7 things to clean in February – from closets and carpets to furniture and fireplaces

It might have felt like January dragged on, but the never-ending month has finally come to a close, and the hope of spring is in the air.

February is the month of love, but don't forget to give your home some much-needed affection, too. From cleaning your glassware to your grill, any space you put time and effort into will reward you back – whether you're hosting or simply relaxing.

I spoke to our cleaning experts for their cleaning tips on what to pay special attention to this month.

1. Your closet

When was the last time cleaned your closet? If it's been a while, now is the perfect opportunity, says Will Cotter, COO of HappyCleans.

'Deep clean the shelves,' he advises. 'Remove the clothing stacks and shoe rows to remove dust and wipe each surface, then place them right back on.'

Will recommends using a microfiber cloth and your favorite multi-purpose cleaner, such as the affordable Great Value Bleach FREE Lemon Scented All Purpose Cleaner available at Walmart, but you can also make a homemade cleaning spray to repel dust long-term easily too.

It's also a good idea to sort through your clothes and donate or sell anything you haven't worn in the past year.

'This will make room for new spring items, and help you to stay organized,' says Will. 'It will also give you a clearer view of what you need for the upcoming season.'

All prices correct at time of publication.

2. Rugs and carpets

One of the biggest carpet and rug cleaning mistakes you can make is neglecting to clean them altogether. Just like everywhere else in your home, they need regular maintenance.

Josh Miller, CEO and owner of Clean Carpets, says, 'Walk in traffic during the winter leaves salt, dirt, and grime behind. With a thorough clean up, the interiors of your house will be refreshed, and carpets will last longer.

However, whether you wash rugs in the washer, clean a carpet with baking soda, or use a machine, it's crucial to be aware of the carpet cleaning mistakes which can lead to dampness, mold and mildew.

3. The fireplace and chimney

It's likely that your fireplace has been working overtime during the colder weather, so, as winter winds down, it's crucial to address any soot buildup and residue from cozying up by the fire, says Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager of Spekless.

'A clean fireplace and chimney not only improve the aesthetic of your living space, but also help to prevent potential fire risks and hazards,' she explains. 'Cleaning these areas in February ensures they're in optimal condition, giving you peace of mind before the next cold spell, or a shift to spring weather.'

If you're not sure where to start when it comes to cleaning a fireplace, our expert-led guide has tips for tackling brick, stone, marble, and cast iron types, as well as advice on polishing up tiles and glass.

4. Wine glasses and stemware

If you were the host with the most over the holidays, your glassware is probably in need of a little TLC. Cleaning expert Will advises, 'Having a nice bottle of wine? Serve it in glasses that are anything less than spotless.'

To clean wine glasses properly, he recommends that it's best to hand wash them to avoid breakage, using an effective washing up liquid, such as the bestselling Method Dish Soap, available at Walmart.

Then, rinse thoroughly, allow to air-dry, and buff with a dry microfiber cloth, such as the HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Amazon, to remove smudges or water spots.

Where necessary, you can also remove cloudiness from drinking glasses by cleaning with vinegar for a sparkling finish.

5. The dining area and chairs

Along the same lines, after a couple of heavy months for hosting, it's likely that your dining area could do with some attention.

Cleaning expert Karina says, 'Whether you're hosting a cozy Valentine's day dinner or a small gathering of friends, your dining area will be the heart of the celebration.'

To clean a dining room, first start by cleaning your upholstered dining chairs (or whatever type you have), then wipe down the table, and polish and dust any decor elements. Using a damp duster is a super efficient way to remove dust effectively, but a dry microfiber cloth or regular duster will work too.

'This will not only make your space look great, but also creates a welcoming atmosphere for your guests,' says Karina. 'February is a great time to refresh this space, ensuring it looks its best for any upcoming celebrations.'

6. Your bathroom

Whether you deep clean your bathroom like a pro, or have 30 minutes or less to clean a bathroom, Joseph Passalacqua, owner & CEO of Maid Sailors, highlights the importance of getting it done this month.

He says, 'Bathrooms can get a lot of use during winter, especially with colder temperatures making people spend more time indoors.

'Take the time to deep clean the bathroom, including cleaning shower grout, wiping down mirrors, disinfecting surfaces, and descaling faucets and shower heads.'

For most bathroom cleaning tasks, an all-purpose cleaner, such as the Lysol Power Foaming Cleaning Spray for Bathrooms available at Amazon will be enough.

Or, you can make use of alternative household staples. For example, why not try cleaning your mirror with shaving foam, or cleaning hard water stains on your faucets with toothpaste.

7. The patio furniture and grill

While we're certainly not suggesting that it's warm enough (in most places) to spend full days outside, February is the ideal time to check on and clean your patio furniture and grill, says cleaning expert Karina.

She suggests, 'Wipe down chairs, tables, and cushions to remove winter dirt or dust, and clean the grill so it's ready for the first spring BBQ.

'It's a great way to stay ahead of the outdoor spring patio prep rush, and make sure your patio and grill are in tip-top shape for al fresco dining.'

Our guides on how to clean a charcoal grill and how to clean a grill without a brush contain all the information you need to get started – and yes, you can clean a grill with an onion, but when it comes to household methods to clean a grill, Alex David, our head of eCommerce and avid tester, says a lemon works much better. Who knew!

FAQs

What should be cleaned every three months?

There are a lot of things that should be cleaned weekly, or even daily, but some can be left a little longer. For example, cleaning real wood floors, your guest room, and dish rack can be put off until you have more time.

As always, cleaning is only one side of the coin. These are the things to declutter in February to get your home in order before spring arrives.