When to Start Fall Cleaning

While the end of summer means welcoming the excitement of Halloween and Oktoberfest and preparing for fall; the preparations also include fall cleaning. But when exactly to start fall cleaning so that you are done with it just in time to enjoy the autumn festivities? We suggest late August or early September. This is because starting early will help you check all the boxes on your list. From decluttering and organizing to refreshing your living spaces before the weather gets chilly and the holiday rush begins with a deep cleaning in your home.

In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to start fall cleaning, covering everything from preparing the outdoors for colder weather to cleaning those often forgotten corners. 

Key Takeaways 

1. Start fall cleaning in late August or early September for the best results
2. September’s moderate climate ensures comfortable cleaning
3. Gather cleaning tools like all-purpose cleaners, microfiber cloths, vacuums, and air fresheners
4. Follow a detailed checklist for thorough cleaning in every room of your home
5. Fall cleaning extends to the outdoor area of your home and includes caring for patio furniture, cleaning gutters, and preparing garden tools
6. Streamline fall cleaning with decluttering, multitasking, time-saving tools, and celebrating small achievements

Why Start Fall Cleaning In September?

It is a good idea to begin your fall cleaning routine in late summer or early autumn. This way, you can transition your home from the lighter, airy feel of summer to the cozy, snug atmosphere of fall. But why choose this time for this seasonal overhaul? Let’s find out why:

Ideal Weather Conditions

The weather in September strikes a perfect balance. The temperature is just right for scrubbing, sorting, and refreshing your living spaces without the humidity and sweat. 

Family-Friendly Timing

During the summer, schools are usually off and families have a more relaxed schedule without the hassle of those hectic school mornings. It provides a window where you can do fall cleaning without disrupting the daily hustle of back-to-school activities.

Ample Preparation Time

Starting fall cleaning in September allows for ample preparation time. You can create a comprehensive plan of the tasks you need to tackle during the summer months, ensuring you’re ready to jump into the deep cleaning when it appears on your to-do list.

Transitioning before Winter Holidays

Beginning fall cleaning in September provides a comfortable buffer before the winter holidays. Tackling cleaning tasks early ensures your home is in top shape, allowing you to fully enjoy the festive season without the stress of pending cleaning chores.

Essential Fall Cleaning Supplies You Will Need 

Preparing for fall cleaning involves more than just enthusiasm – having the right tools is key for a thorough and efficient cleaning job. Our comprehensive list of essential fall cleaning supplies will equip you to tackle every nook and cranny, leaving your home immaculate. You’ll need this to start fall cleaning:

All-Purpose Cleaner

You need an all-purpose cleaner with antibacterial properties that works wonders when cleaning surfaces.

Microfiber Cloths and Dusters

Opt for eco-friendly microfiber cloths to capture dust and grime, along with dusters for hard-to-reach spots.

Vacuum Cleaner with Attachments

You will require a powerful vacuum with attachments for comprehensive floor and upholstery cleaning.

Broom and Dustpan

A sturdy broom and dustpan handle sweeping away leaves and debris.

Mop and Bucket

Deep clean your floors with a quality mop and bucket, using an appropriate floor cleaner.

Rubber Gloves

Protect your hands with durable rubber gloves while handling cleaning agents.

Window Cleaner and Lint-Free Cloths

Streak-free window cleaner and lint-free cloths for crystal-clear windows with a polished finish.

Trash Bags

Keep sturdy trash bags for efficient disposal during decluttering.

Storage Bins

Organize with clear storage bins for accessible and clutter-free storage.

Air Fresheners or Essential Oils

Infuse a pleasant aroma into your home with air fresheners or essential oils.

The Ultimate Fall Cleaning Checklist

Fall cleaning goes beyond maintaining neatness; it’s a practical strategy to prepare for the upcoming season. This comprehensive checklist involves tackling the accumulated dust, allergens, and germs that have found their way in from open windows and increased outdoor activity during the summer. 

Entryway and Living Room

• Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including shelves, tables, and décor 
• Vacuum and clean upholstery, including pillows and cushions
• Clean and organize entryway storage, removing any summer items
• Wash or dry clean throw blankets and pillow covers
• Check and replace batteries in smoke detectors.

Kitchen

• Deep clean the refrigerator, removing and cleaning shelves and drawers
• Clean the oven, microwave, and other kitchen appliances
• Wipe down and disinfect countertops, cabinet fronts, and backsplash
• Clean out the pantry, discarding expired items
• Scrub and sanitize the sink and faucets
• Empty and clean the trash bin.

Bedrooms

• Launder all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers
• Rotate and flip mattresses for even wear
• Dust and clean all surfaces, including nightstands and dressers
• Vacuum carpets and clean under the bed
• Declutter closets, donating or storing summer clothing
• Wash or dry clean curtains and drapes.

Bathrooms

• Scrub and disinfect the toilet, shower, and bathtub
• Clean and organize bathroom cabinets and drawers
• Replace or launder shower curtains and bath mats
• Wipe down mirrors and all surfaces
• Check and restock toiletries and medications
• Clean and disinfect toothbrush holders and soap dispensers.

Home Office or Study

• Organize and declutter paperwork and office supplies
• Dust and clean electronics, including keyboards and monitors
• Vacuum and clean the floors and any rugs
• Wipe down desks, shelves, and other surfaces
• Check and replace air filters in any office equipment.

Dining Room

• Clean and polish dining tables and chairs
• Dust and wipe down any decorative items or china
• Vacuum and clean the floors and rugs
• Launder or dry clean any dining chair cushions or slipcovers
• Check and replace any burned-out light bulbs.

Laundry Room

• Clean and disinfect the washing machine and dryer
• Organize laundry supplies, discarding expired or unused products
• Wipe down surfaces, including countertops and appliances
• Clean lint traps and vents
• Check and replace batteries in carbon monoxide detectors
• Windows and Window Treatments
• Wash windows inside and out
• Clean window sills and tracks
• Vacuum or launder curtains and drapes
• Dust and clean blinds or shades.

Floors

• Vacuum and mop all floors, including hardwood, tile, and carpeted areas
• Clean and polish hardwood floors
• Professionally clean carpets if necessary
• Vacuum and clean area rugs.

How to Prepare Your Outdoors for Fall

While interior cleaning often takes the spotlight, it’s crucial not to neglect the outdoors of your home. Outdoor maintenance is just as important in preventing property damage and addressing wear and tear from the summer season.  Follow this list of essential cleaning tasks to ensure your outdoor haven remains inviting and well-maintained for fall.

Clean and Cover Patio Furniture

Wipe down your outdoor furniture to remove the accumulated tree sap, bird droppings, dust particles, and other environmental elements that settle on surfaces over time. For items you can’t store indoors, cover them with outdoor furniture covers or tarps to shield them from the elements.

Gutter Maintenance

As autumn approaches, it’s time to focus on an essential task – gutter maintenance. Clear out the large debris from gutters using a ladder and gloves. You can also use a gutter scoop or trowel if necessary. This simple yet crucial step ensures the effective functioning of your gutter system and helps prepare your home for the autumn rainfall.

Pool and Water System Care

If you have a pool, it’s time to winterize and close it off for the colder months. Additionally, winterize your outdoor irrigation systems, drain and shut off water sources, and store garden hoses properly to prevent freezing and damage.

Rake Leaves Promptly

Raking leaves is not just a chore but a crucial step in maintaining a healthy lawn. Do it while the leaves are dry and before frost and snow set in. Dry leaves are lighter and easier to rake or collect, making the task more manageable. Wet leaves clump together, becoming heavier and more challenging to remove. Leaving piles of leaves can also lead to fungus growth and harm to your lawn and plants.

Tips to Streamline Your Fall Cleaning Process

If you’re gearing up for your first fall cleaning and feeling a bit overwhelmed by so many tasks, worry not! We’ve got you covered with some strategies to make your fall cleaning process more manageable.

Declutter Before You Clean

Before you start fall cleaning, decluttering should be one of your initial tasks. Decluttering not only makes space for the cleaning tasks ahead but also allows you to assess your belongings. Consider donating items you no longer need or use. 

Invest in Time-Saving Tools

Quality cleaning tools can significantly speed up the process. Invest in efficient vacuum cleaners, microfiber cloths, and versatile cleaning solutions. The right tools make tasks more manageable and cut down on cleaning time.

Involve the Family

Turn fall cleaning into a team effort by involving your family. Assign specific tasks to each member, making the process more collaborative and faster. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity for everyone to contribute to the well-being of the home.

Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements along the way. Completing individual tasks or finishing a room can provide a sense of accomplishment, boosting motivation for the next steps.

Adopt a Room-by-Room Approach

Instead of feeling burdened by the entire house cleaning, break down the task into sections. Start with one room, thoroughly cleaning and organizing it before moving on to the next. This focused strategy provides a sense of accomplishment as you see tangible progress in each completed space.

Wrapping Up 

September emerges as the ideal kickoff for your fall cleaning checklist, offering comfortable temperatures and a family-friendly timeframe. It’s the perfect moment to declutter, organize, and ready your living spaces for the changing season. 

However, if the thought of handling these tasks feels daunting, don’t hesitate to hand over the fall cleaning responsibility to the experts at My Cleaning Angel. Our dedicated cleaning professionals understand the ins and outs of fall cleaning, having undergone thorough vetting to bring a reliable and expert touch to your seasonal spruce-up. So, whether you’re ready to tackle it with a happy cleaning spirit or prefer to leave it to the professionals, the choice is yours!

FAQs

Is there a specific order to follow when it comes to fall cleaning tasks?

There’s no strict order for fall cleaning tasks, but a systematic approach can help. Start with decluttering and then move to dusting, cleaning windows, deep cleaning floors, and cleaning specific areas like the kitchen. Outdoor maintenance, safety device checks, and chimney inspections can follow. 

How often should I conduct fall cleaning?

Typically, fall cleaning is done once a year, usually in September. However, the frequency depends on your preference.  Some people prefer more frequent, lighter cleanings to maintain a consistent level of cleanliness, while others opt for a one-time deep clean for the fall. 

Are there eco-friendly alternatives for fall cleaning supplies?

Absolutely! Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are excellent natural alternatives for fall cleaning supplies. Additionally, eco-friendly cleaning product brands offer sustainable solutions without harsh chemicals, making your fall cleaning routine environmentally conscious.