Start the Season Right With Some Fall Cleaning To-Dos
A once-a-year massive spring clean may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’d rather break up the work, here are some ideas for sprucing up your space this fall. From updating your book collection to cleaning up outdoors, pick and choose from these eight to-dos to create a fall cleaning plan that works for you.
Launder or Dry Clean Slipcovers and Curtains
Check the care instructions carefully, especially if you’ve never laundered these items before. Shrunken slipcovers and short curtains are a major bummer! If you’re not sure, check with the manufacturer or send them to the dry cleaners.
Deep Clean Kids’ Rooms
Get the kids in on the project by assigning jobs that seem sort of fun — like dusting the floor with dusting mitts on their feet, or spritzing surfaces with a gentle cleaning spray. Move or clean under furniture where the biggest dust bunnies hide, and tidy up toys and clothes.
Edit Your Book Collection
The fall and winter months are prime time for curling up with a good book. Make some room on your shelves for new titles by weeding out books you didn’t love or know you won’t pick up again. While you’re at it, use a duster to swipe the shelves and spines.
Wipe Down Kitchen Cupboards, Walls and Appliances
Grease from cooking can build up on kitchen surfaces over time. Using a warm, wrung-out microfiber cloth, wipe down everything top to bottom. To avoid damaging finishes, start with just water on the cloth and add gentle cleanser if needed.
Refresh Cleaning Tools
When was the last time you checked out the state of all of those scrub brushes and cleaning tools? Replace any with bedraggled bristles, and fill in any gaps in your cleaning arsenal. Having the right tools really does make the work easier and more pleasant.
Sort Papers
Mail and other incoming paperwork can easily pile up. Make yourself a big cup of coffee or tea and sit down to go through it all. Shred documents with personal information on them before recycling and file important records.
Clean Rugs and Floors
Freshen up rugs and floors in high-traffic areas. Launder throw rugs or get them professionally cleaned. Sweep, vacuum and clean floors and have wood flooring refinished if needed.
Tidy Up Outdoors
A full summer of gardening and outdoor activities can leave the porch and yard littered with half-filled bags of potting soil and scattered sand toys. Use a day on a crisp fall weekend to get it all tidied up. Clean beach toys and gear before storing them for the winter, and find a sheltered area to stow gardening tools and supplies.