
5 Winter Cleaning Myths Debunked
19 June 2025During winter, we all want to snuggle up and get cosy – even pests. Pests like rodents and cockroaches are looking for warm shelter near food and they will see the smallest cracks and holes (3mm-2cms) in walls and floors as an irresistibly invitation.
To add insult to injury, the winter home is less ventilated and breezy than summer, which traps dust mites and allergens inside.
All of these seen and unseen pests can affect your family’s health. Mice and rats, for example, can contaminate food and trigger allergies. Cockroaches can spread salmonella and worsen asthma and eczema while dust mites and allergens can cause respiratory issues.
Here are some tips to protect your home this winter:
Tip 1: Maintain an ‘uninviting’ environment
- Store all food—including pet food—in sealed containers.
- Close any cracks and opening in walls and floors.
- Empty and clean bins regularly.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes overnight.
- Fix leaky taps and pipes.
Tip 2: Clean in ‘unusual’ places
- Clean behind appliances where food bits and nesting materials often gather using a disinfectant cleaner like our My T Det, Savtol or Green Heavy Duty.
- Regularly clean under the fridge, stove, and sink.
- Sweep and mop dark corners and storage areas.
Tip 3: Take preventative action
- Open windows and doors daily to encourage cross ventilation.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture regularly.
- Use a dust mite spray like
Bioway Multi Insect & Dust Mite Killer
on beds, curtains, and couches. - Declutter and store items in plastic containers with tight lids rather than cardboard boxes.
At Cleaning Warehouse, the health and hygiene of South African families are at the core of everything we stand for. We take pride in offering a comprehensive selection of cleaning products that cater to every household’s needs. During winter, when pests can become a problem indoors, our Pest Control products can help families tackle mites, insects, and other unwelcome guests, and maintain a healthier living environment.