Basic Fall Cleaning Checklist

 

Fall cleaning is much like spring cleaning, just done in the fall, typically done in September.

Usually, it takes about 2-3 days to complete. The idea behind this being done in September is that it coincides with children going back to school, getting the house back in order after the long and busy summer months, and getting the home ready for the cooler weather and holidays that are right around the corner. Some clean everything – rugs, mattresses, pillows, etc. The detail and extent of how much you fall-clean, is entirely up to you. Maybe you just want to organize and de-clutter/restock the closets from summer clothes to cooler weather clothes.

I’ve created a fall-cleaning check list to help you go through your home and get it ready for the months ahead, as well as get it back in order from the months that have just passed.

Cleaning tips:

(order of cleaning to make life easier):

1- Start from the high areas, and finish with the lower areas (upstairs to downstairs/higher places in room such as fans to floors)
2- Tackle dry areas and then wet areas (rooms without sinks and tubs, to rooms with sinks and tubs)
3- Work your way from the inside to the outside
4- Begin with what requires waiting (such as having to wash blankets or quilts)
5- With rooms that have a sink or tub, start with dry areas first and then move on to the wet stuff (i.e. bathrooms)
6- Cleaning bedrooms: put to wash (such as bedding, cloths, ect), tidy up, dust, wipe, vacuum, make beds
7- Bathrooms: put soaking solution in toilet, tidy up, clean shower/tub, tiles on wall, mirror, cabinet doors, door, wipe light switch and doorknobs. Clean counters and sink, followed by cleaning the toilet inside and out, and lastly mop the floor. If you have to sweep the bathroom floor, do this first so no water or wet solutions fall on the dirt on the floor – it only makes it harder to get out.

Basic Fall Cleaning Checklist:

Dust/wipe down fan blades and any ceiling fixtures
Clean walls
Wash curtains (if needed)
Dust and wipe down mini blinds
Wash windows
Wipe down window seals
Dust and wipe down lamp shades
Clean baseboards
Flip mattresses
Wash pillows (or set them to air out)
Wipe down bed frames
Clean out the oven (get it ready for all that fall-time baking!)
Organize frequently used drawers and cabinets
Declutter closets from out of season clothing
Restock closets with fall and winter clothing
Organize and clean out garage
Organize and clean out basement
Organize under bathroom sinks
Tidy up inside kitchen cabinets
Clean out fridge
Sort through kids toys – donate toys they don’t play with anymore and trash toys that are broken.
Re-dress beds in fall sheets (some families have seasonal bedding, this would be a great time to change them out)

 

Click here for a FREE printable Fall Cleaning Checklist!