Fall means crisp air, colorful leaves, and visits to the pumpkin patch. We all look forward to the changing seasons and the new routines that cooler weather brings, and if you’re a homeowner, it’s the perfect time to knock some fall cleaning tasks off your to-do list.
This year, go beyond raking and fall yard work. Our home experts share some of the most important cleanup tips to prepare your home for winter — inside and out, from top to bottom.
Indoor fall cleaning checklist
✔ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly, but this type of home maintenance is often forgotten. This fall, take the time to test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries as needed.
Carbon monoxide detectors are especially important if you use a gas furnace or gas heaters in the winter. Some smoke alarms also detect carbon monoxide, but if yours don’t, you should have separate carbon monoxide detectors installed.
✔ Dust ceiling fans
Fall is a great time to clean the blades of your ceiling fans. Use a duster and vacuum to clean the tops and edges of the blades to reduce dust and allergens in your home.
While you’re cleaning, switch the fan’s direction. Ceiling fans should rotate clockwise during cold months to pull cool air up and move warm air more efficiently throughout the room.
✔ Wash windows
Even if your windows look clear, dust and grime build up on the insides and outsides all year round. Remove your window screens and vacuum them gently with a brush attachment.
Wash windows from the inside with glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Outside, try power-washing windows and siding to reduce grime, mold, and mildew.
✔ Disinfect hard surfaces
Fall marks the start of cold and flu season, and these days, keeping your family healthy is more important than ever. Start the winter season off right by thoroughly disinfecting high-touch surfaces in your home.
Regularly sanitize light switches, doorknobs, remote control, and countertops. While you’re at it, clean TV screens and kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors by misting a gentle cleaner on a clean microfiber cloth.
✔ Sweep chimneys
Your chimneys, vents, and fireplaces should be inspected annually. Have a reputable chimney sweep come out to inspect and clean your chimneys. If repairs are needed, they’ll discuss your options with you.
If you enjoy having fires in the winter, regular maintenance ensures that your chimney and fireplace are safe to use. Even if you don’t use your fireplace, sweeping can clean out animal nests and other debris.
✔ Replace furnace filter
Furnace filters trap particles to keep your furnace and air conditioner operating at their best. You should change your filters every three months, regardless of the season. If it’s been a while since you changed the filters, do so before turning your heat on for the first time this fall.
Outdoor fall cleaning checklist
✔ Clean out gutters
Gutters and downspouts direct rain water from your roof to the ground, and clogged gutters could increase your home’s risk of water damage and pest issues. Get in the habit of cleaning out all the wet leaves from your gutters and downspouts each fall, before the first snow.
To cut down on fall cleanup chores next year, consider having gutter guards installed to keep leaves and other debris out of your gutters and downspouts.
✔ Check weather stripping and caulk
Weather stripping and caulk seal doors and windows, keeping moisture and air out of your home. However, both can deteriorate over time.
Before winter sets in, take a walk around the outside of your home. Look for peeling weather stripping and caulk around doors and windows, and repair it as needed to keep water and cold air out.
✔ Put away patio furniture
Keep your outdoor furniture looking good for years by cleaning it and putting it away before winter comes.
Remove chair cushions and spot-clean them as needed. Let them dry completely, then put them in a clean, dry place. Wipe down or wash furniture frames, then cover them tightly or move them to a storage area for the winter.
✔ Drain garden hoses
Leaving garden hoses attached to outdoor spigots over the winter could contribute to leaky spigots and pipes. If water freezes in the hose and pipes, the pipes could burst.
Instead, drain the water from your garden hoses and detach them from spigots. If you have a water shut-off valve for outdoor spigots, turn it off and let water drain from the spigots to further protect your pipes.
Now that your home is clean and ready for colder temperatures, it’s time to settle in and plan for the upcoming year. Schedule a meeting with Hamilton Homes to learn about remodeling, designing outdoor spaces, and custom builds.
