How to Keep Your Home Cool, Clean and Fresh During a Heatwave

Summer in the UK has finally shown up—properly. In fact, the warm temperatures have been so consistent lately, it’s enough to make you wonder: are we still in Great Britain? And while a bit of sunshine is always welcome here in Southampton, the recent heatwave has left many homes feeling less than comfortable. From stuffy bedrooms to sweaty living rooms and that unmistakable “been-closed-up-all-day” smell, high temperatures bring their own set of challenges when it comes to keeping your home clean and fresh.

If you're working from home, trying to relax after a long day, or preparing to host summer guests, the last thing you want is a hot, sticky house. The good news? With a few smart habits and simple cleaning tweaks, it’s possible to stay on top of the heat and the mess. Here’s how to keep your home cool, clean, and fresh—even when the temperature’s soaring outside.

1. Declutter to Keep Air Flowing

Excess clutter traps heat and dust, especially in smaller rooms. If you’ve got stacks of books, piles of laundry, or “just in case” items sitting around, now’s the time to do a quick sweep. Open spaces allow for better airflow, which naturally helps keep rooms cooler.

Try this: Remove anything that doesn’t need to be in a room. Think of it as a mini summer reset—it’s amazing how much fresher a room feels when surfaces are clear and breathable.

2. Clean and Rotate Your Fans

Most people pull their fans out of the cupboard mid-heatwave, plug them in, and hope for the best. But fans gather dust fast, and if you haven’t cleaned them recently, they’re likely blowing that dust right back at you.

Give the blades a wipe with a damp cloth and a gentle antibacterial spray. If your fan oscillates, check the base and hinges too. A clean fan works more efficiently and doesn’t spread allergens around the house.

3. Keep Windows (and Curtains) Strategically Closed

It sounds counterintuitive, but throwing the windows open all day isn’t always the best move. When it’s hotter outside than inside (especially mid-afternoon), it’s better to keep windows shut and curtains drawn—at least on the sunniest side of your house.

Dust and pollen also enter more easily through open windows. If you suffer from allergies, you’ll notice the difference immediately when you cut down on how long windows are open during peak heat.

Top tip: Open windows early in the morning and later in the evening when it’s cooler and let that fresh air through—then close them up again to trap the cool air inside.

4. Wash Soft Furnishings More Frequently

Hot weather means more sweat, more skin contact with furniture, and more lingering odours. Your sofa cushions, throws, and even curtains absorb it all. During a heatwave, it’s worth washing soft furnishings more often than usual.

Stick to light, breathable fabrics and give anything you can a spin in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Don’t forget your bedsheets—changing them more frequently (every 3–4 days during very hot spells) will help you sleep better at night and keep your bedroom feeling fresh.

5. Tackle Kitchen Bins and Food Waste Daily

Warm weather is great for barbecues and salads—but it’s not so great for kitchen bins. Food waste breaks down faster in the heat, leading to strong odours and an increased chance of fruit flies.

Empty bins daily if possible, and give the inside of the bin a rinse with hot soapy water or a natural vinegar solution once or twice a week. You can also sprinkle a bit of bicarbonate soda at the bottom to neutralise smells between cleans.

6. Use Natural Scents Instead of Air Fresheners

Synthetic air fresheners often just mask odours—and in the heat, they can be overpowering. Instead, opt for natural ways to scent your home. Lemon, lavender or eucalyptus essential oils in a diffuser or diluted in a spray bottle make a refreshing alternative.

Another local favourite? Simmering a pot of sliced lemon and rosemary in water on the hob (briefly, in the evening) can fill your kitchen with a clean, uplifting aroma.

7. Book a Mid-Summer Deep Clean

Let’s be honest—when it’s nearly 30°C and rising, the last thing anyone wants to do is deep clean the bathroom or move furniture to vacuum behind it. But this is the time of year when dirt and bacteria thrive, especially in warm, humid corners of the home.

Hiring a professional cleaning team can make all the difference. A deep clean during the summer removes dust, clears out hidden allergens, and gives your home that fresh reset—without you lifting a finger.

And finally...

A cool, clean home is more than just a luxury during a UK heatwave—it’s a lifesaver. By making a few simple changes and staying on top of the things that really matter, your space can stay fresh and comfortable no matter how high the temperature climbs.

And if it all feels like too much to manage, don’t sweat it (literally). Our expert domestic cleaners in Southampton are just a phone call away. From one-off deep cleans to regular weekly visits, we’ll help keep your home cool, clean and calm all summer long.