Blog

The ringing of the first school bell is a sign that it is time to get your fall cleaning in order. As the kids head back to school, it is a great opportunity to get your home ready for the cool crisp days of fall while the days are still warm and the light lasts into early evening hours.  Having a clean, organized, safe home will make the transition from lazy summer days to a more structured fall schedule a bit easier. Take advantage of a few of these fall cleaning ideas for your home and make getting your home ready for winter a snap!

Here are a few things you should pay attention to for your fall cleaning schedule. Tackle the items a few at a time to get your home back to school and fall-ready.

Outdoor House Cleaning

Preparing the outside of your home for the coming cool weather can save you time and money when the cooler winds start blowing. Make sure to add these outdoor areas to your fall chore checklist as you wrap up the last dregs of summer:

Pools and sprinklers: With the kids back in school, your pool and sprinklers are likely not getting much use. Start preparing your pool and sprinkler system for fall by cleaning and draining properly. Whether you drain your pool or not, consider covering the pool to keep leaves, dirt, and debris from getting into the filters.

Clean out the gutters: Part of your outdoor cleaning routine should include cleaning out the gutters. Ideally, you (or a professional) should tackle this task at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. If you stay organized, your fall cleaning schedule can be accomplished quickly and safely.

Inspect your roof: Take a quick perusal of your roof for any damage you need to repair before cooler temperatures settle in. Make this a must-do part of your fall core checklist to potentially save money on energy bills and damage!

Windows: Keep the sunshine pouring in (and utility bills down) with properly cleaned windows. Windows and screens should undergo a deep cleaning at least once or twice per year. While you are at it, check for cracks and foundation issues that could cause a spike in your utility bills.

Indoor Deep Cleaning

While the temperatures are still pleasant, take the time to tackle big projects around the home. Warm weather and ocean breezes make it a great time to air out your home for the fall months. Here are a few fall cleaning ideas for inside your home:

Fireplace:

Clean out your fireplace and chimney before the temperatures drop. Failing to clean the chimney can cause a buildup of dangerous chemicals. Under most circumstances, you should hire a professional to tackle the chimney, though you can probably clean the fireplace yourself.

Heating/Cooling:

Schedule an appointment to have the filter on your air conditioner/furnace changed. It would also be a great time to have your furnace inspected to ensure that your unit is ready for the cooler months. Schedule this as part of your regular fall cleaning schedule to prevent unexpected heater failures.

Check your water heater:

You should drain and clean your water heater at least once a year. According to a consumer reports study, if you have 1-2 people in your home you should inspect your water every six months and drain it once a year. If you have 3 to 5 people, check it every 4 months and drain it every 8 months. If you have six or more people, you should check it every 4 months and drain it every 6. Draining the water heater removes debris and allows your water heater to function better and longer.

Deep cleaning:

With back-to-school schedules wreaking havoc on homes across the state, you may not have time to spend hours deep cleaning your home. Consider hiring a professional house cleaner service to tackle the floors, walls, and other areas that need special attention.

Now is a good time to move your furniture and vacuum, sweep, mop, and wash behind. Do not forget the baseboards. Pay special attention to ceilings, blinds, curtains, and doorframes.

Beds: Flip your mattresses, wash the bedding, vacuum or sweep the bedroom and dust your dressers, mirrors, and knick-knacks. Choose two seasons a year to flip those mattresses to make them last longer.

Carpet cleaning/Furniture cleaning: With all of the foot traffic in and out of your house this summer, now is the time to get your carpets and/or upholstery cleaned. A professional will remove dirt, stains, and allergens from your carpet, making your living space look and feel cleaner. Warmer weather will allow your carpets to dry faster! Allergies can flare up during early fall months, so adding this task to your fall chore list will help reduce sneezing and watery eyes.

Refrigerator/Freezer: Go through your refrigerator and freezer and get rid of all the spoiled goods. Check for items with freezer burn and wipe out the inside of both the fridge and freezer. Move the units and clean them behind them.

Clean the oven: You should clean the inside of your oven every 6 months to one year. Since you will need to keep your home well-ventilated while you clean it, tackling it while the weather is still warm will make it a bit more comfortable.

Create an organized fall cleaning schedule to ensure you do not miss any important tasks. As always, when cleaning the roof or other high areas, stay safe!

What are some of the biggest chores you tackle in the fall?