Fall Cleaning is the New Spring Cleaning : 5 Top Tips

Spring is no longer the lone season for keeping the house in spic and span condition. Fall cleaning is becoming quite common in the northern hemisphere as those who were not able to finish their cleaning and home maintenance tasks in spring complete them in fall (sometimes throughout the summer). Yes, you read it right, it’s almost autumn, a little over half into the year and it feels like a month ago was just spring.

Doing extra cleaning during fall removes traces of summer dust and preps the house for the cold winter months. It is also a good opportunity to check on home equipment, furnishings, even skirting and flooring that will help keep the indoors warm and cozy throughout the winter.

Here are some fall cleaning tips that can help you cover everything or at least the essential tasks in getting the house ready for winter:

1.     Start from top to bottom, out to in

It will be difficult to work on the roof and outdoors during the cold winter months. So even before the cold and snow sets in, have a good look around the house. Check and clean the gutters, windows, sills, walls, doors, and railings. Once the tasks for the exterior of the house is done then you can start working on cleaning the indoors. You need not buy new stuff to achieve that  luxury interior design look for your home, you just need to keep things neat.

2.     Secure outdoor furniture and equipment

Those who brought out some furnishings in their patio or yard for spring and summer may want to bring them back inside the house where they can be protected from the harsh winter weather. Make sure that garden hoses and sprinkler systems are free from water and cover air conditioning units to protect them from snow.

If you have a winter garden, your plants that are not winterproof can be stored so you would be sure that they sprung up come spring. Also check on the storage outside the home, stray cats may roam around and find shelter, if you must, put in some warm stuff for them.

3.     Check essential appliances and fixtures and get them in tip top shape

Fireplaces or furnaces, chimneys, heaters and insulation should be among the priority as they provide warmth inside the house. You may follow suit with vents or exhaust fans, lighting, washing machine, refrigerator, ovens and other appliances if you still have time. It will be expensive when something bursts when the cold weather arrives.

Check on skirting and floorboards. Some floor types have the tendency to absorb moisture, some expand, affecting the overall appearance of the floor. No matter your wood flooring, whether solid wood, engineered wood, parquet, laminate, or porcelain, each needs proper cleaning to last long. For everyday, dry up and clean spills immediately, sweet daily, vacuum as much and during fall cleaning, use a wood floor cleaner extensively. You can keep your floor shiny by regularly doing clean-ups. Some time within 5 years, a re-finish will also be ideal to undertake.

4.    Clean thoroughly

Suck out all the dust and dirt around the house by vacuuming drapes, furniture, and even appliances. Aside from removing possible allergens, it also helps create a brighter and cozier atmosphere in any room. Also wash, linens, beddings, comforters, blankets, and everything that will get you a nice and warm nook to rest in during the night. Give your wood floors a good and deep cleaning treatment to ensure shine and protection all throughout the season.

5.     Stock-up on Supplies

One can never tell when one is going to be cooped up in the house because of bad weather. Make sure that you have ample emergency supplies and food around in case you need them. The recent events made us realize the importance of stocking up, and literally having what’s in the pantry for us. Don’t just stock up on food, also include cleaning and disinfectant supplies.

The pandemic has definitely taught us a lot about keeping clean. So let’s continue practicing that while having a routine not just for fall cleaning but for the whole year round.