The short answer
Open in this order: air it out, uncover and dust, check the kitchen, clean the bathrooms, wash the linens, then floors. A closed house gathers dust, stale air, and sometimes signs of pests, so a thorough first clean sets up the whole summer.
In Middlebury, spring has a signal: Quassy Amusement and Waterpark on Lake Quassapaug, at 2132 Middlebury Road (Route 64), opens its rides on weekends in late April. For families with a cottage, camp, or seasonal rental near the lake, it is the reminder that summer is close and the house needs opening.
1. Air it out
Open windows and doors on a dry day. Fresh air clears stale smells before you start cleaning.
2. Uncover and dust
- Remove dust covers carefully, folding them inward to trap dust, and wash them.
- Dust top to bottom: fans, fixtures, shelves, furniture.
- Wipe window sills and vacuum tracks, where insects collect over winter.
3. Kitchen check
- Wipe the inside of the refrigerator and let it run before stocking.
- Clean cabinets and shelves, especially if anything was stored over winter.
- Run the dishwasher empty once, following the manufacturer's guidance.
- Look for signs of pests; call a pest professional if you find any.
4. Bathrooms
Run the taps, then clean showers, toilets, sinks, and floors. Dust settles in tubs and on fixtures in a closed house.
5. Linens and beds
Wash all bedding and towels that sat over winter, and vacuum mattresses and under beds.
6. Floors last
Vacuum and mop throughout once everything above is done.
Renting it out?
A thorough opening clean sets the standard for every turnover. See our turnover checklist and how to set a cleaning fee. At the end of the season, our fall closing guide covers the other side.
Cleaning in Middlebury
We serve homes in Middlebury, from the neighborhoods near Whittemore Road to homes around Lake Quassapaug. Middlebury is in New Haven County, next to our Fairfield County service area. For local details, see our house cleaning page for Middlebury, CT and our vacation rental cleaning service.
Check Quassy's website for this season's opening dates.
Cottage opening questions
What should I clean first when opening a cottage?
Air it out, then uncover and dust top to bottom, then the kitchen, bathrooms, linens, and floors last.
What if I find signs of pests?
Clean what you can safely and call a pest control professional; pest treatment is outside a cleaning visit.
Should I wash linens that were stored all winter?
Yes. Wash all bedding and towels before guests use them.
When does Quassy open?
In recent seasons, rides have opened on weekends in late April. Check Quassy's website for this year's dates.