Here: a Practical, Not Overly Complex Fall Cleaning Checklist
First, let me live up to your expectations: this is not an exhaustive checklist for deep fall harvesting. There is nothing complete or definitive about this (because, frankly, these lists give us anxiety).
This is a list for those of us (me) who are aware that their home needs some maintenance as we head into the cooler months, but have neither the patience nor the time to deep clean every crevice (so do I). So we’ll skip suggestions like completing an exterior inspection of the house, vacuuming all windows, cleaning the bathroom solution, and dusting off plants.
However, there are some basic points to take care of before the mercury drops. Apart from the usual weekly or monthly cleaning, here is a practical and not overly complex checklist for cleaning in the fall.
What to clean and organize this fall
Store your summer clothes and move on to your wardrobe in cold weather : This is obvious, but we often forget to actually check these sweaters for holes, stains and odors before putting them on and do the necessary repairs and cleaning.
Vacuum, flip and deodorize mattresses : their malice really goes beyond pallor .
Wash your mattress toppers and switch to seasonal bedding : flannel sheets, velvet throw pillows and fleece cozy season. Recover the heavier bedding you stored and enjoy the “renovation”. (But wash the mattress topper first.)
Look around your pantry : toss out expired items and stock up on some of the most common ready-to-eat and baked goods this fall : canned pumpkin, broth, beans, nuts, and oats, to name a few.
Cancel toothbrushes: it’s time. As well as bathroom rugs. If they haven’t been to the laundry in a while, pick them up and knock them over.
Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors : fireplaces and heaters are coming. Make sure your detectors are ready.
Change HVAC Filters : We haven’t turned on the heating yet, but we know that day is coming soon. Clean and / or replace HVAC filters to reduce heating bills and make sure the air circulating in your home is free of as many dust particles and allergens as possible.
Remove dust from ceiling fans and reverse their direction of rotation : in summer, the blades must rotate counterclockwise to push the air down. In cooler months, according to Bob Veale , setting the blades to spin clockwise at low speed “pulls cold air towards the ceiling and more evenly distributes the heat that the room gets from your central heating system.”
Clean and store outdoor furniture and equipment : this includes chairs, tables, pillows, umbrellas, outdoor toys, (drained) garden hoses, and garden tools. For items that cannot be moved, such as a barbecue grill or a heavy table, use suitable storage covers or tarp secured with elastic cords, zip ties or string.
Clean Gutters and Downpipes : While some gutter experts advise you to clean your gutters and downspouts in early fall, and some advise you to do it later (after all the leaves have fallen off), the bottom line is: Do it in the fall. Here’s how .
Clean Chimneys and Fireplaces : The National Fire Protection Association recommends cleaning and inspecting chimneys at least once a year to prevent creosote buildup and house fires.
Clean up essential appliances – Your washing machine, dishwasher, and oven need a little love – and it’s not as hard as it sounds. Many ovens are self-cleaning, otherwise you can make a cleaning paste with baking soda and leave overnight. Disinfect your washing machine with vinegar and wipe any dirt from the dishwasher drain to keep your dishes sparkling.
Vacuum Cleaner in X Games Mode : If you want to do your best, consider vacuuming soft sofas and chairs, under furniture, on external vents, inside a dryer lint trap, and behind large appliances. (But also feel free to pour yourself a glass of wine. You worked hard.)
File under: “Nice to have”
We don’t want to ruin your weekend by suggesting you spend it cleaning. You are definitely not being judged on this, but if you still have some energy left, here are a couple more recommended and sometimes forgotten places to clean up. And a little motivation to clean the fridge and garage if you like that kind of thing. But if you prefer to pick apples, we are here for that.