With winter just around the corner, many will be looking for ways to make their homes warm and cosy.
To give some guidance on the matter, Lisa Williams, executive housekeeper at five-star hotel The Grand, York, has shared the steps she takes to create a winter-ready home.
First of all, the expert recommended households deep clean their carpets and rugs.
She said: “Carpets and rugs should be shampooed, vacuumed and steam-cleaned to remove dust, allergens and dirt build-up.
“This is particularly important in the colder winter months as windows are kept closed most of the time, trapping more particles indoors.”
Cleaning them will help to keep them smelling fresh but also get rid of any leftover summer pollen, which may continue to irritate those with allergies.
Next on the list should be dusting and cleaning vents as well as radiators to help get them ready for winter.
The build-up of dust in these areas can impact airflow, meaning you may turn the heating up very high for it to work properly.
To ensure proper heating, however, simply clean all vents, radiators and air filters of dust.
The pro said: “Doing this also reduces the amount of allergens that circulate in the air, which is important in the winter during cold and flu season.
“This task should certainly not be overlooked when reviewing your central heating, as not only will it help you save on energy consumption, but will also make sure the home doesn’t develop a burning dust smell which can happen when this task is skipped.”
It’s also important to wipe down windows and windowsills to help them let as much light in as possible on gloomy winter days.
The housekeeper noted: “For a homemade window cleaning solution, mix two litres of water and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in a bucket.
“Alternatively, you can also use vinegar and warm water and wipe across the window with a clean cloth.”
The start of the season is also the perfect time to install winter essentials for the home.
Lisa recommended putting down a tough dormant in the entranceway and placing a boot scraper outside to avoid extra cleaning.
She added: “If you have a particular room that is prone to feeling cold and damp, investing in a dehumidifier is a fantastic option and can make a huge difference to the feel of the space.
“Keeping rooms draft-free can also help, so draft excluders for internal doors are a must.”
The final step of preparing a home for winter is adding some seasonal touches such as changing houseplants to winter foliage or swapping fruity candles for spiced ones.
The housekeeper continued: “Whilst cleaning is important, it’s the seasonal touches that truly make your home feel ready for the colder months,
“These are of course influenced by personal taste and the decor style of a home, but the ultimate goal remains the same, to increase the cosiness of the space to contrast the harsh weather outside.”
