Fall Cleaning

I feel like we don’t chat enough about the whole idea of fall cleaning. After making a few trips to Goodwill, it’s pretty clear I’m not the only one tackling this seasonal task. While summer is my absolute favorite—long sunny days are just perfect for evenings outside—deep cleaning usually takes a backseat when it’s warm. But as the temperatures drop and the leaves start to change, I find myself less keen on being outside all the time, making it a great time to give my home some much-needed attention.

To me, cleaning is more than just dusting and mopping; it’s about decluttering and refreshing my space. I take a good look at my summer clothes and search for items that are either worn out or that I just haven’t worn in ages. Getting rid of clothes that don’t work for me anymore feels liberating, plus it makes room for new favorites or just a more organized closet.

Fall cleaning isn’t only about stuff, though. It’s also a chance to check in with my environment and my mindset. I like to dive into those neglected areas like the garage or basement, and it feels so good to clear out old things that don’t bring me any joy or usefulness anymore.

Along with decluttering, I focus on deep cleaning too. I tackle projects like washing windows, scrubbing baseboards, and dusting those tricky spots that usually get forgotten. Doing all this really creates a sense of renewal and gets my home ready for those cozier months ahead.

Embracing fall cleaning helps me make my space more inviting, which is perfect for cozy evenings indoors with warm drinks, comfy blankets, and the lovely glow of autumn. It’s a nice reminder that cleaning can be a way to take care of myself and my home at the same time.

Comprehensive Fall Cleaning Tips and Guide (Including Pet-Specific Tasks & Supplies)

Daily Fall Cleaning Tasks
Maintaining daily cleanliness helps prevent clutter and keeps your home fresh. Here's what to focus on each day:

• Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean high-touch surfaces like countertops, tables, and doorknobs with a disinfectant to reduce germ spread (Source: American Cleaning Institute).

  • Recommended Products:

    • Clorox Disinfecting Wipes: Available at Target, Walmart, Amazon.

    • Natural Alternative: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water with a few drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon or tea tree) in a spray bottle. Vinegar can be found at most grocery stores, and essential oils are available on Amazon or local health food stores.

• Sweep High-Traffic Areas: Sweep the kitchen and entryways to minimize the spread of dirt, leaves, and pet fur throughout the house. If you have pets, sweeping or vacuuming pet areas is essential to reduce fur and dander (Source: American Pet Products Association).

  • Recommended Products:

    • Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Vacuum: Available at Amazon and Dyson.com. (I have had one for years and have to use it daily for dog hair.)

    • Natural Alternative: Use a broom with natural bristles—look for options at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's.

• Declutter Common Areas: Spend 5-10 minutes tidying up living spaces by putting away items. If you have pets, clean their feeding area and wipe down bowls daily to prevent bacteria buildup.

  • Recommended Products:

    • Pet-Safe Dish Soap: Available at Petco or PetSmart.

Weekly Fall Cleaning Tasks
Weekly tasks help keep your home orderly and make deep cleaning manageable:

• Vacuum Carpets and Rugs: Vacuum all carpets, area rugs, and high-traffic areas weekly to remove dust, allergens, pet fur, and fall debris (Source: Mayo Clinic).

  • Recommended Products:

    • Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum: Available at Dyson.com and Amazon. We have owned 2 over the last 20 years. They are my go to vacuum company.

    • Natural Alternative: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuum to help deodorize. Baking soda is available at most grocery stores.

• Dust Surfaces: To maintain air quality, dust shelves, ceiling fans, and window sills.

  • Recommended Products:

    • Microfiber Cloths: Available at Walmart or Target.

    • Natural Alternative: Use a damp cloth with diluted vinegar for dusting.

• Laundry and Linens: Wash bedding and replace towels weekly. Pet owners should also wash pet bedding to reduce allergens and odors (Source: American Kennel Club).

  • Recommended Products:

    • Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent: Look for brands like Seventh Generation, available at Amazon or local grocery stores.

• Clean Kitchen and Bathroom: Deep clean sinks, wipe appliances, and scrub bathroom surfaces.

  • Recommended Products:

    • Baking Soda and Vinegar: Use this natural combination to clean and deodorize surfaces. Available at most grocery stores.

• Vacuum Furniture: Use an upholstery attachment to vacuum furniture, especially where pets frequent.

Monthly Fall Cleaning Tasks
Monthly tasks help maintain your home's efficiency and coziness for the colder months:

• Clean Windows and Blinds: Wipe down windows and clean blinds. Clean windows make a big difference on shorter fall days (Source: Better Homes & Gardens).

  • Recommended Products:

    • Windex Glass Cleaner: Available at Walmart, Amazon.

    • Natural Alternative: Mix equal parts water and vinegar for a streak-free cleaner.

• Vacuum Upholstery: Clean furniture and vacuum beneath cushions to remove pet hair, crumbs, and allergens.

• Inspect HVAC Filters: Replace or clean filters to improve air quality, especially for pet owners (Source: U.S. Department of Energy).

  • Recommended Products:

    • HEPA Filters: Available at Home Depot or Lowe's.

• Deep Clean Floors: Mop floors using pet-safe cleaning solutions to remove grime, fur, or drool.

  • Recommended Products:

    • Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner: Available at Amazon, Walmart and Menards. I have had 2 of them over the years. I think our first one lasted close to ten years. I like that you can wash the mop pads and they are stronger than dispoable competitors.

    • Natural Alternative: Mix water with a small amount of castile soap for a pet-friendly mop solution.

• Clean Pet Toys: Wash toys monthly to reduce bacteria and unpleasant odors.

Annual Fall Cleaning Tasks
Annual tasks prepare your home for winter and ensure everything is in good working order:

• Clean Gutters: Remove leaves and debris from gutters to prevent freezing and damage (Source: National Association of Home Builders).

  • Recommended Products:

    • Gutter Cleaning Scoop: Available at Home Depot or Lowe's.

• Deep Clean Carpets: Clean carpets professionally to remove deep-seated dirt, pet dander, and allergens.

• Organize the Garage: Store summer tools and ensure winter items are accessible.

• Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Replace batteries and test detectors (Source: U.S. Fire Administration).

  • Recommended Products:

    • Smoke Detector Battery Packs: Available at Walmart, Target and Amazon.

• Deep Clean Upholstery and Carpets: Deep clean carpets and furniture that pets frequently use to maintain freshness. We have the Bissel Clean Machine. Rasiing four kids and numerous pets, we ended up buying one after renting them a few times.

• Check Fencing and Gates: Inspect pet enclosures to ensure they're safe and secure before winter.

Summary
Fall cleaning is all about maintaining a fresh, allergen-free home while preparing for colder months. By using the right cleaning supplies and adding natural alternatives, you can ensure that your home stays comfortable, safe, and organized throughout the season. We included a checklist great for year round cleaning.

Start your fall cleaning journey today with our easy-to-follow checklist. This will ensure a cozy, clutter-free space for you and your furry companions. Share your favorite fall cleaning tips in the comments below!

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