Autumn cleaning is a great way to make your home healthier and more comfortable.

The Benefits of Autumn Cleaning

Autumn cleaning helps you prepare your home for the colder months ahead. It’s about more than just appearance; it’s about creating a healthier and more comfortable living space for the colder months. Here’s why autumn cleaning is essential:

• Increased Indoor Time: As days grow shorter and temperatures drop, we naturally spend more time indoors. A clean home is more enjoyable for gatherings and cosy nights alike.
• Seasonal Changes: Falling leaves and shifting weather can accumulate dirt and debris both inside and outside your home. Deep cleaning helps eliminate allergens and dirt built up over the summer months.
• Preparation for Winter: A thorough autumn clean can prepare your home for harsher winter conditions. Removing dust and grime prevents allergens from festering and ensures a healthier environment throughout the closed-up winter months.
• Improved Indoor Air Quality: Dust, pollen, and other allergens trapped in the house are more problematic during winter when we keep the windows closed most of the time. Autumn cleaning helps eliminate these irritants, improve air quality, and reduce respiratory issues.
• Preparation for Festivities: Autumn marks the beginning of exciting festivities like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. A clean, organised home sets the stage for festive cheer and effortless entertaining.

Check also: 6 Ways to Keep Your Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round

Deep Cleaning Your Way to a Cosy Winter Haven

Now that we have outlined the importance of preparing your home for winter, let’s list the tasks to include in your autumn cleaning routine:

During the winter months, the sofa typically takes on a central role in the house.

Upholstery Cleaning 

Summer months often lead to increased sweating, leaving unsightly stains on your sofas, armchairs, and upholstered headboards. Autumn is the perfect time for deep cleaning of upholstered furniture to remove:

• Sebum Stains: These oily residues from sweat can leave your furniture dull and unclean. Professional upholstery cleaning removes these stains, restoring the fabric’s fresh look and feel.
• Allergens: Dust mites and various allergens can accumulate in upholstery over time. Deep cleaning eliminates these allergens, creating a healthier environment for everyone in your home.
• Stubborn Stains: Don’t let spills and accidents ruin your furniture. Autumn cleaning allows you to tackle stubborn stains before they become permanent.

Read also: 9 Questions About Stain Protection Treatment for Carpets and Upholstery

A clean bed ensures a healthy winter sleep.

Mattress Cleaning

A well-maintained mattress is the base for a good night’s sleep, especially during colder winter when we spend more time in bed. Here’s how to ensure your bedding stays clean and comfortable:

• Launder Your Bedding: Wash all bed linens, including mattress pads, pillows, duvets, blankets, and comforters, at high temperatures. A proper laundry routine helps remove allergens, dust mites, dead skin cells, and sebum that accumulate in the bedding.
• Deep Clean the Mattresses: There are a few things you can do to take care of your mattress by yourself. However, hiring a cleaning company ensures a truly deep clean. Professional mattress cleaners use powerful equipment to remove stains and deeply settled dirt and leave your mattress almost dry, allowing you to use it the same night.

Check also: 6 Questions About Your Mattress Answered By a Professional Cleaner

Clean carpets mean less bacteria, allergen and better air quality in the house.

Carpet Cleaning

Don’t underestimate the importance of clean carpets! Dirt and debris embedded deep within fibres can deteriorate the carpet, making it look worn out. Here’s why professional carpet cleaning is crucial:

• Improves Air Quality: Regular vacuuming is a must to remove surface dirt, but professional cleaning is necessary to remove allergens and dust mites trapped in the carpet.
• Reduces Wear and Tear: Deep cleaning removes embedded dirt, prevents damage to the carpet fibres, and extends the lifespan of your carpets.
• Deters Pests: Some pests, such as bed bugs and moths, seek warm environments to shelter in during the winter. Although your rug may not be their first choice, accumulated dirt can provide them with a food source and a place to nest. A thorough cleaning before winter ensures your carpets are hygienic for the upcoming cold months.
• Professional Expertise: Professional carpet cleaners’s powerful cleaning methods remove deeply settled dirt, dust, and allergens that a simple vacuum cannot reach. Also, you should consider getting stain protection treatment to make sure your carpets will stay fresh throughout the holidays

Read also: What Is the Best Time of the Year to Have Your Carpets Cleaned?

NB: Consider booking a carpet cleaning service until the end of November. December gets very busy, and you might be unable to hire a good cleaning company. Also, it’s better to cross this task off your autumn cleaning list and make time for shopping, end-of-term school events, decorating your home and other holiday preparations.

Curtains often accumulate dust in summer, so washing them is a key part of autumn cleaning.

Washing Curtains and Drapes

Curtains and drapes not only add a decorative touch but also play a crucial role in regulating temperature and light control. Here’s how to take care of them during autumn cleaning:

• Wash Curtains and Sheers: Thin curtains and sheers trap dust and dirt throughout the year. Washing them removes these allergens and allows for better light penetration during the shorter winter days.
• Hang Thicker Drapes: As temperatures drop, thicker drapes become essential for insulation. Autumn cleaning is the perfect time to swap out your lightweight curtains for heavier ones that will help retain heat and create a cosy atmosphere.

Check also: The Ultimate Guide to Tackling Christmas Stains

Deep clean your oven before the holidays for stress-free cooking.

Deep Cleaning the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a clean and organised kitchen is essential for functionality and hygiene. Here are some key areas to focus on:

• Appliances: Clean your oven, refrigerator, and extractor fan to ensure they work efficiently and safely. Make sure to check our detailed guides on how to clean a heavily soiled oven and how to maintain a self-cleaning oven.
• Cabinets and Pantry: Organise your cupboards and pantry and discard expired items. Rearrange your kitchen cabinets for better accessibility, especially baking supplies, pans, and all your holiday cooking equipment.
• Countertops: Clean and disinfect your blender, toaster, and coffee maker. Remove unnecessary appliances and clean the countertops under them to remove accumulated crumbs, spills, and bacteria and prepare more space for holiday cooking.

Check also: How Often Should You Clean Your Fridge

Clean windows will let more natural light during the dark, short winter days.

Window Cleaning

Clean windows not only improve the appearance of your home but also allow for more natural light, which is especially important during the shorter winter days. Here’s how to clean your windows:

• Remove Curtains and Blinds: Take down your curtains and blinds for a more thorough cleaning.
• Wash Windows: Use a glass cleaner and a soft microfibre cloth to clean the inside and outside of your windows.
• Clean Frames, Sills, and Tracks: Don’t forget to wipe the window frames and window sills to remove any dust and fingerprints. Gen the vacuum and remove all dirt trapped in the window tracks to prevent it from getting inside.

You might also like: 7 Ideas for Dealing with Mould at Home

Leaves and dirt trapped in the gutters can lead to serious leaks and water damage.

Outdoor Maintenance

While the focus of autumn cleaning is primarily indoors, there are also some outdoor tasks to consider:

• Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove leaves and debris trapped in your gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage. If you want to avoid doing this chore over and over, you can get Hedgehog Gutter Brush protector*. This inexpensive product works wonders in preventing leaves from getting stuck in gutters and drains.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Prune any dead or overgrown branches to prevent damage during storms and improve the appearance of your outdoor space.
• Take Care of Outdoor Furniture: If you have garden furniture, clean it and store it in a dry place for the winter to protect it from weathering.

*We’re not affiliated with this product in any way, but based on our experience, we can confidently recommend it.

Check also: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On How Often to Clean Everything Around the House

You don’t need to buy expensive things to make your place appear more homely.

Making Your Home More Cosy

Sometimes, it’s the little things that help us turn our home into a more enjoyable and comfortable space for the winter months. Here are some additional tips to help spruce up your space:

• Declutter and Organise: Store the items you won’t need in winter to make your home look calmer and more spacious. 
• Layer Soft Furnishings: Add throws, cushions, and blankets to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Change the Lighting: Opt for warmer LED bulbs and place a few floor and table lamps strategically to improve the ambience.
• Add Seasonal Decor: Create a festive atmosphere by incorporating seasonal decorations like candles, garlands, and festive centrepieces.

Follow our autumn cleaning tips to transform your home into a cosy and inviting sanctuary for the winter months. Enjoy creating a clean and healthy living space, and relish the peace of mind that comes with a well-prepared home.

With that in mind, here’s our very own room-by-room spring cleaning checklists for you home:

Bedroom Spring Cleaning Checklist:

• Open the windows.
• Remove everything that shouldn’t be in the room and put it in its correct place.
• Dust, vacuum and clean furniture.
• Empty each draw, wash them and replace the contents neatly. Donate or dispose of any items that you no longer use.
• Empty wardrobe, wash it inside and out, wash clothes and replace them neatly. Donate anything you no longer wear.
• Move bed to one side and tidy or dispose of anything underneath. Sweep and vacuum the area under the bed.
• Freshen the mattress by sprinkling a bit of baking soda over it before vacuuming.
• Wash the bedding and curtains.
• Wash the pillows and duvet in hot water. Air the mattress.
• Dust lights and clean lampshades.
• Wash windows and window sills.
• Wash window screens.
• Wash and disinfect lightswitch plates.
• Wash walls.
• Dust and clean mirrors, art and decor.
• Clean doors and door knobs.
• Wash floor registers and vent covers.
• Sweep and wash floors.

Read also: 6 Questions About Your Mattress You Always Wanted to Ask a Professional Cleaner

Living Room/Family Room/Playroom Spring Cleaning Checklist:

• Open the windows.
• Vacuum sofas and spot clean if necessary.
• Wash pillows and blankets.
• Dust and clean decor, shelves, and furniture.
• Dust and clean lamps and lampshades.
• Wash windows and window sills.
• Wash window screens.
• Dust the television and electronics.
• Untangle and tidy wires and tuck them out of sight.
• Sort through your DVD, music, and film collections. Sell or donate anything that you and your family are no longer interested in.
• Wash and disinfect light switch plates.
• Wash walls.
• Clean doors and door knobs.
• Wash floor registers and vent covers.
• Sweep and wash floors.

Check also: 12 Spring Cleaning Hacks To Transform Your Home [Infographic]

Bathroom Spring Cleaning Checklist:

• Open the windows.
• Empty cabinets and draws, wash them inside and out and replace the contents neatly. Discard of anything that has expired or that you no longer use.
• Clean and disinfect the bath and wax if necessary. Clean and disinfect the drain.
• Clean and disinfect the sink and drain.
• Clean and shine taps.
• Clean and disinfect the toilet, inside and out. Remove and clean the seat and seat bolts.
• Dust and clean any mirrors.
• Dust and clean lights and lampshades.
• Wash windows and window sills.
• Wash window screens.
• Wash and disinfect lightswitch plates.
• Wash walls.
• Clean doors and door knobs.
• Wash floor registers and vent covers.
• Sweep and wash floors.
• Reseal grout lines if necessary.

Check also: How To Clean The Bathroom Carpet 

Dining Room Spring Cleaning Checklist:

• Open the windows.
• Wash the curtains.
• Disinfect the tables and chairs. Polish if necessary.
• Wash the chair pads, if applicable.
• Dust and clean any other furniture.
• Dust any display china and ornaments.
• Wash the table linen.
• Shine the silverware.
• Dust art and decor.
• Wash windows and window sills.
• Wash window screens.
• Wash and disinfect lightswitch plates.
• Dust and clean lights and lampshades.
• Wash walls.
• Clean doors and door knobs.
• Wash floor registers and vent covers.
• Sweep and wash floors.

Read also: How often should you clean?

Kitchen Spring Cleaning Checklist:

Check also: How Often Should You Clean Your Fridge?

• Open the windows.
• Remove and clean any window coverings.
• Empty cabinets and draws, clean them inside and out and replace the contents neatly. Dispose of anything that has expired and donate anything that’s no longer wanted.
• Disinfect cutting boards.
• Sharpen knives.
• Clean and organise the pantry. Dispose of anything that has expired and donate anything that’s no longer wanted.
• Clean and disinfect the oven. Check our detailed guide on how to deep clean a heavily soiled oven.
• Clean and disinfect the stove top. Remove and disinfect the elements and drip bowls, if applicable, and replace neatly.
• Clean and organise the fridge and freezer. Defrost freezer, if necessary. Dispose of any expired food.
• Vacuum the refrigerator coils.
• Clean and disinfect the microwave.
• Clean the crumbs out of the toaster.
• Clean and descale the kettle.
• Wipe down any other counter appliances.
• Disinfect counters and backsplash.
• Disinfect sinks and drains.
• Shine taps.
• Clean dishwasher.
• Dust and clean lights and lampshades.
• Wash windows and window sills.
• Wash window screens.
• Wash and disinfect lightswitch plates.
• Wash walls.
• Clean doors and door knobs.
• Wash floor registers and vent covers.
• Sweep and wash floors.
• Reseal grout lines, if necessary.

Read also: How to Clean and Maintain Your Self-Cleaning Oven

Laundry/Utility Room Spring Cleaning Checklist:

• Open the windows.
• Wash windows and window sills.
• Wash window screens.
• Empty the cabinets and draws, wash inside and out and replace the contents neatly. Dispose of anything that has expired and donate anything you no longer want.
• Disinfect the sink and drain.
• Shine the taps.
• Clean washing machines and dryers inside and out.
• Wash lint trap with soap and water to remove build-up. Air dry thoroughly before replacing.
• Wash and disinfect lightswitch plates.
• Wash walls.
• Clean doors and door knobs.
• Wash floor registers and vent covers.
• Sweep and wash floors.
• Reseal grout lines, if applicable.

Office Spring Cleaning Checklist:

• Clean out files and shred any unneeded documents.
• Update home inventory documents.
• Clean your computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Empty desk draws, clean inside and out, and replace the contents neatly.
• Dust and polish wood furniture.
• Dust and clean bookshelves. Tidy books and donate those you no longer want.

Read also: 10 Simple Things That Effectively Remove Stickers From Any Surface

Stairs Spring Cleaning Checklist:

• Sweep and vacuum the stairs.
• Wash the walls.
• Wash and disinfect handrails.
• Wash and dust decor and light fixtures.

Outside Spring Cleaning Checklist:

• Sweep the porch and walkway.
• Wash doors and frames and paint if necessary.
• Wash thresholds.
• Clean or replace the welcome mat.
• Wash siding.
• Sweep, power wash, and stain the deck.
• Touch up paint trim, wood, and shutters.
• Power wash the garage door.
• Wipe away cobwebs.
• Clean grill.
• Clean and repair gutters.
• Replace broken bricks, wood, or stone.
• Clean outdoor light fixtures.
• Clean outside furniture.
• Trim trees, bushes, and shrubbery.
• Check sprinklers and repair, if necessary.
• Inspect roof shingles.
• Clean outside bins.
• Tidy garage. Dispose or donate of anything that’s no longer wanted.
• Wash and wax vehicles.

Read also: Expert Summer Cleaning Tips for a Fresh and Healthy Home

Children’s Items Spring Cleaning Checklist:

• Sort, dust and disinfect toys. Donate toys that are no longer being used.
• Wash and organise clothing. Donate or store anything that has been outgrown.
• Disinfect bath toys.