6 home maintenance mistakes to never make in summer – and what to do instead

Longer days and warmer weather make summer the perfect time to tackle home maintenance tasks, and these are the mistakes experts warn you to never make.

Not all jobs around the house are created equal, and some summer maintenance habits can do more harm than good. Here, home care pros reveal six of the most common mistakes to avoid during the sunnier months.

Even if you follow the best cleaning tips, avoiding these six common home maintenance mistakes is key to ensuring your home is summer-ready.

1. Washing windows in direct sun

It might seem like a good idea to clean your windows when the sky is clear – but direct sun is a major mistake. The heat causes glass cleaner to dry too quickly, leaving streaks behind and wasting your effort.

Will Cotter, owner of DeluxeMaid, says, 'The sunshine of summer is the reason why it’s exactly the worst time to clean windows. Glass heats up fast, meaning no sooner have you sprayed on cleaner, it's evaporated! No matter how hard you scrub, you’re just left with streaks and residue.

'Instead, the right time is early morning, very late afternoon, or on a cloudy day. If you’re still unsure, hold your hand against the glass – if it feels hot, wait, if it’s cool or slightly warm, you’re good to go.'

To clean, dry-wipe first with a microfiber cloth to remove dust. Spray a commercial cleaner like Sprayway Glass Cleaner from Target, wait a minute or two, then wipe away from side to side. Cotter adds, 'Dry with another cloth or use a squeegee to make sure no streaks form as the product evaporates. You can also buff with an old, crumpled newspaper.'

Selecting the best time of day for washing is one of the things people with clean windows always do.

2. Ignoring garbage cans

Hot weather intensifies garbage odors and attracts pests fast. Neglecting your outdoor or kitchen bins in summer can lead to flies, ants, and even rodents.

Alex Varela, manager of Dallas Maids, says, 'Neglecting your garbage cans. With the temperature increasing, your garbage cans will start to smell even more than usual if you don’t clean them regularly – at least once a week.

'Rinse them out with a hose first, then add a few squirts of dish soap and scrub with a long brush or a broom. Rinse again and let them dry in the sun.'

Varela recommends the CleanHome Tile Tub Scrubber Brush, available from Amazon, adding, 'I like this flexible, affordable brush. The stiff brush head and extendable handle are perfect for garbage cans, and the microfiber pads can be used in other areas of your home too.'

Give trash cans a regular rinse with vinegar or a disinfecting solution to keep smells (and bugs) at bay.

3. Skipping AC maintenance

When the heat hits, your air conditioning works overtime – but without proper care, it could burn out or run inefficiently. Many homeowners forget to change filters or check for clogged vents.

Wells Ye, founder of Fresh Tech Maid, says, 'Homeowners often neglect the regular maintenance of their air conditioning systems, which can lead to unexpected breakdowns during the hottest days in summer. The dust, debris, and mold buildup in the air conditioning system causes poor airflow, reduced efficiency, and even system failure.

'Instead, maintain your air conditioning system ahead of time by changing the filter regularly, ideally every couple of months, cleaning the evaporator and condensing coils with a cleaner spray, and checking the vents are unobstructed.'

Knowing how long it takes an AC unit to cool a room, and the ideal temperature to set your AC unit in summer, are among the key pieces of information worth researching as you change gear for summer maintenance.

Ye also recommends the BNX TruFilter Air Filter from Amazon to capture airborne particles and prevent buildup in air conditioners. He adds, 'I personally used this filter and noticed a difference in the overall efficiency of my air conditioner. Moreover, it prevented buildup in the air conditioning unit and saved money on energy bills and replacements.'

4. Leaving patio furniture unprotected

Summer sun and sudden storms can quickly fade, crack, or warp outdoor furniture. Leaving cushions out or failing to apply protective coatings can shorten their lifespan.

Cotter says, 'We all love some sun, but not all outdoor furniture can handle the heat. You might be left with a shabby, weather-beaten outdoor setup that doesn’t look as great as when you first bought it. Cushions and fabric coverings are often the first things to show signs of wear.

'Instead, store them indoors when not in use, or invest in a storage bench so you can toss them in there when you’re done. If that’s too much of a hassle, cover them with a weatherproof tarp.'

For wooden furniture, Cotter advises resealing it every year with a UV-resistant protectant such as Howard SWAX16 Outdoor Furniture Wax from Amazon. He adds, 'One tip: it will bond better if you lightly sand the surface to remove any old layers of finish and prepare it for the new coat.'

5. Letting showers get grimy

With more heat and humidity – plus sandy feet or post-gardening rinses – your showers take a hit during summer. If you're not careful, it’s easy to let mold and mildew creep in.

Ye says, 'Summer humidity levels cause soap residue accumulation and mold development, which can result in tile, grout and shower curtain staining. To combat this, wipe down shower walls with a squeegee, scrub grout, and ventilate your bathroom well.'

Knowing how to clean a shower is key to ensuring moisture isn't allowed to linger. Ye recommends RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray from Amazon, adding, 'This is a powerful cleaner to tackle mold, mildew, and soap scum in your bathroom. I've seen instant results.'

6. Pressure washing at full blast

A pressure washer can be a great summer cleaning tool – but used incorrectly, it can do serious damage.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'People love using a pressure washer in summer, but blasting surfaces at full power can strip paint, damage wood, crack concrete, and even force water into your home’s siding, leading to mold.

'Instead, use the right nozzle and pressure setting: low pressure for wood and siding, medium for driveways, and high only for tough stains on hard surfaces. Start from a distance and move closer as needed, holding the nozzle at an angle to prevent water from seeping into cracks.'

Knowing how to use a pressure washer on patio furniture, as well as other outdoor surfaces, is key to maximizing impact while avoiding damage. Always check the settings, and use the gentlest effective spray to avoid stripping paint or damaging surfaces.

Meet the experts

Will Cotter

Will Cotter is a cleaning expert and digital entrepreneur who owns multiple cleaning companies across the US, including DeluxeMaid, which has cleaned more than 7,500 homes. His expert tips have been featured in top publications like Homes & Gardens, Apartment Therapy, and Martha Stewart.

Alex Varela

Alex Varela is the general manager of Dallas Maids, a highly-respected house cleaning service in Dallas, Texas, that believes in creating a clean and healthy home environment for families. Founded more than 30 years ago, Dallas Maids has spruced thousands of happy homes – and counting.

Wells Ye

Wells Ye is founder of cleaning company, Fresh Tech Maid, which has been sprucing American homes for 25 years. The company's trusted technicians complete a rigorous 10-step evaluation process to ensure exemplary service.

Karina Toner

With extensive contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more, professional cleaner Karina has extensive knowledge of both commercial and residential cleaning.

So there you have it – six home maintenance mistakes to never make in summer. A few smart swaps in your routine can protect your home, save you time, and keep everything running smoothly all season long. It'll also keep pests and bad odors away.

This is the ideal time for learning the things people with nice-smelling sunrooms always do.