The leaves are changing color and the weather is getting cooler – it’s officially fall! This is the perfect time to explore some practical fall cleaning ideas.
While the thought of cleaning may not be the most exciting way to spend a Saturday, there are ways to make the process more enjoyable.
Our comprehensive checklist can help make sure you don’t forget anything. In this blog post, we will discuss what to clean in the fall and provide a helpful checklist to get you started!
When to Start Fall Cleaning
Ideally, you should start fall cleaning in September or October, before the holidays get into full swing. This way, you can enjoy your time with family and friends without having to worry about a messy house.
Of course, life can get busy and it’s not always possible to stick to this timeline. If you find yourself Scrooge-ing it up in December and doing your fall cleaning then, that’s OK too!
Better late than never.
Gather Your Fall Cleaning Supplies
Before you start cleaning, it’s important to gather all the supplies you’ll need. This way you won’t have to stop in the middle of cleaning to run to the store for something you forgot.
Some essential fall cleaning supplies include:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Carpet cleaner
- Disinfectant wipes
- Sponges
- Scrub brush
- Bucket
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop
Our Fall Cleaning Checklist (below) includes space for you to list the fall cleaning supplies you have on hand as well as fall cleaning supplies you may need to buy.
Fall Cleaning Tasks
Once you have gathered your supplies, it’s time to tackle those fall cleaning tasks! Here are some common fall cleaning chores to get you started.
Be sure to scroll down for our comprehensive Fall Cleaning Checklist for a more thorough task list.
- Wash windows and doors
- Wipe down baseboards
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Vacuum carpets
- Shampoo carpets
- Wash floors
- Dust furniture
- Clean out closets
- Organize drawers and cabinets
- Wash curtains and blinds
- Declutter surfaces
- Deep clean appliances
Fall Cleaning Tips and Tricks To Save You Time (and Sanity!)
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a drag. With these tips and tricks, you can power through your fall cleaning in no time!
Create a plan of attack.
Before you start cleaning, take a few minutes to create a game plan. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Our printable Fall Cleaning Checklist (available at the bottom of this post) is a great start to your game plan! Not only does it have a comprehensive checklist, but it also includes a page for your daily and weekly chores.
Set a timer.
One of the best ways to motivate yourself to clean is by setting a timer for each task. For example, set a timer for 10 minutes and see how much you can get done in that short amount of time!
READ: 10-Minute Organization Ideas
Make it a family affair.
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a solo project—rope your family members or roommates into helping out! Not only will this make the process go by faster, but it’ll also be more fun.
Put on some tunes.
Music has the power to transform any task, even something as mundane as cleaning, into an enjoyable experience. So crank up your favorite playlist, dance around your living room, and get those dust bunnies going!
Take breaks often.
Don’t forget to take breaks while you’re cleaning! Every 20 minutes or so, take 5 minutes to rest your body and mind. Grab a snack or step outside for some fresh air—whatever helps you relax.
Reward yourself when you’re done!
After all your hard work, you deserve a little reward! Whether it’s taking a nap, watching your favorite show, or indulging in your favorite treat, do something special for yourself that’ll make the entire experience worth it.
These tips and tricks will help make your fall cleaning quick and painless! Just remember to set aside some time (preferably in September or October), gather your supplies ahead of time, create a plan of attack.
And most importantly— don’t forget to reward yourself when you’re finished!