As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to alter color, it’s a sign that fall is just around the corner.
Alongside cozy sweaters or, for me personally, hoodies and pumpkin spice everything, fall brings the perfect opportunity to engage in some much-needed fall cleaning. But when exactly should you start your fall cleaning routine?
Let’s explore the ideal timing, strategies, and my ultimate fall cleaning checklist for a successful and efficient fall cleaning spree that will leave your home fresh and ready for autumn.
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Early September: The Kick-Off
Early September’s first hint of fall marks an excellent starting point for your fall cleaning.
This is usually when I clean the front door again and decorate it with fall-themed items. I know fall technically doesn’t start until the end of September, and my husband and I disagree every year.
But here is how I see it: September Fall decor, October Halloween-only decor, November just Thanksgiving stuff.
Am I the only crazy one? Let me know
Usually, the spiders begin to congregate in our area, and it’s the worst. To not scare my guest, I will spray down the front and deep clean the front door carpet.
I also begin by decluttering and organizing the home, making space for seasonal items, and removing any unnecessary summer gear.
Like the kids’ massive blow-up water slide, these things usually won’t be used anymore with school starting and after-school activities starting.
Before the weather turns, I focus on the exterior, cleaning windows, gutters, and outdoor spaces.
It won’t be the only time I will clean outdoors because I usually have to do one more quick wipe-down just before Halloween and the colder days begin.
Mid-September: Tackling Indoors
As the month progresses, I will shift the attention indoors. Deep cleaning the freezer and refrigerator, getting them ready for holiday cooking. Refresh carpets and upholstery with a thorough cleaning.
This is also about the time I start my decluttering.
If you are new here, I follow a yearly decluttering plan to keep things from becoming overwhelming.
I donate summer clothing and items no longer needed.
Have my kids try on winter gear and purge things they have outgrown.
Late September: Seasonal Touches
Towards the end of the month, I may swap out lightweight bedding for warmer options.
I started checking the heating system, replacing filters if necessary, and cleaning out the air intake and floor vents.
Whenever we turn on the heat, the light smell of something burning always freaks me out. But I try to ensure nothing prevents the heat from working right and things are ready to go. I use my vacuum to clean out the vents, remove all the wall ones, and wash them down with soapy water.
Early October: The Final Push
By early October, the home should be well-prepared for the fall season.
But this is when we usually have to focus one last time on the outdoors, raking leaves and prepping flowers, or if you have a garden for winter.
Also, one last look into the things that we have in the garage that may need to be removed or moved indoors for climate control.
Ongoing Maintenance
Once I tackle the fall cleaning checklist, I return to my regular cleaning routines to maintain the cleanliness and organization achieved during my fall cleaning efforts.
The timing for starting your fall cleaning largely depends on your schedule and the specific needs of your home.
However, by following this seasonal guide, you can ensure that your space is ready to embrace the beauty and coziness of fall.
Whether you start in early September or mid-October, the key is to approach it systematically so that you can enjoy the season without the burden of a cluttered or dirty living space. Happy fall cleaning!
Be sure to grab the Fall cleaning planner to get you started.
Ultimate Fall Cleaning Checklist
Indoor Checklist List
- Dust/Clean Fans
- Reverse Fans
- Wipe down all walls
- Wipe down doors
- Wipe all windows
- Dust all frames
- Clean all decor mirrors
- Clean air vents
- Clean air return vents
- Dust fire alarms/
- Replace batteries
- Replace batteries in flashlights
- Clean blinds
- Oil Door hinges
- Dust all lampshades
- Wipe down all plants
- Wash curtains
- Clean garbage cans
- Dust cobwebs
- Wipe down all remotes
- Wipe down all light switches
- Clean under/behind the Fridge and Stove
Outdoor Checklist
- Clean gutters
- Wipe down all kids’ outdoor toys
- Clean the dryer vent inside and outside
- Clean all outdoor light fixtures
- Replace garage door opener batteries
- Clean garbage cans and recycle cans
- Clean gutters
- Wash outdoor carpets
- Clean patio stuff and seal for winter
- Put away summer toys/water stuff
- Winterize lawn mower
- Store bikes
- Check leaf blower
- Check snowblower
- Drain and store garden hoses
- Winterize sprinkler system
- Install spigot cover for winter
- Winterize home
- Clean out fireplace
Bedroom/Closet home maintenance
- Switch out summer clothes
- Declutter unused clothing
- Declutter fall/winter accessories
- Vacuum/clean mattress
- Wash pillows
- Clean under bed and dust
- Laundry strip all towels
- Vacuum and dust the entire closet
Living Room
- Wash couch pillows
- Vacuum couches all around
- Living Room
Bathrooms
- Replace toilet brushes
- Replace kids’ water play toys (look for mildew)
- Wipe down inside cabinets and drawers
Laundry Room
- Deep clean inside washing machine
- Clean dryer vents
- Clean washing machine filters
- Clean out laundry soap dispensers
- Cleaning underneath both machines
A fall cleaning checklist wouldn’t be complete without some of my favorite cleaning supplies and things to make your home smell fall-amazing!!