As the weather turns cooler, families begin spending more time inside their home and, with the holidays just around the corner, fall is the best time to do some of those cleaning chores that have been put off due to nice summer days, vacations and other activities. These tips can help you get your house in tip-top shape before the holidays roll around.
Go through closets and donate any items you no longer wear or that don’t fit. One rule of thumb is that if you have not worn it this year, get it out of the closet. This is especially true of clothing that is too large or too small.
Check your pantry and refrigerator for items that may have expired. Scrub the shelves and drawers, discarding anything that is old or unidentifiable. Wipe down the top and organize any items stored there.
Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures. Consider taking glass globes or light covers off and running them through the dishwasher. Wipe down baseboards and pull-out furniture to clean underneath.
Wash windows, both inside and out, including your screens. If you store screens during the winter, do that now that the weather is colder. Wash curtains and drapes to remove dust as well. This is also a good time to have your carpets deep cleaned if you do not own a shampooer. You can also rent shampooers at local grocery or box stores.
Clean all air vents and filters, but keep in mind this should be done several times each year, not just in the fall. Flip or rotate your mattresses and wash winter bedding so they are fresh when you need them.
In the kitchen, deep clean your oven, microwave and dishwasher. Organize cabinets and drawers to make things easier to find when the busy holiday cooking season arrives.
Break the chores down so that you do a few each week to make them feel less daunting. Make a list of what you want to accomplish with the day of the week you want to do it, then cross it off as you do it.
These simple tips can help you get ahead of the holiday season and prepare your home for guests.
