10 Fall Cleaning Tips
Fall Cleaning Checklist
It doesn’t have to be springtime to give your house a good spring cleaning. In fact, as the leaves start to fly and the weather begins to change, a good hearty fall cleaning is just what your home may need to get ready for the coming winter and holidays ahead. Take advantage of this transitional season to de-clutter and do a deep clean. You’ll go into the season feeling renewed and refreshed.
Words of Wisdom
Tackling the whole house may feel daunting, so break it up into a system. Go from the top of the house to the bottom, and take it one room at a time. Enlist help from the whole family and let everyone chime in on a playlist that will keep everyone motivated. It doesn’t have to feel like drudgery—make it fun!
Wash Windows
Cleaning windows both inside and out, and cleaning any screens as well, will instantly give your home a brighter look. If windows are too tall to reach from the outside, call a professional window cleaner to take care of them.
Dust Window Treatments
Whether you have curtains, blinds or drapes, chances are there is an ample layer of dust way up there near the rod that could use a good dusting. Start with a vacuum and use an upholstery attachment to get most of the dust. Use a microfiber cloth to reach those hard to get areas. If fabric is particularly dirty, consider taking down curtains and sending them into the drycleaner for cleaning.
Pay Attention to Walls
Walls with wood paneling or wainscoting can use a little extra attention. Wipe away any dust and use a wood cleaner on a soft cloth on any stained wood.
Get on a Ladder
The view from a ladder can be enlightening. Places you don’t usually see are usually good places for some intense dusting and vacuuming. These include the tops of kitchen cabinets, refrigerators, bookshelves, home lighting fixtures and picture frames.
On the Spot
Dedicate some time to spot clean upholstery, cushions, throw pillows and carpets. Those little missed spills add up over time, and taking time out to hit them all with a good cleaner will do wonders.
Clean Out the Closets
Declutter and take an organizational eye to your closets. Now is when many charities could use winter clothing and outerwear, so it’s a perfect time to get rid of items that are no longer used and put them to good use elsewhere, while you gain the organizational upper hand with your closets.
Replace Filters
As the temps start to drop, the furnace will start kicking on. So make it a point to change out your furnace filter with a new one to get started on the right foot for the season.
Get Fire Ready
Take this from two angles- first test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries if they require replacements. Next, hire a chimney sweep to clean out chimneys and ensure they’re ready for you to build a fire.
Get the Nitty Gritty
Bathrooms have plenty of opportunities for some TLC. Soak shower heads in vinegar and use a scrub brush to clear away mineral deposits. Use a grout cleaner on tile and clean or reapply caulking to corners.
What is your #1 cleaning tip?
What home cleaning tips do you have to share with us this fall? We love to hear how you tackle your housekeeping challenges! Comment below.
Comments (1)
Helen
I fold a paper towel in four, soak it with white vinegar, place it around toilet bowl base and leave over night. This will soften and/or remove hard scale/grime. You may need to repeat several times, and use a brush for very hard/old scale. Once scale is finally removed repeat once a week for maintenance.