As single mums, we’re often juggling everything from scraped knees to overdue bills. And when the winter season rolls in, we find ourselves spending even more time indoors — which means it’s the perfect time to refresh our spaces. A solid winter cleaning routine not only helps keep your house clean but creates a sanctuary for both you and your little ones, especially during the colder months.
I’ve got a three-year-old daughter, who somehow manages to scatter more glitter and biscuit crumbs than I ever thought possible. But I’ve learned over the years that a good cleaning schedule and a realistic approach make all the difference when trying to keep your home clean — and sane — throughout the winter.
Why Winter Cleaning is Just as Important as Spring Cleaning
When we think about big cleans, we usually think of spring cleaning. Honestly though? Winter cleaning deserves just as much love. As we spend more time indoors, dust and dirt build up faster. Closed windows and constant heater use affect air quality, while germs and allergens thrive in warm, humid corners.
Your fireplace, stove, and heaters work harder in the cold months, and often unnoticed areas like ceiling fans, light switches, and doorknobs collect more grime than we realise. Not to mention, cluttered spaces can feel even more overwhelming during winter months, when the weather keeps us cooped up.
Last winter, my nephew had a daycare cold that hung around for two weeks. I remember my sister wiping every surface, re-washing his pillowcases, and disinfecting like her life depended on it ... because, in that moment, it kind of did.
Further reading: Simple Time Saving Tips for Cleaning Your Home
Your Winter Cleaning Checklist: Where to Start
A well-thought-out winter cleaning checklist can turn chaos into calm. Here’s how to create a tidy, warm, and germ-free home without driving yourself up the (recently scrubbed) wall.
Living Room
- Vacuum carpets and rugs, and use a shampoo for upholstered furniture if it’s been a while.
- Dust window sills, blinds, and any decorative cushions.
- Wash throw blankets and pillowcases — they trap dust and allergens easily.
- Give the fireplace area a deeper clean, and check it for safety if you plan to use it.
Kitchen
- Empty the pantry, wipe down cabinet shelves, and organize items for easier access to winter staples.
- Scrub the stove, microwave, and other hardworking appliances.
- Check for mould or stubborn stains behind the curtains, bins, or drawer corners.
Bathroom
- Clean tile grout and rinse down walls — winter moisture can sneak in.
- Scrub and disinfect all high-traffic areas, like taps and doorknobs.
- Keep your home clean and safe by washing bath mats and checking for mould behind the toilet.
Your Winter Cleaning Checklist: Where to Start (cont.)
Bedroom
- Rotate the mattress and vacuum underneath it.
- Clean out the wardrobe, replacing summer clothes with warm winter layers.
- Wash curtains, and don’t forget to dust behind the headboard and along window sills.
Throughout the Home
- Dust ceiling fans, even if they’re not in use — they still collect grime.
- Clean your ceiling using a vacuum or a broom.
- Use a microfibre cloth for skirting boards, vents, and shelves.
- Consider professional duct cleaning if your heating system’s due.
- Check and seal windows and doors to keep warmth in.
- Clean gutters to prevent leaks and blockages when rain picks up — this was a game-changer for me when a leaky gutter turned my tiny front entry into a mudslide last year.
Looking for a winter cleaning checklist? I love this one from Clean Mama!
Winter Cleaning and Keeping an Organised House with Kids Around
It can feel impossible to deep clean when you’ve got kids running around, especially when the weather means more time inside. The trick? Lower the bar and organise items by function.
- Have a basket for toys in each room so you can do a 5-minute tidy-up blitz.
- Create a cosy, contained play area using a washable rug and easy-to-reach shelves.
- Break your routine into small chunks — morning wipe-downs, post-nap vacuum, and evening resets.
Meal prep helps too. I like to batch-cook soups and stews (with my kiddo “helping” to wash veggies) so I can avoid a messy kitchen every single night.
How the Kids Can Help with Winter Cleaning
Kids love helping when they feel like it’s a game. My kid loves using a microfibre cloth to “polish” the table. She also gets a thrill from pouring vinegar and bicarb into the sink for a fizzy science experiment that just happens to clean the drain.
Some ideas by age:
- Toddlers (2–4): Match socks, put toys away, use a soft duster.
- Primary kids: Wipe surfaces, clean their drawers, help fold laundry.
- Teens: Vacuum, change sheets, wipe down light switches and door frames.
Make it fun: use timers, rewards, and music. I once pretended the vacuum was a dragon and my daughter had to save her toys before it “ate” them. It worked—for about 3 minutes, but hey, I’ll take it.
Must-Have Winter Cleaning Supplies
Here’s a short list of cleaning products and tools that help make the job easier:
- Microfiber cloths and dusters – reusable and great for removing loose dirt and allergens.
- Essential oils – lavender, eucalyptus or lemon make the house smell fresh.
- Multipurpose spray, disinfectant wipes, and vinegar.
- Carpet cleaner or shampoo for stains.
- Scrub brushes for bathrooms and grout.
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter for better air quality.
- Mould remover for bathroom corners and window frames.
Final Thoughts: A Clean Home Is a Calm Home
Life doesn't have to be heavy throughout the winter months. When you have a solid winter cleaning routine and systems that work for you and your kids, the cold months can actually be comforting. You’ll have a space that feels soft, safe, and welcoming — no matter how loud the toddler tantrums or how many socks are mysteriously missing.
So this winter, let’s keep our homes clean, embrace the seasonal shift, and remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about peace. And maybe finding one clean spot to enjoy your tea while the rest of the house slowly turns into chaos again.
