It’s fall cleaning time! With the holidays around the corner, plus the need for regular seasonal cleaning, we have the perfect timing for a well-deserved (and required) deep-cleaning. That’s when fall cleaning enters the scene! If you are based in Colorado Springs or the surrounding area, like we are, you have already noticed the beautiful fall foliage filling the area with a mesmerizing view, tourists and perhaps big piles of leaves in your yard.
If you are wondering, “but do people still do fall cleaning?” the answer is a loud yes! Some seasonal cleaning is always welcome after all. That’s because a lot can be overlooked sometimes during regular cleanings if you are doing it all on your own. Think about the last time you washed your window sills, doors, and door frames, or your baseboards. Probably not an everyday thing, right?
Add that to the clutter we can all accumulate in a span of a few months, and you have the perfect conditions for a much-needed deep cleaning. With the holidays approaching, alongside Winter on top of that, what better timing than right away?
To help you start the fall cleaning, we brought some of our tips and our seasonal cleaning checklist. Let’s dive in!
What does a fall clean-up consist of?
A fall cleaning consists of a deep cleaning and a reset for your home. That means going top-to-bottom, room-by-room, to do more than superficial cleaning and also check if anything in your home needs some fixing in preparation for Winter. That’s particularly important for regions that tend to deal with harsh weather. Although that’s not usually the case for us here in the Springs, the area is typically hit with one or two major snowstorms or extreme cold temperature events each year. That being said, better safe than sorry!
Fall cleaning checklist
First things first, here’s what you should do for every room:
Remove all cobwebs (you can use the fake ones for your Halloween decor).
Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Dust wall art and pictures.
Dust knick-knacks and lamps.
Dust furniture.
Polish wood furniture.
Dust and wash blinds.
Dust and wash window sills.
Dust and wash doors and door frames.
Dust and wash baseboards
Vacuum floors
Mop hard-surface floors
Empty trash and reline trash cans
Kitchen
Considered by many as the heart of any home, the kitchen is one of the most important spaces when it comes to deep cleaning. That’s because the combo of grease and food crumbs plus regular dust can create a perfect space for pathogens when the space isn’t cleaned often or properly.
Start by checking in your pantry and fridge for spoiled food to throw away.
Clean the interior of your refrigerator. A buildup of dust here makes your fridge work harder, increasing energy costs.
Clean your oven interior.
De-grease the stovetop and range hood (if you own one).
Empty your cabinets to clean anything that might’ve caught too much dust over time. Sort items you might not want anymore.
Spot clean the cabinets.
Clean countertops.
Dust countertop items.
Clean appliances.
Polish stainless.
Wash cabinet fronts.
Sanitize sink. For the garbage disposal, grind ice cubes and citrus peels (like lemon or orange) to sharpen the blades and eliminate odors.
Polish fixtures.
Bedrooms
Your primary space of rest should always be in top condition. Who can find relaxation in a dirty and messy place after all?
Start with the closet! Switch out summer clothing if you haven’t already. This is a good time to sort out any items that you might no longer serve you. Be intentional and create 3 piles: the things you want to keep, the ones you can donate, and the ones that need to be disposed.
Vacuum the empty closet shelves and floors before placing your fall wardrobe inside.
Move the bed and give the area a thorough vacuuming.
Wash all bedding, including pillows (make sure to check the care labels) and comforters. Consider switching to warmer, flannel or heavier cotton sheets as part of your seasonal cleaning routine.
Do everything that’s on the “every room list” above.
Living Room
Time to get the center of your gathering ready for the holiday season!
Deep clean all couches, armchairs, and curtains. Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and crumbs.
Consider using a steam cleaner for a more thorough deep cleaning, especially if you have pets.
Carefully dust behind the entertainment center and between books on the shelves.
Wash throw pillow covers and blankets.
Apply pre-winter carpet shampoo to remove ground-in dirt and allergens, leaving your floors fresh for the months you’ll be spending more time inside.
+ the every room steps.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are another high-priority area during your fall cleaning. The place we go to get clean can’t be dirty after all! Deep cleaning your bathroom will also prevent mold and mildew growth.
Scrub your tub shower.
Clean your shower-head (we have a post about that here!)
Polish any fixtures.
Clean countertops with a sanitizing solution.
Sanitize sinks.
Clean mirrors.
Sanitize the toilet and toilet area.
Give extra attention when wiping the floors; scrubbing is recommended.
Do a ventilation check to ensure any moisture is being vented. If you have a bathroom fan, make sure it is working properly.
Basement
Is not because it’s almost Halloween that you need to keep your basement with a horror movie look. Use your fall cleaning to give this area of your house some love.
Spend time sorting through stored items if you have any. Donate, discard, or properly organize what you keep. Besides making it easier for you to find your stuff when you need it, this also reduces fire hazards and deters pests.
Check for moisture. Addressing this now, before snowmelt becomes an issue later on is important to prevent headaches.
Follow the other steps of the “every room list”.
Attic
A clean, well-maintained attic is your home’s first defense against ice dams and unwanted visitors.
Look for any areas where insulation is compressed, damp, or missing. Proper insulation is key to energy efficiency.
Look for signs of pests like droppings or chewed wires. Seal any small holes or cracks around vents or the roofline with steel wool or caulk to prevent mice from seeking shelter in your warm attic for the winter.
Do a ventilation check and ensure attic vents are not blocked by insulation or storage items.
Ensure boxes are sealed and placed on shelving rather than directly on the floor or on top of insulation if you use your attic for storage.
Garage
An organized garage makes seasonal transitions, like finding snow shovels, dramatically easier. Time for a clean-up!
Declutter the space and remove what no longer serves you.
Sweep the floor to remove dirt, leaves, and cobwebs (follow the every room steps).
If you have any hazardous materials (such as out of date chemicals), dispose them properly at a local Waste & Recycling facility.
Properly store lawn mowers, trimmers, and garden hoses. Drain any fuel from power equipment or add a fuel stabilizer.
Create a Winter station if you tend to have trouble during the season. Designate an easily accessible area for ice melt, snow shovels, and scrapers.
Front and Back yard
Your fall cleaning isn’t complete until you’ve tackled the great outdoors!
Clean the gutters to prevent ice dams and water damage
Clean downspouts of leaves and debris to ensure proper drainage away from your foundation.
Clean and cover or store patio furniture and grills to protect them from snow and ice later on.
And what about the star of the season, aka, the leaves? Well, if you ever wondered what happens if you don’t pick up leaves in the Fall, the answer is nothing good. As tempting as it can be to let the leaves lie forever, a thick, matted layer of leaves will block sunlight and trap moisture, suffocating the grass and creating a breeding ground for mold and fungal diseases. Remove them from time to time once you’ve noticed that the moisture has become too intense, especially if you have a garden.
Now that we are done with our checklist, it’s Q&A time!
When should you start fall cleaning?
The short answer is anytime during Fall! However, as we approach the end of the season and into Winter, some areas will already start experiencing snow, which can make your seasonal cleaning project a lot harder. After all, we are talking about a deep cleaning! You may want to sort your belongings to see what stays or not for the next year, move some things around, fix your yard…. All work you might prefer to do when the streets are not covered in snow.
Considering that some of the biggest holidays of the year are also on the horizon, getting your fall cleaning done before they arrive is also a nice idea to ensure your home will be organized and properly cleaned to receive your family and guests.
What is typically included in a fall cleanup?
If you hire us, you can expect top-notch service delivered by the best professionals in Colorado Springs and Monument! For a seasonal cleaning, such as a fall cleaning, our advice is that you choose from our deep-cleaning options, since those are the most complete ones. We clean everything by hand and touch every nook and cranny, from the ceiling fans down to the floor. If you go here, you can see the full list of what we offer for each room, plus our add-ons.
If you want to go full on board in preparation for the holiday season, you can also choose our disinfecting & fogging packages or our move-in & move-out cleanings, designed for people starting a new chapter.
What is the average cost for a fall cleanup?
The cost of cleaning varies a lot depending on the following factors:
- Home size;
- Cleaning type (Recurring Cleaning Service, Deep Cleaning, Move Cleaning);
- Area;
- Any add-ons you would like to include.
To have a realistic idea of how much you would need to invest in your fall cleaning, click on the “Request a quote” button at the top of the page and get a free personalized estimate!
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
Thanks for reaching this far! What did you think of this week’s article? Are you already used to fall cleaning, or do you usually do another type of seasonal cleaning? Let us know in the comments!
Written by
Vetter Cleaning & Maintenance Team.
About the company
Vetter Cleaning is a professional cleaning service located in Colorado Springs, CO. They offer a variety of cleaning services to meet most residential cleaning needs, including recurring maid services, deep house cleaning services, and move-in/out cleaning services.
If you live in the Colorado Springs area, we invite you to request a free home cleaning quote.
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