As the colder months creep in, preparing a cozy space is the ultimate self-care. That’s why we’ve put together a few natural cleaning tips to help winterize your home.
Start with a good decluttering.
Before all of the holiday decor goes up, we salute the previous season and all that came with it. This means purging the summer clothes that were never chosen, heeled sandals that gave us blisters, and unwanted beach towels. (If it wasn’t used in 2024, it’s even less likely to be used in 2025.) This gives you a fresh start going into the holiday season and really lets us feel mentally calm, knowing there’s less clutter lurking.
Clean your entryway or mudroom.
It’s the first thing we see when arriving home and sets the tone for how we enjoy our space. First, we like to clear everything out so we can wipe the surfaces down. A natural multipurpose cleaner is perfect here, or anything slightly alkaline. (Avoid acids like lemons + vinegar if you have any hardwood.) Then, you can stage your things in a way that looks and feels good.
Seal windows to help winterize your home.
Drafty windows and doors are a killer on heating bills and make a home less comforting. That’s why you’ll want to inspect for any gaps or cracks that allow cold air to seep in. One easy tip is to light a candle or incense stick and hold it near the edges of the window. If the flame flickers or smoke wavers, you’ve found a draft. Then, you can seal it with weatherstripping or non-toxic caulking.
Once finished, clean the glass using a natural glass cleaner. Alternatively, a simple mixture of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) works well here. Finally, consider installing insulating curtains to minimize heat loss. (Don’t forget to reverse the ceiling fans to push warm air down.)
Tackle allergens to winterize your home.
With the transition to spending more time indoors, we recommend cleaning built-up allergens from the warmer months before battening the hatches. These accumulate in carpets and soft surfaces, especially in winter when the windows are closed. First, start by replacing your HVAC filter, your first line of defense. It’s also a great time to schedule a check up for your furnace.
Next, you’ll want to remove the allergens that have already built up on soft surfaces, by sprinkling baking soda or a natural carpet cleaner, let it sit a few minutes, and then vacuuming it up. This deodorizes odors and lifts them, without using chemical-laden carpet cleaners. Lastly, wipe down any hard surfaces, focusing on corners and edges where dust has accumulated.
Polish your wooden furniture.
There’s something so nostalgic about rich wooden furniture during the holiday season. However, dry winter air can cause it to crack or look dull. We love using food-grade mineral oil to nourish and protect, while giving it a beautiful shine. Plus, you can spruce up your cutting boards while you’re at it.
Fire up some stovetop potpourri.
Indoor winter air is often dry and musty – not what you want to spend time in. Instead of VOC-producing candles or air fresheners, try freshening your space naturally. We love putting a big pot of water on the stovetop, adding citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and other warm spices, and firing up the stovetop to simmer. If you’re around the house, let it cook all day, adding more water as needed, letting it slowly humidify your home.
There’s no need for harsh chemicals or expensive products to winterize your home. By using natural options, you can create a cozy, warm space for your loved ones each holiday season. We’re happy to help with the home cleaning.
