As summer gives way to fall and colder weather sets in, your home is the place you want to be. And while spring cleaning gets all the attention, fall is just as good a time to deep clean areas of your home that may have been neglected. Summer can bring in a lot of dust and pollen, which means your home could be filled with unwanted mess.
Use this fall cleaning checklist to work through your home, indoors and out, so you're ready for the festive season ahead.
Beyond your routine cleaning and disinfecting, give often overlooked areas of your home some TLC before an influx of guests and holiday celebrations.
The start of fall is a great time to rotate out summer clothes and make room for cooler-weather clothes – think sweaters, jackets, and scarves. As you go through each item, set aside anything you haven't worn in the last year for a donation bin. A smaller, more organized closet makes it easier to find what you actually need once the temperature drops.
Pollen, dirt, and pet hair can build up over the summer, especially in spots that don't get regular attention. Along with your usual dusting routine, work through the areas that often get skipped: ceiling fans, baseboards, light fixtures, and under furniture. Don't forget to vacuum and clean your floors thoroughly before setting out any fall décor.
Autumn is a great time to check on your HVAC system before you're running it daily. Replace clogged air filters and wipe down vent covers to help keep dust from circulating once the heat kicks on for the fall and winter months.
As temperatures drop, it's time to swap lightweight summer bedding for heavier blankets and comforters. Wash everything, including the linens coming out of storage, before putting them back into rotation, since fabric can collect dust even while folded away. Store lighter bedding in storage bins or in closets for spring.
If you have a working fireplace, you'll no doubt want to use it during fall. But a dirty fireplace can start a fire, and not the kind that you want. Before you light the first fire of the season, clear out ash and debris from last year and check that the flue and surrounding area are free of buildup. A clean fireplace isn't just about appearance — it's an important step before regular use begins.
Carpets and rugs trap dirt, allergens, and everyday grime that a quick vacuum won't always remove. This is especially true for high-traffic areas, such as your entryway and living room. Fall is a good checkpoint for a deeper clean before you're spending more time indoors. Depending on the dirtiness of your carpet and rugs, you can use a carpet cleaner or hire a professional for a deeper clean.
Your outdoor space, whether it's a yard or a patio, deserves your attention, too. These tasks help you close out the season and prevent bigger problems once winter weather sets in.
We all know that sweeping fall leaves is one of the most tedious chores during this time of year. But before leaves start piling up, clear any leaves and debris from gutters to prevent clogs before winter storms hit. Backed-up gutters can lead to water damage, so this is one task worth doing before the weather turns.
With outdoor entertaining winding down, store patio furniture in the garage or shed, or cover it securely if it's staying outside. Either way, give surfaces and cushions a quick clean first so dirt and moisture don't set in over the winter.
Cleaning windows inside and out is one of the best ways to freshen up your home for the holidays. A thorough window cleaning lets in more natural light during the shorter days ahead. Plus, it's easier to tackle now, before cold weather makes outdoor cleaning less appealing.
With grilling season winding down, it's a good time to clean baked-on grease and residue off your grill before storing it for the colder months. Leftover grease and food buildup can attract pests, cause rust, or even become a fire hazard if the grill gets fired up again before it's properly cleaned. Give the grates, burners, and interior a thorough scrub, then let everything dry completely before covering or storing it away for winter.
Cleaning can feel like a chore, especially with a full checklist ahead of you. But with the right cleaner for each job, fall cleaning doesn't have to take away from visiting pumpkin patches or sipping hot cocoa by the fire.
Explore the full line of Simple Green products, from All-Purpose Cleaner to Multi-Surface Floor Care, built for all your fall cleaning jobs.
Simple Green® All-Purpose Cleaner
Simple Green® Multi-Surface Floor Care
Simple Green® Glass Cleaner
Simple Green® RTU Carpet Cleaner
