Fall Home Cleaning Checklist

As the crisp autumn air settles in, it’s time to break out your cozy sweaters, boots and pumpkin-scented candles—fall is finally here! Before you get fully caught up in the excitement of college football and pumpkin spice everything, take a moment to prep your home for the new season, both inside and out, with this essential fall home cleaning checklist.

LAUNDRY TO-DO

Few things feel as rewarding as sinking into a freshly made bed after a productive day of cleaning. For maximum efficiency, try tackling your laundry while you work through the rest of the fall home cleaning checklist. And here’s a pro tip: fold or hang your laundry right after it’s out of the dryer to avoid a pile-up—your future self will be grateful.

Toss the following into the washing machine:

Blankets
Couch Covers
Small Rugs
Comforters
Mattress Covers
Pillowcases

CLEAN & DISINFECT

As wonderful as the cooler weather can be, fall also brings seasonal illnesses like the flu, colds and allergies. Get a head start on protecting your household by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all the key areas in your home.

Clean the following surfaces:

Windows
Cabinets, Shelves, and Storage Spaces
Bathroom and Kitchen Countertops
Appliances (don’t forget underneath!)
Washer and Dryer (especially behind)
Bathtub and Toilet
Kitchen Sink
Refrigerator

DUST

While a dust-covered home might set the scene for a haunted house, it’s probably not the vibe you want this fall. Combat allergens and irritants by dusting those hard-to-reach places and neglected corners.

Don’t miss the following spots to dust:

Cabinet Tops
Ceiling Fans
Light Fixtures
Shutter Blinds
Shelves
Room Corners

VACUUM

Summer tends to bring in plenty of dirt, so it’s important to give your carpets and rugs a good cleaning. Don’t forget to vacuum under furniture, where dust and dirt love to hide.

Including any carpet, make sure you vacuum:

Carpets
Large Area Rugs
Underneath Furniture

REPLACE

Safety first! Now is a great time to check any devices that need batteries—especially smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A quick battery swap now could be a lifesaver later.

Remember to swap out the following:

Smoke Detector Batteries
Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries
Air Filters
Shower Liners

SORT & PURGE

Before fall really sets in, take a moment to clear out anything outdated in your fridge and pantry. Check expiration dates and toss anything that looks questionable. And as you swap out your summer wardrobe for fall gear, consider donating any outgrown or well-worn clothes to local charities.

Clean out the following cramped spaces:

Refrigerator
Pantry
Closet

OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE

Finally, don’t forget to give your outdoor spaces some love! After a long summer, your yard, patio and outdoor furniture could use a little TLC. Make sure to tidy up before the weather turns cold.

And don’t forget the following outside:

Drain the Pool (if you have one)
Put Away Toys and Loose Items
Power Wash Patio and Walkways
Clear Gutters
Clean Garbage and Recycling Bins
Wipe Down Windows
Trim Overgrown Landscaping

With this fall home cleaning checklist, your home will be more than ready for all the fun and cozy moments fall has to offer. And if you are planning to list your home this season, your REALTOR® will thank you for the cleaning prep!