Fall Cleaning To-Do List

I argued recently that seasonal cleaning shouldn’t be reserved for spring, and I’m going to expand on that even more now with a fall cleaning to-do list.

Here’s what I think should be done each fall. I probably forgot something, so if there’s anything on your fall cleaning list you don’t see here share it with others in the comments section below.

In the House

• Clean carpets, doormats, and rugs. Replace sisal or other summer rugs with winter ones.

• Clean and store spring and summer clothing; bring out your fall and winter duds. While you’re in the closet, why not get rid of a few things?

• Flip and rotate mattresses. Launder all bedding. If you use lightweight bed coverings in the summer, now’s the time to air out those winter comforters too.

• Clean out kitchen cupboards and the pantry.

• Clean behind your refrigerator, washer, and dryer.

• Replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Wash your windows.

• Hire someone to inspect your fireplace and chimney and get them ready for winter use.

• Clean out the garage. Even if it doesn’t need organizing, you may need to get rid of dirt that accumulated during the summer.

Outdoors

• Clean and store outdoor patio furniture and gardening supplies. (Don’t forget to clean outdoor cushions before storing too so they don’t become mildewy.)

• Drain and store garden hoses.

• Service the lawn mower. (You might need to hold off on this task for awhile, depending on how much longer you need to mow.)

• Install weatherstripping around outside doors.

• Inspect hot and cold supply lines that run through exterior walls and exposed pipes. Protect pipes by wrapping them with electric heat tape, fiberglass insulation, or readymade pipe jackets.

• Check out the roof—replace missing shingles or recaulk as needed.

• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.

To keep on top of your cleaning tasks, perhaps you need a printable fall chore checklist. If you’re particularly motivated, here are three more chores to tackle.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Comments

[rik2]

I'm truly a "black belt" when it comes to cleaning out my rain gutters. However, I only have to use the art of a white belt while doing them.
Went on-line and purchased a Gutter Clutter Buster, shopvac attachment, that literally vacuums out my gutters, while I stay safe on the ground.
Check it out and you can become a "black belt" art martial grade #1 rain gutter cleaning "master."

[house decor]

good work