Dust off your boots, sweaters and pumpkin-scented candles – fall is finally here! Before you find yourself completely immersed in the season of college football and pumpkin spiced lattes, ensure that your home is ready for autumn both inside and out with our handy cleaning checklist.
There are few greater feelings than crawling into a clean bed after a long day of housework. To get the most out of your fall cleaning session, one of our favorite time-saving hacks is to do laundry while completing other sections of the checklist. Most importantly, hang up or fold laundry as soon as it leaves the dryer – your future self will thank you!
WASH:
- Blankets
- Couch Covers
- Small Rugs
- Comforters
- Mattress Covers
- Pillowcases
While autumn boasts cooler weather and comfier clothes, it also brings seasonal illnesses like the flu, common cold and allergies. Protect yourself and your loved ones early by cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces.
CLEAN/DISINFECT:
- Windows
- Cabinets, Shelves and Storage
- Bathroom Countertops
- Kitchen Countertops
- Appliances (especially underneath)
- Washer and Dryer (especially behind)
- Bathtub and Toilet
- Kitchen Sink
- Refrigerator
Although an abundance of dust makes for the perfect haunted house, don’t unintentionally scare away your guests this fall. Dust those hard to reach places and cobweb-filled corners to eliminate any airborne irritants.
DUST:
- Cabinet Tops
- Ceiling Fans
- Lighting Fixtures
- Shutter Blinds
- Shelves
- Room Corners
With all the dirt and grime from summertime foot traffic, take your time vacuuming all carpeting and rugs. Don’t forget to vacuum underneath furniture where dust and dirt accumulate quickly.
VACUUM:
- Carpeting
- Large Area Rugs
- Underneath Furniture
Keeping you and your family safe at all times is important, so as our motto goes: if it needs a battery, replace it! Being proactive about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is the best defense against danger.
REPLACE:
- Smoke Detectors
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Air Filters
- Shower Liners
Lurking in every refrigerator and pantry, there is at least one long-forgotten, expired food item. Double check all labels and toss anything that is expired or seems questionable. Also sort through all closets for clothing and shoes that have been outgrown or heavily worn. As the colder months slowly approach, consider donating old clothes to various charities that help those in need across DFW.
SORT THROUGH:
- Refrigerator
- Pantry
- Closet
Long summer days and brutal temperatures can take a major toll on yards and outdoor furniture, so don’t forget to care for the exterior of your home, too. From minor landscaping needs to cleaning the overwhelmingly smelly garbage bin, take care of outdoor maintenance before the temperatures start to drop.
OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE:
- Drain Pool (if applicable)
- Put Away Toys, Loose Items, etc.
- Power Wash Patio and Walkway Cement
- Clear All Gutters
- Clean Garbage and Recycling Bin
- Wipe Windows
- Trim Overgrown Landscaping
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