Summer Cleaning Myths: What Actually Works in the Heat

Busting the biggest cleaning myths so your home stays fresh all season long.

Summer’s here — and so are the sweaty socks, sticky countertops, and that mysterious smell wafting from the fridge. But with the heat comes a lot of bad advice about how to clean, disinfect, and deodorize your home. So let’s set the record straight.

Here are some of the most common summer cleaning myths — and the truth behind what really works.

☀️ Myth #1: Heat Kills All Germs

Reality: While high heat can kill some bacteria, your house doesn’t get hot enough on its own to sanitize surfaces.

What works: Use proper disinfectants and follow contact time guidelines on the label. For fabrics and bedding, high-heat laundry cycles can help, but wiping down surfaces with effective products is still key.

🧼 Myth #2: Vinegar Cleans Everything

Reality: Vinegar is great for breaking down mineral buildup and general cleaning, but it doesn't kill all germs or remove grease effectively in high-traffic areas.

What works: Use vinegar where appropriate (like on glass or inside the microwave), but use a degreaser or disinfectant where it’s needed—like on kitchen counters or bathroom surfaces.

💦 Myth #3: More Spray Means Cleaner Surfaces

Reality: Over-spraying cleaner doesn’t make it more effective — and in summer, it can even leave streaks or sticky residue if it dries too quickly in the heat.

What works: Use a microfibre cloth and spray lightly. Work in small sections so the product doesn’t evaporate before you wipe it down.

🌬️ Myth #4: Air Fresheners Get Rid of Summer Smells

Reality: Air fresheners just mask odours. They won’t fix the root of the issue, especially if the smell is coming from garbage, mildew, or forgotten leftovers.

What works: Find the source. Check for food spills in the fridge, take out compost more often, and clean your garbage bins weekly. Then, use natural deodorizers like baking soda or activated charcoal to keep things fresh.

🐜 Myth #5: You Can’t Keep Bugs Out Once They’re In

Reality: Summer bugs love warm homes — especially if there are crumbs or standing water. But you can absolutely make your space less appealing.

What works:

• Keep food sealed and counters crumb-free

• Don’t leave pet food out

• Wipe up spills immediately

• Clean under appliances regularly

• Seal entry points and use screens

🧺 Myth #6: Laundry Dries Cleaner in the Heat

Reality: Yes, your laundry dries faster — but faster doesn’t mean cleaner. If you overload your machine or skip detergent (thinking the sun will "sanitize"), you’ll still have lingering smells or stains.

What works: Wash sweaty summer clothes promptly and hang them to dry after a thorough wash. If line-drying outside, shake clothes well and bring them in before dusk to avoid pollen and bugs settling in.

🔥 Final Tip: Summer Is the Perfect Time to Simplify

Hot days call for simple routines. Declutter, clean a little each day, and consider seasonal tasks like:

• Deep-cleaning fans and vents

• Wiping down patio furniture

• Cleaning out your fridge and freezer

• Switching to lighter bedding and vacuuming mattresses

And if the heat has you drained, let us help! Whether it’s a post-vacation clean, a fridge rescue, or a deep summer refresh, we’re just a message away.

Stay cool, stay clean, and skip the myths — this summer, let’s keep your home fresh the right way. ☀️🧽