Fall Cleaning Essentials

We’re right in the middle of the fall season! Which means changing colours outside, cozier settings indoors and pumpkins, pumpkins and even more pumpkins!

However, it also means it’s time to do a deep clean just in time for the plunging temperatures. You may be more familiar with spring cleaning but a fall cleaning is just as important to keep your house in great condition and your family in good health. It’s also an important opportunity to make space for the inevitable mass of umbrellas, jackets and boots that you will be using for the next couple of months.

Your fall cleaning may be extensive or could consist of a few basic things on your to-do list. Cleaning your house properly will give you peace of mind during the colder months and can halt the spread of germs and dust that causes colds and flu.

If you’re confused about where to start, here’s a great list of suggestions.

Bedrooms

As everyone living in Virginia knows, after fall comes the relatively cold winter that we are all too familiar with! This means that fall is your last chance to air your mattress to prevent it from smelling musty or getting moldy when the temperatures drop. As such, this should be one of the first things on your list. Before this, give it a good vacuum and, after airing, flip it over to ensure you are sleeping on the cleanest side possible.

You should also replace your bedding. Colder weather means it’s time to bring out the warmer blankets you will use well into spring. Before replacing the bedding, you should make sure they’ve been thoroughly cleaned as it is sometimes harder to detect dirty bedding in colder temperatures.

Living Room Area

Again, all your living room furniture should be vacuumed and put out in the sun for a few hours if possible to rid it of any mustiness or moisture. You should also shampoo and dry your carpet as it has probably attracted a lot of dust and dirt during the active summer months. Additionally, wash any artificial plants and dust down your living plants. Your curtains and blinds should also be laundered and ironed, and the walls in every room should be given a good wash. Lastly, make sure to wipe down your window sills, clean your ceiling fan and vents and repeat this process as often as possible during the season.

Kitchen

The first things to tackle in your kitchen should be your fridge, freezer and your oven. Clean out your oven and your fridge and toss out all the uneaten foods that you accumulated during the summer. Make sure to look through your pantry and replace any foods that might have expired during this time. If you have a large family, it might even be time to replace some of your canned food for ‘fall food’; hearty soups that will be especially appreciated during the inevitable flu season.

You should also clean your surfaces and floors, particularly small nooks and crannies where food could hide. Lastly, don’t forget to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and fire alarms.

Attic/Basement

Dust and mold can be found more often in the attic or basement so it’s important that you don’t leave these places off your list. Try to keep track of the items being kept there and get rid of the things you no longer need. If possible, remove items and pack them again in newer, cleaner boxes. Make sure to vacuum and mop the floors and, if possible, have a professional check that you are taking the right steps to maintain clean vents and prevent mold from growing.

Fall cleaning shouldn’t only be confined to these rooms. Make sure to remove as much dust and dirt as possible around the house. You should also ensure that your heating system is in the best condition possible and has been adjusted to conserve energy in order to prevent exorbitant bills.

If you have outdoor furniture, you will need to clean and store them properly as well so that they are in top condition for the warmer months. Your outdoor furniture may require different kinds of cleaning and storage, so make sure to follow the care instructions!

Get in touch with us for more information on how to keep your home at its best, and what repairs or renovations it may benefit from. Smart Home Improvement has professionals who will be more than happy to give you advice on how to keep your house in the best shape possible.