As the leaves begin to change and the air becomes crisp, it’s a sign that fall is here! But have you considered how safe and clean your house is when the seasons change? Are you prepared for the chilly months?
If you’re unsure, do not cause concern. Fall is a perfect opportunity to give your place a fresh appearance. Whether you’re preparing for Christmas parties or beautiful evenings, your house will seem more pleasant, safe, and healthy after a proper fall cleaning.
Here are some easy and helpful suggestions to get started.
Declutter Your Home
Any major cleaning schedule starts with decluttering. Organizing your belongings and removing everything you don’t need is best done in the autumn. Review items include summer clothes, old toys, or even underused household equipment. Consider donating those in excellent condition or recycling those nearing their end of useful life.
Why declutter? A cluttered home can create stress, and cleaning around piles of stuff is more arduous. Organizing also makes space for upcoming Christmas shopping or fall décor.
PRO TIP: Use three boxes or bags labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Throw Away.” This method can help speed up your sorting process.
Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs
As fall draws near, our chances of tracking dirt and dust into the house increase. Now is the ideal time to clean up your carpets and rugs. Carpets carry allergens, pet hair, and dust mites as they gather.
Apart from improving the fragrance of your property, a thorough cleaning helps reduce allergies, which can be especially troublesome if you start spending more time inside.
How to Clean:
- Make sure you sweep the whole space first.
- Spot-clean any stains with a carpet cleaner.
- Consider a steam cleaner for a deeper clean.
- Don’t forget area rugs—they need love too!
Dust Everything, Including the Forgotten Spots
While dusting certain places is easy to ignore, fall cleaning is the time to take care of them. Dust can gather on light bulbs, ceiling fans, vents, curtains, and baseboards. Though they appear invisible, these areas can retain dirt and allergies, improving the air quality in your home.
Places to Dust:
- Ceiling fans (use a microfiber cloth)
- Light fixtures and lamps
- Window blinds or shutters
- Baseboards and door frames
- HVAC vents
Use a wet cloth or a duster to catch dust and prevent pushing it about.
Clean Out the Pantry and Refrigerator
Fall is a perfect time to tidy your kitchen before the holidays. Sort food that has gone rotten from the shelves in your refrigerator and closet. Clean the interior and exterior of the fridge, particularly the handles—a typical gathering spot for germs.
Review your list to purchase fall-related needs such as baking spoons and soup components.
Steps to Clean:
- Pull everything from the pantry and refrigerator.
- Dust the shelves with a mild cleanser or warm, soapy water.
- Examine dates and dispose of items beyond their recommended use.
- Sort food according to what it is—canned foods, munchies, baking utensils, etc.
Clean Windows Inside and Out
As the days become shorter, you should let as much natural light into your home as possible. Filthy windows can make rooms look dark and depressing. Cleaning the windows inside and outside can make your space look better.
How to Clean Windows:
- Use glass cleaning or a DIY vinegar and water solution.
- Wipe to avoid stains with a microfiber cloth.
- As the window tracks and sills could acquire dirt and trash, keep them clean.
Check for Safety Hazards
Nothing compares to returning home to a cozy residency in the approaching winter months. Fall is the ideal season to test fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and others. Check their operation and, if needed, replace the batteries. Ensure your residence is free of any potential trip hazards like carpets or cables.
This is a great chance to remove a clogged dryer vent, as it increases fire danger. Also, make plans to get your heating system, including the furnace, checked to prepare for winter.
Freshen Up Bedding and Upholstery
You’ll be spending more time inside, so make sure your bedding and upholstery are clean and fresh. Sort and wash all of the slipcovers, blankets, and pillows. If you have removable covers for the chair and couch, clean them.
Vacuuming helps to remove pet hair and dust off upholstered furniture. If you have to throw blankets or decorative pillows, toss them in the wash.
PRO TIP: Add a few drops of lavender or another essential oil to your laundry to give it a fresh, peaceful scent.
Organize the Entryway
When visitors arrive at your home, they first see your entryway, which might soon become crowded with bags, jackets, and shoes in the fall. To keep your entrance neat, create a dedicated space for these items.
Consider adding:
- A shoe rack or bin for easy access to footwear
- Hooks or a coat rack for jackets and scarves
- A small bench for sitting while putting on shoes
Conclusion
Fall cleaning will help maintain your house’s warm, safe, and healthy condition. Spending time tidying, arranging, and searching for safety hazards will help you enjoy the season without concerns.
Call AmeriStar Maids for expert cleaning if you need assistance or have too much to accomplish. Visit https://ameristarmaids.com for more information, or call us at (570) 310-1057 or info@ameristarmaids.com.