Fall Cleaning: What to Do Around the House

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I know that we talk a lot about spring cleaning, but there are also things to do to get ready for fall. And even though it doesn’t feel like fall, it is officially fall as of Monday, September 23. So as leaves start to fly, visit your spring cleaning list and add a few seasonal extras to prepare your house for the winter.Fall Cleaning Chore Checklist

Here are two things that I never considered but are very true – once winter arrives, we tend to hibernate a bit and that is much more fun with a clean home! Also, by doing some extra deep cleaning now, holiday preparations will be easier.

Below, you will find a room by room list of things that are recommended in order to be ready…

Bedrooms
Launder all pillows, bedding, and mattress pads
Rotate/Flip mattress (if needed)
De-clutter closets, switch out summer clothing for fall/winter clothing
Wipe down windowsills
Clean window drapery/mini-blinds

Bathrooms

Wash shower curtain & liner
Scrub shower
Deep clean shower head
Check tile grout, touch up if needed
Replace toothbrushes
Clean lint out of the hairdryer
Clean hairbrushes/combs/etc.
Re-stock toiletries

Kitchen
Clean the oven
Clean the vent hood
Clean out refrigerator
Defrost, clean freezer
Dust and clean refrigerator coils
Move refrigerator to clean underneath
Toss expired foods from the pantry
Check spices, especially baking needs, for freshness
Run cut lemons and ice through the garbage disposal

Living Room
Clean ceiling fan
Clean light fixtures
Clear cobwebs
Wipe down all switches and doorknobs
Move couches, chairs to clean underneath
Dust/wipe down shelves
Wipe down windowsills
Clean window drapery/mini-blinds
Wash all blankets

OUTSIDE THE HOME

Check the caulking and weather seals around doors and windows
Check the dryer exhaust pipe
Clean gutters and downspouts
Clean and store outside toys and furniture
Clear any yard debris
Clean the BBQ grill, refill propane or stock up on charcoal
Clean off light fixtures, replace bulbs if needed
Drain and store water hoses
Pressure wash the house
Touch up any areas that need painting
Wash outside of windows

Check steps for any repairs needed

EXTRAS

Replace the air filter, clean the cover
Dust and clean the computer, keyboard, printer, and other electronics
Clean the tv with an appropriate cleaner
Sweep out and vacuum the fireplace
Have the chimney professionally cleaned
Clean behind and under the washer, dryer, and other large appliances
Drain the water heater to remove sediment
Wash interior windows
Schedule a furnace inspection
Stock up on candles and matches/lighters
Stock up on extra batteries and flashlights
Check batteries in flashlights
Stock up on sidewalk salt
Test smoke detectors and monoxide detectors, replace batteries

A few other things to think about…if you have other devices such as a smart thermostat, home surveillance camera, door lock management device, portable chargers or home security system, check those batteries as well!

For additional checklists and those that you may print, visit these sites:

Fall Cleaning Checklist

The Simply Organized Home – Fall Cleaning Checklist

Organized Home – Fall Cleaning Chore Checklist

Toi N. Degree, Family & Consumer Education Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Toi may be reached by phone at 704-216-8970 or by email at toi_degree@ncsu.edu.