Post-Holiday Deep Clean: Windows, Gutters, and Vents Checklist for New Year

After the wrapping paper, houseguests, and snow squalls, January is the perfect moment to reset your home with a targeted deep clean. In the Milwaukee area, freeze–thaw cycles, road salt, and indoor heating can leave windows hazy, gutters clogged, and dryer vents packed with lint. Matt’s Window Cleaning offers a post-holiday refresh that focuses on three essential systems—windows, gutters, and dryer vents—so your home looks brighter, runs safer, and is ready for the rest of winter.

People Also Ask: What should be on a New Year cleaning checklist?

A high-impact New Year checklist prioritizes what affects safety, efficiency, and comfort: streak-free interior and exterior window cleaning (including frames, sills, and screens), professional gutter cleaning and downspout checks, and thorough dryer vent cleaning for better airflow. In southeast Wisconsin, add a quick pressure washing assessment for salt-stained entries and walkways when temperatures allow, plus a visual check for ice-dam risks around eaves and valleys.

Windows: Reclaim Winter Light and Comfort

Short days and closed shades can make rooms feel dim. Clean glass dramatically increases visible light, helping your décor and plants thrive through January. Matt’s goes beyond the pane with eco-friendly solutions and precision detailing for frames, sills, and tracks throughout Milwaukee, Mequon, Thiensville, Germantown, Cedarburg, Grafton, River Hills, Oconomowoc, Hartland, Waukesha, Pewaukee, Eagle, North Prairie, Mukwonago, Muskego, Franklin, and Brookfield.

• Remove and clean screens to stop dust from redepositing on glass.
• Vacuum tracks and sills to eliminate grit, pet hair, and allergens.
• Address stubborn hard-water spots around kitchens and baths.
• Wipe condensation-prone areas and check for drafty gaps at sashes.

Gutters: Defend Your Roof During January Thaws

Even after leaf drop, gutters can clog with oak tassels, shingle grit, and windblown debris. When daytime thaws hit, blocked gutters force meltwater over the edge, feeding ice dams, fascia rot, and basement seepage. A pre- or midwinter gutter cleaning restores proper water flow and protects your roof and foundation.

• Clear all troughs and roof valleys; flush downspouts for unobstructed flow.
• Verify downspouts discharge several feet from the foundation.
• Inspect hangers, seams, and end caps for early leak signs.
• Note any recurring overflow areas that may require pitch adjustments.

Dryer Vents: Prioritize Safety and Faster Dry Times

Holiday laundry surges can pack vents with lint, restricting airflow and increasing fire risk. Many Milwaukee-area homes have long basement runs or bends that demand professional tools. A thorough dryer vent cleaning helps loads finish faster and lowers energy use.

• Clean the full vent path with rotary brushes and high-powered vacuums.
• Clear the blower cavity and lint trap housing—not just the screen.
• Check exterior vent hoods for free movement and winter obstructions.
• Confirm strong airflow and safe operating temperatures after service.

When DIY Makes Sense—and When to Call Matt

Basic maintenance like wiping interior glass or cleaning the lint screen is great for weekly upkeep. Call a professional if you notice persistent streaks or mineral etching on windows, overflow or sagging in gutters, slow-drying laundry, or if your home requires ladders and specialty tools. Matt personally services every appointment and uses industry-leading techniques to protect your property while delivering consistent, streak-free, and clog-free results.

Local Tips to Keep Your Clean Going Longer

• Run bath and kitchen exhaust fans to reduce winter condensation on windows.
• After storms, glance at downspouts during a thaw; weak flow signals a blockage.
• Keep the exterior dryer hood clear of frost and drifting snow.
• Consider a winter-safe soft wash for salt-stained entry steps when temps rise above freezing.

Start the Year Fresh—Book Your Post-Holiday Deep Clean

Set the tone for a brighter, safer home with Matt’s Window Cleaning. Bundle interior/exterior window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and dryer vent cleaning for a comprehensive New Year reset tailored to Milwaukee and the surrounding suburbs. January appointments fill quickly; request your estimate at https://www.mattswindowcleaning.com/ and let Matt deliver the meticulous care your home deserves—so you can enjoy clear views, reliable drainage, and faster laundry all winter long.