Fall Cleaning Checklist - Part I

Fall cleaning time is here! Seasons are getting ready to change, and seasonal cleaning tasks are upon us. This post will go through the list of cleaning and prep for winter needed for the exterior of your home or property to get ready for the cold winter months. Let's dive right in and get started!

Clean & Store Patio Furniture

Choose a dry, sunny day and give outdoor furniture a good cleaning and prepare it for storage. It's particularly important to clean stains now, because letting them remain on upholstery or outdoor umbrella fabric for several months will make the task of removal difficult if not impossible later.

If you don't have space to move your outdoor furniture into storage, protect it with custom covers or weatherproof tarps secured with bungee cords. Stores like Lowes and Home Depot additionally sell containers that are waterproof and can be kept on the patio which can be used to house cushions, pillows, and rugs during the cold wet winter season. Don't forget to place a tarp under metal furniture and accessories to prevent rust stains on the patio floor.

Service & Store Gardening Equipment

Give each tool a good cleaning and make any needed repairs.

Lawn mowers and any gas powered equipment should be winterized properly so that they will be in top shape when spring returns.

Make a list of any tools and equipment that need to be replaced. Once the summer is ending, deep discounts will be available on leftover stock that will be sitting through the winter, so now is the time to buy replacements. Don't wait for spring when prices are high.

Clean Gutters & Downspouts

Gutters clogged with leaves and pine straw can cause moisture and mildew problems on soffits, resulting in rotting wood and roof leaks.

You may need to clean your gutters several times throughout the autumn season as the leaves continue to fall. Be sure to use good safety practices and a sturdy ladder.

If you're uncomfortable being up on a ladder doing this kind of work, it's best to hire a professional rather than risk injury.

Winterize Outdoor Pools and Water Features

If your outdoor pool, spa, or water features are not heated, drain the water or use a cover. Take the time to winterize exposed pipes and faucets to avoid costly repairs. This is another item that may require you contacting a professional if you aren't quite sure what to do or don't have the time to do properly.

Remove Window Screens & Install Storm Windows

Many homes still have storm windows and doors that need to be installed to help insulate in the colder months and make homes more energy efficient.

As screens are removed after the summer, give them a good cleaning and make any necessary repairs. If any need to be replaced, now is the time to take care of those replacements. Chances are if you don't replace them now, when spring rolls around again you'll be sitting there with a broken screen that you tucked away with the intention to replace, yet got busy with other things and let slip right out of your thoughts.

Don't forget to take care of your window air conditioners now when you're removing them for the storm windows. Clean and replace air filters, get the unit serviced, and anything else that might need to be done before you store it for the winter. If a unit needs to be replaced, now is probably time to take advantage of discounted products. Don't wait until the first hot day of the next season or you'll be in the same position I was this past summer, with stores all out of stock.

Wash Exterior & Indoor Windows

Yes, this is a list for fall cleaning the exterior of your property, but the best time to clean the interior of your windows is to go ahead and do it when you schedule a day to clean the exterior of your windows, and just get it all done at once.

Go ahead and do this when you're winterizing and installing storm windows; save time by multitasking. Start with the exterior before you move inside.

Even if you need to rinse them again after cleaning the gutters, you'll be glad to have them cleaned during the long winter months.

As you move inside to clean windows, freshen up window treatments as well. Some fabrics can be tossed in the washer, but most drapes require dry cleaning. This is the perfect time to dust and clean blinds and shades, as well as wipe down windowsills.

Complete an Outdoor Home Inspection

Walk around the outside of your home and take note of any areas that need to be winterized. 

Inspect the roof for cracking or loose shingles. Make repairs before winter snow, wind, and rain cause leaks.

Do some pest control to prevent mice, other rodents, or insects from seeking shelter inside your home.

Inspect the foundation of your home for cracks and make repairs.

Check windows and doors for any broken seals and replace damaged caulk for more energy efficiency.

Schedule a maintenance check-up for your heating and central air conditioning systems.

Maintaining and keeping your home in good working order prevents the need for expensive maintenance calls and repairs down the road. Don't neglect the upkeep of the exterior of your home when you're doing your seasonal cleaning! Stay tuned, and we'll go over a checklist of fall cleaning and maintenance focused on the indoor of your home.