Spring cleaning may get all the attention, but winter cleaning is where the attention should be paid now. From checking the chimney to cleaning the windows, these tasks go unnoticed but are important for keeping a home free of dirt and germs.

“The ever-changing weather conditions and variable temperatures mean we often carry a lot of dirt around our homes,” the team at Helpling, a London-based online cleaning booking company, told House Beautiful UK.

“With most of us now working from home, it’s even more important than usual to have a clean home to make it as cozy and comfortable as possible.”

It doesn’t have to be difficult to keep your home free of clutter and dirt. Here are some tips for getting rid of dirt in your home.

Clean your chimney. If you haven’t already, check your chimney. Not only can dirt accumulate and hide inside chimneys, but so can animals.

Clean them and the hearth before lighting them. Simple Green has some tips on how to clean wood-burning fireplaces at bit.ly/3nrx9pR.

Take care of your HVAC. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit is important for providing warmth inside your home, but you need to make sure it’s free of grime.

A simple way to keep the HVAC in good condition is to check it once a month, especially in winter and summer when it is heavily used. Replace the air filter at least once every three months, which will prevent dirt from building up, says Energy Star.

Wipe dirt from windows. Despite the sun shining a little less, it is always nice to be able to enjoy a clear view of the outside. Plus, window cleaning can let light in when the sun is up and help stave off the gloom that can occur in winter, according to Lewisville, Texas-based home cleaning service Buckets & Bows.

Bob Vila has tips on cleaning windows inside and out at bit.ly/3FrnENN.

Don’t just clean out your fridge – check behind it. While it’s important to clean out your refrigerator and remove old food, you should also pay attention to the exterior and areas that often go unkept.

It takes 20 to 30 minutes to clean under and behind the device, according to Real Simple. Removing dust from the coils can help the refrigerator run smoothly.