Fall Cleaning

Fall Cleaning Checklist

Fall is a great time to give your home a thorough cleaning before the colder weather arrives and the holidays get underway. With windows closed more often and more time spent indoors, this fall cleaning checklist can help you get on your way – it’s nice to get rid of the dust, dirt, and clutter that have built up over the summer.

A good fall cleaning doesn’t mean you have to clean every inch of your home in one day. Work through this checklist a little at a time. You’ll get your home in shape for the months ahead and have a head start on holiday cleaning, too.

Fall Cleaning Floors and Furniture

Fall is a good time to pay extra attention to carpets, rugs, upholstery, and the areas that might need a little extra cleaning, especially before any upcoming gatherings.

Clean Carpets and Rugs

Carpets collect dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris throughout the year. Give them a thorough vacuuming, paying extra attention to corners, edges, and areas under furniture.

Vacuum carpets slowly and make several passes over high-traffic areas.
Move lightweight furniture so you can clean underneath.
Treat stains before they have more time to set.
Consider having carpets professionally cleaned when needed. How often depends on household traffic, pets, and how much soil the carpet collects.
Check area rugs for dirt underneath. If the rug is sturdy and suitable for it, vacuum the back as well.

If you have a stubborn stain, don’t wait until spring to deal with it. The sooner you treat it, the better your chances of removing it.

Clean Under Furniture

Dust and dirt can collect under beds, couches, dressers, and other furniture, even when the rest of the room looks clean.

Use a vacuum attachment or extension wand to reach underneath furniture.
Pull out lightweight furniture when you can do so.
Dust and vacuum along baseboards and in corners.
Check under beds for forgotten items, dust bunnies, and pet hair, especially if you have wood floors.

Freshen Upholstered Furniture

Couches, chairs, and other upholstered furniture can hold dust, crumbs, and odors.

Vacuum cushions, seams, and crevices with an upholstery attachment.
Remove cushions, when possible, and vacuum underneath them.
Spot-clean stains using a method suitable for the fabric.
Wash removable cushion covers if they are washable but be careful about drying, some fabrics can shrink. Washing may also require a delicate or hand wash setting.
Wash throw blankets and pillow covers to freshen up living areas.

A little baking soda can help absorb odors on some upholstery, vacuum it up thoroughly. Avoid using it on fabrics where the powder could become trapped or difficult to remove.

Fall Cleaning Windows, Walls, and Lighting

With cooler weather approaching, fall is a good time to clean windows and remove the dust that collects on walls, blinds, and light fixtures.

Wash Windows and Clean Window Tracks

Clean windows let in more natural light, especially as the days get shorter.

Wash the inside and outside of windows where accessible.
Clean windowsills and remove dust and dead insects.
Vacuum window tracks and corners to remove dirt and debris.
Wipe away grime from window frames.
Clean screens if they are dusty or dirty.

For a simple homemade window cleaner, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Use it on suitable glass surfaces, and avoid getting it on natural stone windowsills or other acid-sensitive materials.

Clean Blinds and Shades

Blinds collect dust quickly, especially in rooms where windows are opened often.

Dust horizontal blinds with a microfiber cloth or blind cleaning tool.
Close the slats one way, dust them, and then turn them the opposite way.
Vacuum fabric shades with a soft brush attachment.
Wash removable blinds only when the material can handle it.

For dusty blinds, a microfiber cloth or an old sock worn over your hand works well. You don’t need a special cleaner for ordinary dust.

Dust Ceiling Fans, Chandeliers, and Light Fixtures

Ceiling fans and light fixtures are easy to overlook during everyday cleaning. Dust them before cleaning the floors so you can vacuum up anything that falls.

Use an old pillowcase to collect dust from ceiling fan blades.
Dust light fixtures and lampshades.
Clean chandelier crystals with a suitable cleaner applied to a cloth rather than spraying overhead.
Remove glass globes, when appropriate, and wash and dry them thoroughly before putting them back.

Always make sure lights are switched off and cool before cleaning.

Clean Light Bulbs

Dusty light bulbs can make rooms seem dimmer. Turn off the lights and let bulbs cool before cleaning.

Dust bulbs with a dry microfiber cloth or duster.
If a bulb needs more than dusting, remove it first when practical and wipe the glass with a barely damp cloth.
Dry the bulb completely before reinstalling it.

Keep moisture away from the metal base and electrical connections.

Wipe Down Walls, Doors, and Baseboards

Walls, doors, door frames, and baseboards collect fingerprints, dust, and scuff marks.

Dust baseboards, especially behind furniture and along hallways.
Wipe fingerprints from doors and around light switches.
Clean door frames and handles.
Spot-clean washable walls where needed.
Remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings.

A damp microfiber cloth works well for many painted surfaces. For stubborn marks, use a little mild cleaner if the finish allows it. Test first, especially on flat or delicate paint.

Fall Cleaning Bedrooms and Living Areas

These rooms get plenty of use as the weather cools. Give bedding, mattresses, and other frequently used items some attention.

Freshen Mattresses and Bedding

Fall is a good time to freshen beds before spending more time indoors.

Wash sheets, pillowcases, and washable bedding.
Vacuum mattresses using an upholstery attachment.
Rotate or flip mattresses.
Wash mattress protectors and pillow covers.
Dust bed frames and headboards.

If you use a mattress deodorizer, baking soda can be sprinkled lightly over suitable mattress fabric, left for a short time, and vacuumed thoroughly. Don’t use so much that it becomes difficult to remove.

Clean Closets and Dressers

Changing seasons is a good opportunity to put away summer clothing and make room for fall and winter items.

Remove clothing you no longer wear.
Wash or clean seasonal clothing before storing it.
Vacuum closet floors and corners.
Wipe closet shelves and dresser drawers.
Check for musty odors and moisture.
Put away clean summer clothing in storage containers or bags.

Don’t store clothing while it is damp. Make sure everything is completely dry before putting it away.

Dust Lamps, Shelves, and Decorations

Dust can settle on shelves, picture frames, lamps, decorative items, and other surfaces.

Dust shelves and furniture tops.
Wipe picture frames and decorative objects.
Clean lampshades and lamp bases.
Dust books and the tops of bookcases.
Remove cobwebs from corners.

This is also a good time to put away summer decorations and bring out fall items.

Fall Cleaning the Kitchen

The kitchen gets plenty of use throughout the year. Give appliances, cabinets, and food-storage areas a little extra attention before holiday cooking begins.

Clean the Oven and Range

Fall is a good time to clean the oven before holiday baking and cooking gets busy.

Remove oven racks and clean them separately.
Wipe away loose crumbs and baked-on food.
Clean the oven door, including the edges and glass where accessible.
Clean the stovetop and burner areas.
Wipe knobs and control panels carefully.

A baking soda and water paste can help loosen some baked-on food in a conventional oven (baking soda can be abrasive so be careful with cleaning and don’t scrub too hard). Apply it to suitable interior surfaces, let it sit, and wipe it away with a damp cloth. Avoid heating elements, vents, and areas where the oven’s instructions prohibit cleaners. Self-cleaning and steam-clean ovens may have specific restrictions, so don’t use a commercial oven cleaner or homemade paste without checking compatibility.

Clean the Refrigerator and Freezer

Before the holidays, clean out the refrigerator and freezer so you have room for groceries and holiday food.

Throw away expired food and leftovers that are no longer safe to eat.
Remove shelves and drawers that can be taken out for cleaning.
Wipe the inside of the refrigerator with a mild cleaner.
Use a little dish soap for sticky spills.
Rinse food contact surfaces with a clean damp cloth and dry them.
Wipe refrigerator handles, door seals, and the outside.
Vacuum dust from accessible refrigerator coils if your model has exposed coils that can be safely reached.

Work in sections and keep perishable food cold while cleaning. Don’t leave frozen food sitting out or put it in a sink to thaw while you clean.

Clean Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers

Grease and cooking residue can build up on cabinet doors, especially near the stove.

Wipe cabinet doors and handles.
Clean the tops of cabinets where dust and grease collect.
Empty drawers and wipe out crumbs.
Remove expired or unwanted items from kitchen storage areas.
Clean inside cabinets where spills or crumbs have collected.

For greasy buildup, a suitable kitchen degreaser can help. A little dish soap in warm water also works for many cabinet finishes. Avoid soaking wood cabinets or leaving moisture around seams and edges.

Clean the Pantry

Fall is a good time to check pantry shelves before holiday shopping begins.

Remove expired food and items you no longer use.
Wipe shelves and corners.
Check for signs of pantry pests.
Group similar foods together.
Make a list of items that need replacing.

Wipe up crumbs and spills promptly. A clean pantry is less inviting to insects and makes it easier to see what you have.

Clean Small Appliances and the Dishwasher

Small appliances can collect grease, crumbs, and fingerprints.

Wipe the outside of the microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and other appliances.
Clean microwave splatters before they become difficult to remove.
Empty and clean toaster crumb trays.
Clean the dishwasher filter if your model has a removable one.
Wipe the dishwasher door edges and gasket.
Clean the garbage disposal and sink drain area.

For a microwave with dried-on food, heat a microwave-safe bowl of water until steam loosens the residue. Let it sit briefly, then wipe the inside clean.

Fall Cleaning Laundry and Bathrooms

These areas are used constantly, so fall is a good time to clean the parts that often get overlooked.

Clean the Washing Machine and Dryer

Laundry appliances need cleaning, too. Soap residue, lint, and moisture can lead to odors and buildup.

Clean the washing machine drum and wipe the door, gasket, and detergent dispenser.
Check for residue around the detergent drawer.
Clean the dryer lint screen.
Vacuum lint from the area around the lint-screen opening if accessible.
Wipe the outside of both appliances.
Check the dryer vent for lint buildup.

Dryer lint buildup is a fire hazard. Clean the vent duct regularly, not just the lint screen. If you cannot safely reach the vent or it has significant buildup, have it professionally cleaned.

Clean Bathroom Fans and Vents

Bathroom exhaust fans collect dust and lint, which can reduce airflow.

Turn off the fan before cleaning.
Remove the cover if it is designed to come off.
Vacuum dust from the cover and accessible fan housing.
Wipe the cover and let it dry completely before replacing it.

A working bathroom fan helps remove moisture and can reduce the conditions that encourage mildew.

Deep Clean the Bathroom

Give bathrooms a thorough cleaning before the busy holiday season.

Scrub the bathtub and shower.
Remove soap scum and hard-water deposits with a cleaner suitable for the surface.
Clean shower doors and tracks.
Wash bath mats and shower curtains when appropriate.
Clean toilets, including the base and area behind them.
Wipe bathroom cabinets and drawers.
Clean mirrors, faucets, and light fixtures.
Wash or replace shower curtain liners if needed.

For mineral deposits on suitable surfaces, white vinegar can help dissolve buildup. Don’t use it on marble, limestone, or other acid-sensitive stone. Baking soda can help with some stubborn grime but use care on finishes that scratch easily.

Seasonal Fall Cleaning Maintenance and Outdoor Areas

Fall cleaning isn’t just about the inside of your home. A little attention to outdoor areas and seasonal maintenance can help prevent problems as winter approaches.

Clean the Attic

If your attic is accessible, fall is a good time to look for signs of leaks, pests, or other problems.

Remove ordinary cobwebs from accessible areas.
Look for signs of water damage or roof leaks.
Check for rodent activity or insect problems.
Look for damaged or displaced insulation.

Be careful when working in an attic. Don’t walk on unsupported ceiling drywall or disturb insulation, mold, or rodent droppings. Get professional help when needed.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves and debris can collect in gutters during fall, preventing water from draining properly.

Remove leaves and debris from gutters.
Check downspouts for clogs.
Flush them with water after removing loose debris.
Make sure water drains away from the home’s foundation.

Use proper ladder safety, and don’t climb onto a roof or use a ladder if you aren’t comfortable doing so. Hiring someone to clean gutters is a good choice when access is difficult or unsafe.

Clean the Fireplace and Hearth

If you use a fireplace, get it ready before the first fire of the season.

Remove loose ash from a completely cold fireplace.
Clean the hearth and surrounding area.
Dust the mantel and nearby surfaces.
Check the fireplace doors and tools.
Have the chimney inspected and cleaned when needed, especially before regular use.

Creosote buildup in chimneys can accumulate. Don’t rely on a quick surface cleaning to take care of chimney maintenance. Hire professionals when needed.

Fall Cleaning Entryways and Outdoor Areas

Fall weather brings leaves, mud, and dirt into the house.

Shake out or wash doormats.
Sweep porches, steps, and entryways.
Wipe down outdoor furniture before storing it.
Clean outdoor light fixtures.
Remove leaves and debris from walkways.
Put away summer items that won’t be used during colder weather.

A clean entryway helps keep dirt from being tracked through the house.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Fall is a good time to check these important household safety devices before heating season begins.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Replace batteries when needed.
Check the expiration or replacement dates on the units.
Make sure alarms are installed in the appropriate locations.

Fall Cleaning for a Fresher Cleaner Home

Once you’ve worked through your fall cleaning checklist, you’ll have a cleaner, fresher home and less to do when the holidays arrive.

You don’t have to finish everything at once. Pick a few tasks each week, work from room to room, and focus on the areas that need the most attention. A little progress now can make the busy months ahead much easier.

Fall cleaning is about getting a head start, not making your home perfect. Do what you can, enjoy the season, and leave yourself time for the things that matter most.