Edmonton Winter Home Care: Simple Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
Winter in Edmonton is challenging, but with simple cleaning and maintenance tips, you can keep your home clean and cozy. Learn how to manage snow, salt, and moisture.
Edmonton Winter Home Care: Simple Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
Winter in Edmonton means snow, slush and long nights. Keeping your home clean and comfortable during January doesn’t have to be a chore—here are simple, practical tips to protect your home and health without diving into endless research.
Keep snow & ice off your sidewalk
Clearing the sidewalk isn’t just neighbourly—under Edmonton’s Community Standards Bylaw you’re required to remove snow and ice around your property as soon as possible[1]. Snow left to freeze into ice creates hazardous conditions, especially during freeze–thaw cycles, and failing to clear it can result in a $100 fine[2]. Use an ergonomic shovel to push rather than lift snow, spread sand or gravel for traction, and aim your downspouts away from walkways[3][4]. Dress warmly and take breaks to avoid strain[5].
Protect your floors from salt & moisture
Winter boots track salt and moisture indoors. Over time, salt crystals scratch floors and dull finishes. Lay a coarse mat outside and an absorbent mat inside to catch grit and water. Ask family and friends to remove their shoes at the door[6]. Vacuum often and clean hard floors with a damp mop[7], making sure to dry them thoroughly. Prevent moisture problems by maintaining relative humidity between 30–50 % and using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms[8].
Fight winter germs
Cold and flu viruses thrive in winter. Wipe high‑touch surfaces (door knobs, light switches, remote controls) daily with a household disinfectant. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds[9]. When disinfecting, clean surfaces first, then apply an approved disinfectant and let it sit for the label’s recommended time[10]. Use diluted bleach safely: 5 mL of 5 % bleach in 250 mL of water makes a 0.1 % solution[11].
Tidy & declutter
Winter coats, boots and holiday decorations can quickly clutter your home. Keep walkways clear by storing items in bins or on shelves. Vacuum and dust regularly to reduce allergens and improve indoor air quality[7]. Decluttering also makes cleaning faster and reduces hiding places for dirt.
Keep humidity & ventilation in check
Dry winter air can lead to static and cracked wood, while too much moisture encourages mould. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep relative humidity between 30–50 %[8]. Run exhaust fans when cooking or showering, and keep vents and furnace filters clean.
Conclusion
Winter maintenance doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By clearing snow promptly[1], protecting floors from salt and moisture[12], practising good hygiene[9] and maintaining healthy humidity levels[8], you’ll keep your Edmonton home comfortable and safe until spring.
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Residential Sidewalk Snow and Ice | City of Edmonton
https://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/on_your_streets/sidewalk-snow-removal
[6] [7] [8] [12] Guide to addressing moisture and mould indoors - Canada.ca
[9] [11] Archived - Hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19) - Canada.ca
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19.html
[10] 8 Home Disinfection Tips for Flu Season | Maid4Condos
https://www.maid4condos.com/8-tips-to-clean-disinfect-your-home-during-cold-flu-season/