Autumn has arrived and now it’s time to give your home a thorough cleaning and prepare it for the fall season. While you may not have eight weeks to spare, you can still get your home in tip-top shape with a focused one-week cleaning checklist. Let’s dive in and make your home cozy and welcoming for the fall.
Day 1: Declutter and Donate
Start by decluttering your home. Dedicating about 20 minutes per room, quickly identify the items you no longer need. Donate or sell usable items and discard anything that’s no longer functional. Decluttering sets the stage for a clean and organized home.
Day 2: Clean and Store Summer Items
Say goodbye to your summer items by cleaning and storing your summer gear. Wash and pack away beach towels, swimsuits, and outdoor cushions. Give your grill and patio furniture a good cleaning before covering or storing them. Properly stored summer items will be in great condition when next summer rolls around.
Day 3: Deep Clean Floors
Focus on your floors today. Vacuum and mop hard surfaces, paying attention to corners and baseboards. Consider a professional carpet cleaning or rent a carpet cleaner for a deep clean. Clean floors enhance the overall look and feel of your home. Steam mopping is one of the best ways to sanitize and clean your floors. My current steam mop provides 99.9% sanitization on hard floors with no harsh chemicals. If I love it, then I know you’ll love it just as much.
Day 4: Windows and Window Treatments
Clear, clean windows are essential for letting in autumn’s natural light. Wash your windows inside and out, including sills and frames. Dust or wash curtains and blinds, or send them for dry cleaning if needed. It’s the small things that matter, so by doing this, you won’t have to do it again until Spring. When you are done, your windows will sparkle and your treatments will brighten up your home.
Day 5: HVAC System Maintenance
Get your heating system ready for fall. Replace HVAC system filters and schedule a professional inspection and cleaning to ensure it’s operating efficiently. A well-maintained heating system keeps your home warm and energy-efficient.
Day 6: Fireplace and Chimney Check
If you have a fireplace, it’s time to ensure it’s ready for use. Schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning to remove soot and debris. Verify that the damper opens and closes correctly, and stock up on firewood for cozy fall fires.
Day 7: Kitchen and Pantry Organization
Wrap up your week with a well-organized kitchen and pantry. Clean out the pantry, discard expired items, and consider donating unopened non-perishables to a local food bank. Wipe down all kitchen surfaces, appliances, and cabinets. Your kitchen will be ready for autumn cooking and baking.
So, in just one week, you can complete this focused autumn cleaning checklist and have your home clean, organized, and cozy for the fall season. This condensed timeline ensures that you’re well-prepared to enjoy all the comforts and warmth that autumn brings to your home. Happy autumn cleaning!
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