Takes Over

Keep an eye on damp spots and wipe them down with vinegar or a mould-specific cleaner before things get out of hand. If you’re dealing with a serious mould problem, it might be worth calling in the pros. Visit Healthy WA for info on how mould and dampness can affect your health and wellbeing.

Leaf-Proof Your Floors

Regular sweeping and vacuuming are a must, but if you want to save yourself some hassle, consider upgrading to a robot vacuum. They’re not perfect (and sometimes chase pets around the living room), but they do help keep on top of the daily dirt.

Winter-Proofing for the Future

If you’re planning to renovate or build, consider these features to make winters easier:

• An enclosed porch: A space to dump wet shoes, coats, and bags before they make it into the main house.
• Underfloor heating: Not only does it feel amazing on chilly mornings, but it also helps keep spaces drier.
• Durable flooring: Tiles, vinyl planks, or sealed timber handle winter mess far better than carpets.
• Better insulation: Keeps your home warmer, reduces condensation, and lowers energy bills.

Final Thoughts

Winter cleaning is all about staying ahead of damp and dirt. A few smart habits, like better ventilation, a shoe-off policy, and tackling mould early, can save you a heap of effort. And if all else fails, pop on a summer flick and remind yourself that nothing lasts forever, including winter.