The Ultimate Fall Cleaning Checklist

In this ultimate fall cleaning checklist, we will cover everything that should be on your list to prepare you for the holiday season and the end of the year.

Fall Cleaning Introduction

Fall is here, and with it comes the need to prepare our homes for the upcoming winter months.

Now that there’s cooler weather, fall cleaning is the perfect opportunity to declutter, organize, and get your home in tip-top shape.

This guide will take you through the steps to achieve a thorough and effective fall cleaning.

From decluttering to deep cleaning and home maintenance to outdoor cleaning tasks, we will provide you with a comprehensive checklist of everything you need to do to keep your home running smoothly this fall.

Whether new to fall cleaning or a seasoned pro, this guide will provide the tools and tips to make this season’s cleaning a success.

Before we jump in and start cleaning, make sure you bookmark the following pages for quick access to all of our seasonal cleaning guides:

• Summer Cleaning Checklist
• Fall Cleaning Checklist
• Spring Cleaning Checklist
• Winter Cleaning Checklist

Fall Cleaning Checklist

Fall cleaning should include the following tasks:

1. Clean gutters and downspouts
2. Prepare outdoor furniture
3. Inspect the exterior of your house for any damage
4. Use a power washer to clean the exterior of your house
5. Make necessary repairs, such as painting or replacing damaged siding or shingles
6. Seal any cracks in the foundation or exterior walls
7. Replace weather stripping
8. Maintain landscaping
9. Check and upkeep sidewalks and driveway
10. Conduct general home repairs
11. Declutter and organize rooms
12. Pack away summer clothes
13. Vacuum the carpets
14. Clean upholstery
15. Wash blankets and linens
16. Flip mattresses
17. Clean appliances and kitchen cabinets
18. Wash windows
19. Inspect fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
20. Check the expiration date of fire extinguishers and replace them as needed

Now let’s break them down into more detail and steps as needed!

Fall Cleaning Checklist: Exterior Cleaning

As the weather cools down and the leaves fall, it’s time to start thinking about your fall cleaning routine. While the inside of your home is essential, don’t forget about the exterior.

A well-maintained exterior enhances your home’s appearance and protects it from damage caused by the elements.

This section will cover the essential tasks you should add to your fall cleaning checklist to keep your home’s exterior in tip-top shape.

We’ve covered you, from power washing your siding to cleaning your gutters. So grab your gloves, and let’s start giving your home a well-deserved deep clean.

#1: Clean Gutters and Downspouts

• First, gather your tools, including a ladder, gloves, a trowel or scoop, a hose with a nozzle, and a bucket.
• Climb the ladder and remove any debris from the gutters, such as leaves and twigs, using your trowel or scoop.
• Use the hose to flush out the gutters and downspouts, making sure to check for any clogs or blockages.
• Inspect the gutters and downspouts for any damage, such as holes or loose connections, and make any necessary repairs.

#2: Prepare Outdoor Furniture for Winter

• First, gather your tools, including a hose, a bucket, a mild detergent, and a scrub brush.
• Clean your outdoor patio furniture with a mild detergent and a scrub brush, making sure to remove any dirt or grime.
• Rinse the furniture thoroughly with a hose, and let it dry completely.
• Cover or store your outdoor furniture in a protected area, such as a shed or garage, to protect it from the elements.

#3: Maintain the Exterior of the House

• Inspect the exterior of your house for any damage, such as cracks in the siding, peeling paint, or missing shingles.
• Use a power washer to clean the exterior of your house, making sure to pay special attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or stained.
• Make necessary repairs, such as painting or replacing damaged siding or shingles.
• Seal any cracks in the foundation or exterior walls to keep out moisture and pests.

Note: Before starting any exterior cleaning or maintenance, it’s essential to check the weather forecast and make sure it’s safe to do so. It’s also recommended to consult professionals when dealing with complex systems like the foundation and the roof.

Fall Cleaning Checklist: Interior Cleaning

Fall is the perfect time to give your home a deep clean, inside and out.

While the exterior of your home is essential, the interior is where you spend most of your time.

A clean and organized interior can improve your daily life and make your home more inviting.

In this section, we will discuss the essential tasks you should include in your fall cleaning checklist for interior cleaning.

From dusting shelves to decluttering closets, we’ve got everything you need to know to prepare your home for the season. So grab your cleaning supplies, and let’s get started on giving your home the deep clean it deserves.

#1: Declutter and Organize Rooms

• Begin by selecting one room to focus on at a time.
• Start by clearing off surfaces and putting items back in their proper place.
• Go through things in the room and decide which to keep, throw away or donate.
• Organize items you’re keeping that makes sense for how you use the room.
• Pack away summer clothes and accessories and store them clean and organized until spring.

Check out our ultimate guides to cleaning by room for more details:

• Living Room Cleaning Guide
• Kitchen Cleaning Guide
• Bathroom Cleaning Guide
• Bedroom Cleaning Guide

#2: Deep Clean Carpets, Upholstered Furniture, Blankets

• First, gather your tools, including a vacuum cleaner, a carpet cleaner, and an upholstery cleaner.
• Begin by vacuuming the carpet thoroughly to remove any loose dirt or debris.
• Use a carpet cleaner to clean the carpet, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Clean upholstery using an upholstery cleaner, also following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Allow carpets and upholstery to dry completely before using the room again.
• Wash blankets, comforters, and other bedding items to remove any accumulated dirt, pool chemicals, and allergens to prepare them for the cooler temperatures ahead.
• While washing bedding linens, flip mattresses, so they wear evenly.

#3: Clean Appliances and Kitchen Cabinets

• Begin by unplugging the appliances and emptying them of any expired food or debris.
• Clean the exterior of the appliances using mild detergent and a damp cloth.
• Clean the interior of the appliances, including the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher, by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check the filters in appliances such as refrigerator coils, range hood, and air conditioner and replace them if necessary.
• Wash and disinfect the shelves and interior of your cabinets to remove any dust and grease (from grilling) that may have accumulated over the summer.

#4: Wash Windows

• First, gather your tools, including a ladder, a bucket, a squeegee, a cleaning solution, and a microfiber cloth.
• Begin by removing any dust or cobwebs from the window frames and sills.
• Mix a cleaning solution, or use a commercial window cleaner in a bucket.
• Clean the windows with a microfiber cloth, removing any dirt or stains.
• Use a squeegee to remove any excess cleaning solution and dry the windows.
• Clean the window treatments by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Note: It’s recommended to use eco-friendly cleaning products if possible, and be aware of any specific cleaning instructions for the materials your furniture and appliances are made of. Also, remember to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, or masks when handling cleaning solutions.

Fall Cleaning Checklist: General Maintenance

Fall is the perfect time to take care of those little home maintenance tasks that can often be neglected throughout the year.

Regular maintenance ensures that your home stays in good condition and can help prevent more costly repairs down the road.

This section will cover the essential general maintenance tasks that should be added to your fall cleaning checklist.

From checking your roof and gutters to testing your smoke detectors, we’ve got you covered. So grab your toolkit, and let’s make sure your home is ready for the winter months ahead.

#1: Inspect Fire Safety

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working correctly.
• Replace the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors if necessary.
• Check the expiration date of fire extinguishers and replace them if they’re expired.
• Make sure all escape routes are clear and easy to access.

Note: It’s essential to be aware of the age of your equipment, appliances, and systems and schedule regular maintenance accordingly. It’s also recommended to consult professionals when dealing with complex systems like your HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical systems.

#2: Inspect and Maintain Exterior

• Begin by inspecting the home’s exterior for any visible damage or wear and tear.
• Check for any cracks or holes in the foundation.
• Then, check for any leaks or damage to the roof.
• Inspect the siding and paint, and make any necessary repairs or touch-ups.
• Inspect the windows and doors, and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
• Replace any worn or damaged weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts and save on heating costs during the cooler months.

#3: Maintain Landscaping

• First, inspect the lawn for any visible damage or wear and tear.
• Check for any dead or dying plants and remove them.
• Next, Check for any pests or diseases, and take appropriate action.
• Prune trees and bushes as necessary.
• Fertilize and water plants as required.

#4: Inspect and Maintain Sidewalks and Driveway

• Begin by inspecting the driveway and sidewalks for any visible damage or wear and tear.
• Check for any cracks or holes, and make any necessary repairs.
• Check for any stains or discoloration, and make any necessary repairs.
• Power wash the driveway and sidewalks as required.

#5: Conduct General Home Repairs

• Inspect the home for any necessary repairs, such as loose doorknobs, leaky faucets, or squeaky doors.
• Make any necessary repairs or call a professional if repairs are beyond your skill level.
• Keep a list of any repairs that need to be made, so you can address them promptly.

Fall Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions

Fall Cleaning Checklist: Conclusion

Following this fall cleaning checklist ensures that your home is ready for the winter months ahead.

It’s essential to take the time to go through each task and ensure that everything is in proper working order.

With some elbow grease and organization, your home will be clean, safe, and comfortable all winter long.

When dealing with complex systems, appliances, and equipment, remember to consult professionals and use appropriate tools, materials, and safety equipment when performing any repairs and maintenance.

Happy Fall cleaning!

1. Clean gutters and downspouts
2. Prepare outdoor furniture
3. Inspect the exterior of your house for any damage
4. Use a power washer to clean the exterior of your house
5. Make necessary repairs, such as painting or replacing damaged siding or shingles
6. Seal any cracks in the foundation or exterior walls
7. Replace weather stripping
8. Maintain landscaping
9. Check and upkeep sidewalks and driveway
10. Conduct general home repairs
11. Declutter and organize rooms
12. Pack away summer clothes
13. Vacuum the carpets
14. Clean upholstery
15. Wash blankets and linens
16. Flip mattresses
17. Clean appliances and kitchen cabinets
18. Wash windows
19. Inspect fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
20. Check the expiration date of fire extinguishers and replace them as needed

Disclaimer: Note the information in this blog post is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult with your professional.