Cleaning Guide

Before Winter in Oxford: The Basement and Laundry Area Clean

The basement holds the laundry, the storage, and the holiday bins. Fall is the time to get it in order.

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Cleaner wiping storage shelves with labeled bins in a basement laundry area
Illustrative image, not a photo of a customer's home.

The short answer

Sort first, then dust top to bottom, then clean the floor. Store items in lidded bins off the floor, keep the laundry area clear, and make sure holiday decorations are easy to reach before December.

Oxford, in New Haven County, stretches from Oxford Center and the Town Hall on Oxford Road (Route 67) out to Quaker Farms and Riverside. In many homes here, the basement is where the laundry, the extra freezer, the sports gear, and the holiday bins all live. Fall, before the holidays and winter weather, is the best time to get it in order.

Sort first

  • Bring summer gear down and holiday decorations forward.
  • Donate or discard items you have not used in a year.
  • Group what stays: tools, sports, seasonal, and household backstock.

Dust top to bottom

  1. Brush cobwebs from ceiling joists and corners.
  2. Dust light fixtures and pipes you can safely reach.
  3. Wipe shelves and the tops of bins.
  4. Wipe the washer, dryer, and utility sink.

The floor

Sweep or vacuum concrete and finished floors, then mop if the surface allows. Clear a path along walls so the floor can be cleaned regularly.

Keep storage dry

Store items in lidded plastic bins rather than cardboard, and keep them on shelves off the floor. If you notice persistent dampness or musty smells, talk to a qualified professional about moisture.

The laundry corner

Clean the lint trap, wipe the washer gasket, and leave the washer door open between loads. Our laundry room guide has more tips.

House cleaning in Oxford

We serve homes throughout Oxford. Let us know if you'd like the basement or laundry area included in a visit. Learn more on our house cleaning page for Oxford, CT, or read our Oxford move-in guide.

Basement cleaning questions

Do house cleaners clean basements?

Finished basements and laundry areas can be included. Mention them when you request a quote so we can plan the time.

How often should a basement be cleaned?

A thorough clean once or twice a year, with regular sweeping of finished or busy areas.

What is the best way to store items in a basement?

Lidded plastic bins on shelves, off the floor, grouped and labeled.

What if my basement smells musty?

Persistent musty smells can point to moisture. Talk to a qualified professional about the cause.