When to start fall cleaning – 7 jobs you should be doing right now

We are all familiar with spring cleaning by now. Opening up the doors and windows to blow out the mustiness of winter. But have you heard of fall cleaning?

As it turns out, fall cleaning is more important than spring cleaning. Professional cleaners swear by this seasonal deep clean to help prepare your home for fall, getting rid of summer dust and allergens to create a cozy hibernation space for the cooler months of the year,

Here, they explain when you should start fall cleaning and suggest the best places to start to help you get ahead on the cozy season.

When and where to start fall cleaning 

The best time to start working through your fall cleaning checklist is around early September, just as the weather starts to turn in many states. Starting early also helps you to get ahead on your cleaning tips before the bulk of the holidays arrives to avoid cleaning when feeling overwhelmed.

Sara San Angelo, professional cleaner and founder of The Cleaning Lady, begins, 'Fall cleaning is the same as spring cleaning in that it is a deep clean of your home, but the focus of fall cleaning is to get ready for winter and the holidays so there are a few different things to do for the changing seasons.

'It is easier to clean when the weather is temperate,' Sara adds. 'In spring, things warm up after the winter and we all get a little burst of energy and renewal. In fall, we are coming to the end of a sometimes oppressive summer, and any chill in the air brings excitement and relief.'

Maria Mooney, non-toxic cleaning expert and director of marketing at Truly Free Home and Truly Free Market says, the eco-friendly cleaning subscription service, continues, 'Although there are similarities between fall and spring cleaning, spring cleaning is a time to purge and scrub, while fall cleaning is a great time to get inspired. During fall cleaning, people often create a cozier feel throughout their homes, especially when hosting and preparing for guests during the holidays.'

It's a common concept around the world, with fall cleaning and organizational traditions around the world focusing on home streamlining and deeper sanitation during this season.

1. Freshen up your carpets and rugs

After long summer days outside, you've likely walked dirt through from your backyard, so deep cleaning a carpet and cleaning an area rug in the fall will be much needed, freshening up your home ready for cozier nights in.

Jennifer Sharpe, chief fragrance officer at Fabulosa, advises, 'Whilst frequent vacuuming ensures your home is dust, dirt, and debris free, a foam freshener is great to use in between vacuuming especially during the colder months when windows aren’t opened as frequently, as it eliminates odors and leaves a lovely fresh and clean smell.'

Febreze Heavy Traffic Carpet Foam is top-rated at Amazon.

2. Deep clean your couch

Jennifer Sharpe, chief fragrance officer, continues, 'Ahead of those crisp, fall nights when you become well acquainted with your couch during lots of cozy evenings spent indoors, you are going to want to give the upholstery a deep clean.'

Cleaning upholstery or cleaning a couch more specifically can not only help to keep it looking its best but help to extend its lifespan too.

'My go-to product for a thorough and effective clean of my fabric sofas is an upholstery cleaning foam,' Jennifer shares. 'All you need to do is spray the area to be treated evenly with the powerful foam, rub with a clean, damp cloth, and leave to activate for five minutes before wiping down with another clean, damp cloth. It’s fantastic for removing any stubborn stains – just allow it to dry thoroughly before use.'

3. Have a closet clean out 

As you go around cleaning your home at the start of the season, consider organizing your closet for fall.

Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at Two Maids, says 'This is a good time to change out your closet and purge what you haven’t worn in a long time. Bulky sweaters, sweatshirts, and coats take up more room, so you may want to stow away the summer gear.'

When removing your clothing to sort into seasonal categories, take the time to clean your clothes closet, vacuum the base, and dust shelves before wiping down the walls and rails. This will ensure your fresh fall clothing stays fresh throughout the season.

4. Don't forget your home's exterior 

Household cleaning is usually associated with the inside of your home with the exterior easily forgotten about. Cleaning the outside of your home and your surrounding land will help to keep your home in top condition in the face of adverse weather, however.

Sara San Angelo, professional cleaner, suggests, 'Take inventory of the outside of your home and clean and store outdoor summer items like patio furniture, parasols, and pool equipment.'

It is important to carry out regular home maintenance in the lead-up to fall and winter to prevent larger problems down the road. 'Clean your gutters,' Sara reminds us. Gutters are frequently forgotten about however can clog up quickly as the leaves fall.

Other fall home maintenance includes fall lawn care to remove rotting debris and tidy your yard before the weather is too cold to work outside comfortably or cleaning your deck to prepare the wood for rain or snow, depending on your climate.

5. Sweep your chimney for a thorough clean

One of the main ways that fall cleaning differs from spring cleaning is that you are also preparing your home for more rigorous use, especially in colder climates. When carrying out a deep fall clean, cleaning out fireplaces and chimneys can save you a lot of hassle in the long term as well as make your home safer.

For example, you are more likely to use indoor fireplaces in fall and winter so knowing how to prep your chimney for winter can help heat your home more effectively. Sara San Angelo, cleaning expert explains, 'If you have a fireplace that you use during the winter, you are going to want to get the chimney inspected and cleaned to mitigate any fire or smoke hazards.'

6. Swap out your summer items

One of the best ways to start transitioning into the fall period is to switch out your home decor, and there is no better time than when you are moving everything clean.

Maria Mooney, cleaning expert, says, 'Fall cleaning can include washing and storing summer blankets and comforters and cleaning and organizing your kitchen and pantry for the colder months ahead.

'It can also involve organizing mudrooms and closets to switch out your spring and summer shoes with fall and winter shoes and boots, flipping mattresses as you are changing comforters for the season, and swapping out air filters, including your furnace, to prepare for cold nights.'

7. Tackle HVAC systems

Cleaning your HVAC system is tedious, but essential is we transition into fall.

Kathy Cohoon, cleaning expert, explains that 'Seasonal changes are a good time to change your filters to maintain a healthier home and potentially save you money. A clogged filter works harder to maintain the desired temperature, which in turn reduces energy efficiency and increases your utility bill.'

If you have not had your HVAC system serviced in the last 12 months, now is a great time to book a professional ro check over the mechanics and ensure it won't give out when you need it most.

Along with cleaning, you should consider which things to declutter before fall to make your increased time inside more relaxing and enjoyable. Decluttering before or during cleaning will make the task easier.