Fall Cleaning Checklist - Part II

Today we'll tackle fall cleaning chores for inside your home. Some things only need to be done once or twice a year, but the mountain will still pile up if you let things slide. So let's get started!

Sweep & Inspect Chimneys & Fireplaces

Your chimney should be cleaned and inspected yearly. A chimney sweep will help you protect your home from accidental fires caused by creosote build-up.

If you didn't give your interior fireplace surround a good cleaning at the end of last winter, do it now. Waiting another season will just add to the build-up of soot and make cleaning even more difficult.

Gas logs and fireplaces should also be inspected and cleaned.

Change Smoke Detector Batteries

A change of seasons signals a time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

This essential task should never be overlooked. Keeping fresh batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will protect everyone in your household and can save lives.

Clean or Replace HVAC Filters

In addition to having an HVAC technician check your heating system, it is important to regularly change the filters in your heating and air conditioning system.

Changing or cleaning filters will not only improve the air quality of your home, it will also reduce the wear and tear on your furnace.

Clean & Reverse the Ceiling Fans

Turn the fans off and clean them. Don't get just the blades, get the light globe and the body of the fan as well.

Then look for the small switch on the body that reverses the blades so that the heated air will be redirected in a downward flow to keep you warmer during chilly days.

Deep Clean Inside the House

If you've taken it easy during the summer and only gotten rid of the most visible grime, it's time to do a deeper cleaning, especially in those places that you've been forgetting to clean, including your cleaning tools.

IN THE BEDROOM:

Vacuum under the bed and all furniture.

Wash and freshen heavier winter bedding.

Vacuum and flip mattress.

Clean carpets and rugs.

IN THE BATHROOM:

Treat any mold or mildew in the shower stall.

Clean out the bathroom cabinets and discard expired products.

Wash shower curtains and bathmats.

Clean fixtures, including switch plates and door knobs.

Replace toothbrushes.

IN THE LIVING ROOM:

Vacuum upholstered furniture, including under the cushions.

Clean keyboards, remotes, and electronic devices.

Dust baseboards, tops of furniture, and books.

Clean walls and remove scuff marks.

Clean wood floors, wool rugs, and carpets.

IN THE KITCHEN:

Empty and clean the pantry. 

Make a list of holiday supplies you need, particularly if you have to toss expired essentials that you'll need again for the holidays.

Clean the oven and vent hood.

Clean the refrigerator and freezer, and discard unusable items. 

Dust and clean the refrigerator coils.

Inspect and clean small appliances.

Store Summer Clothes & Inspect Winter Wardrobe

Empty each clothes closet.

Sort through summer clothes before storing them away.

Choose the clothes you want to store until next year to be laundered or discarded.

The rest should be sold, donated, or discarded.

While the closet is empty, give it a good cleaning.

If your closet has reached an out of control state and you're overwhelmed or unsure where to start, you can contact Maid in America for help. 

We offer a personal organization service suited to this specific task.

That covers our tasks for your Fall Cleaning List, both interior and exterior. Keeping your home cleaned and well maintenanced keeps it in good shape and saves you money in the long run. Follow Maid in America for more cleaning and home care tips!