The short answer
Use a departure routine (empty the fridge, strip beds, take out trash) and a cleaning visit before your next arrival. A house that sits closed collects dust and stale air, so a pre-arrival clean makes the biggest difference.
South Salem and Waccabuc, both hamlets in the Town of Lewisboro, have long drawn people looking for a quieter place to spend weekends. Lake Waccabuc and the historic district around Mead Street feel a world away, yet Main Street, home to the Lewisboro Library at 15 Main Street, is close by. The trade-off of a weekend home is that it sits empty most of the week, and closed houses collect dust.
Before you leave
- Empty the refrigerator of anything that will spoil.
- Run the dishwasher and leave it open to dry.
- Strip beds and start or bag the laundry.
- Take out all trash and recycling.
- Close windows and set the thermostat for the empty house.
Before you arrive
- Dust surfaces and remove covers from furniture.
- Make beds with fresh linens and set out towels.
- Clean bathrooms and the kitchen.
- Vacuum and mop, including entries.
Seasonal attention
In fall, leaves and mud come in on every boot. In spring, pollen settles on everything. Lake houses also tend to collect sand and damp towels in summer. See our fall lake house closing guide for end-of-season steps.
Setting a schedule
Some owners book a cleaning before every visit; others prefer every other week regardless. Share your usual arrival days and access instructions when you request a quote.
Renting it out?
If you rent the home to guests between your own visits, turnover cleaning is a different job. See our vacation rental cleaning page for South Salem.
House cleaning in South Salem
We serve homes in South Salem and Waccabuc. Learn more on our house cleaning page for South Salem, NY.
Weekend home questions
Do you serve Waccabuc?
Yes. We serve South Salem and Waccabuc, both in the Town of Lewisboro.
Can you clean when I'm not there?
Yes. Share access instructions and we'll confirm the details when scheduling.
Can you make the beds with fresh linens?
Tell us where linens are kept and what you'd like done when you request a quote, and we'll confirm the scope.
How often should a weekend home be cleaned?
Before each visit is ideal for regular use. Every other week works for homes visited less often.