by Andrey Zhilin, seasonal home care expert
“Hi Andrey, we spend winters in Naples, and head back north in April. We usually come back to a stuffy house and a bit of dust — nothing terrible. Do we really need professional cleaning while we’re away?”
That’s one of the most common questions I get from snowbirds. And I get it — if the home is locked, climate-controlled, and used just a few months a year, why pay for regular cleanings?
Here’s my honest answer: because Florida’s climate doesn’t take time off when you do.
“What Happens While We’re Gone?”
More than you’d think. Even in closed homes:
- Humidity creeps in, especially in closets and sealed rooms
- Dust builds up, and not just where you see it — vents, baseboards, ceiling fans
- Bugs find shelter in silence and stillness
- Salt air near the coast can cause slow corrosion on fixtures, AC coils, and windows
A home that looks fine can still smell stale, feel sticky, or develop mold by the time you’re back.
“So What Kind of Cleaning Do We Need?”
You don’t need weekly visits — just a smart, seasonal plan.
What we offer at Sharky is built exactly for snowbirds:
- Arrival Prep Cleanings — so you don’t walk into a musty, dusty home after travel
- Departure Cleanings — to leave your home sealed, sanitized, and mold-resistant
- Optional Monthly Checks — light cleanings to check for pests, leaks, mildew, or odor buildup
- Storm-Response Services — if a hurricane hits while you’re away, we assess and clean as needed
“We Already Have an HOA or Property Manager. Isn’t That Enough?”
Sometimes yes — often no.
HOAs might mow the lawn or check for leaks, but interior cleanliness and air quality? That’s usually outside their scope. Property managers may walk through your unit, but they won’t scrub your shower tiles or check for mildew in the closet. We do.
And when you do return? You don’t want to spend your first day back scrubbing toilets.
“Is This Just a Luxury?”
No — it’s preventive care for your home and peace of mind for you.
Florida’s combination of heat, humidity, salt air, and insects makes even unused homes vulnerable. You wouldn’t leave your car parked for six months without a check-up — why do it with your second home?
A clean, well-maintained house lasts longer, feels better, and costs less to repair.
“What’s Next?”
Whether you stay in Florida for two months or six, we’ll build a plan that fits. Sharky’s cleaning services for snowbirds are flexible, discreet, and designed around your travel schedule.
You focus on relaxing.
We’ll focus on everything else.
Read also: How to Keep Your Floors Sand-Free All Summer Long
