Fall Cleaning Checklist

This is the ultimate fall cleaning checklist. These free printable checklists will help you deep clean, declutter, and reset your home just in time for the cozy season!

We've all heard of spring cleaning, but fall cleaning is just as important and liberating! I know, I know. We're all too excited for pumpkin patches and corn mazes to think about fall seasonal cleaning.

But, fall cleaning can help take care of household chores that often get forgotten during your daily or weekly cleaning routine. It can be important to help reset your home and free it from dust, dirt, and other allergens before we all bunker down inside for the cold months.

I like to start my fall cleaning while the weather outside is still tolerable, around mid-September, tackling the indoor tasks once the weather gets chillier. These free printables are meant to be used as a guide and inspiration - no need to do every single task unless you want to!

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Indoors:

1. Launder bedding that doesn't often get washed. Bedding and linens in the guest bedrooms probably only get washed after a guest has come and gone. If you haven't had anyone occupying those rooms regularly, it's likely the sheets and blankets need a refresh to wash off the dust and freshen them up again.

2. Clean the mattresses. Vacuuming or steaming the mattresses will help keep them fresh and last longer. Plus it removes dust and dander, or other allergens that build up over time.

3. Declutter closets. The change of the seasons is my preferred time to declutter. Removing old clothing or jackets that don't get worn or are nearing the end of their life get added to the donation box. Anything that is seasonal (sandals, tank tops, or sun dresses) get added to a separate box to be put in storage for the winter.

4. Windows. Wiping down the window sills helps prevent the build-up of mold. Our house tends to get quite a bit of condensation in the winter, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow. Keeping that area clean will help prevent this!

   

5. Discard of expired food items. Going through the freezer and pantry in the fall will help you organize and itemize your stock, allowing you to plan better for the upcoming baking and holiday season.

6. Dust. Since we're about to be stuck indoors for the foreseeable future, it's best to remove as many allergens as possible. My husband tends to suffer in the winter when we can't open the windows and let the fresh air in. Removing as much dust as possible really helps him battle his allergies. The ceiling fans and light fixtures are the most obvious culprits. But air intakes and vent covers are important too since any dust collected there will just circulate through the air constantly. Changing your furnace filter is important as well.

Outdoors;

1. Check caulking around doors and windows. This helps to prevent drafts in the winter, making your home more efficient.

2. Check the dryer exhaust pipe. If there is a build-up of lint, that can pose a fire risk.

3. Clean gutters and downspouts.

4. Clean up outside furniture and toys. Put away items that might get damaged by the ice and snow, store them in sheds or place covers on them to keep them protected.

5. Clean the BBQ and stock up on propane or charcoal. Cleaning your grill is something that should be done seasonally to prevent it from getting too dirty. Having a stock of propane or charcoal on hand means you won't have to deal with frozen fittings during the winter!

6. Drain and store hoses. Blow out sprinklers. You want to make sure there is no water in these items, as water can really damage them when it freezes.

7. Wash outside of windows. Another task that should be done seasonally. Make sure to get it done before it freezes!

8. Rake leaves and cut grass. After the grass dies off, rake up all the leaves (use them as mulch somewhere else if you want) and cut the grass short. This helps prevent snow mold from appearing in the spring and helps the grass grow since it won't have to grow through a thick mat.

Ready to tackle some cleaning?

I hope this list helps give you some ideas and the checklist was helpful to you! I promise there is no need to feel overwhelmed, just sprinkle a few of these tasks here and there into your regular cleaning routine.

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