According to a recent survey by the Cleaning Institute Organization, 96 percent of people think it’s important to have a clean home. But with busy schedules, we sometimes fall short.

Here are some tips to prepare your home for the indoor months ahead:

• Check the perimeter. Check window frames and entryways since you may need to re-caulk and add additional weather strips. Clear gutters and chimneys of debris.
• Store outdoor furniture. Before you store lawn or patio furniture, scrub each piece with baking soda — this natural cleaning method means you won’t need to worry about harsh chemicals washing onto your lawn.
• Wash and weatherize windows. Clean window panes with a solution of vinegar and water, which removes the dirt and grime left behind from winds and rainstorms. Then, place storm windows securely on each frame.
• Remember to deodorize. Even if it’s too cold to open the windows, you’ll want your home to smell fresh and clean. Baking soda is a great option for neutralizing unpleasant odors, from the refrigerator and freezer to carpets and furniture.
• Shine your floors. With allergies on the rise, it’s important to pay special attention to floors, baseboards and other hard-to-reach spots — use a product that will clean deep-down to get rid of pollen and dirt.
• Unpack cold weather wear. Remember to launder clothing before returning it to your closets, and take this opportunity to wash curtains and other fabric coverings.