6 things to clean in August ahead of fall – according to experts

Long summer nights spent outdoors will soon be drawing in and fall is fast approaching. With that comes autumnal tones, cooler weather, and lots of hosting family and friends– so you'll want your home looking its best.

If you’re anything like us, you like to be organized ahead of time, so your home is beautiful, clean, and always ready for guests. While it’s still summer, there are plenty of cleaning tasks you can get done now, without wishing the warmer months away.

So, if you need to know how to clean a house fast, experts recommend starting with these key areas.

1. Windows and screens

During summer, when you spend more time in the garden, you might not notice build-up on your windows and screens, but this should be tackled before the weather gets colder and you spend more time indoors. Want to know the best way to clean window screens?

‘Windows and screens often accumulate pollen, dust, and debris during the summer months, so cleaning them will let in more natural light and improve air quality,’ says Taylor Riley, professional cleaner, founder of Boom Facility Service Advisors and co-owner of Impact Cleaning Professionals. ‘To clean your windows and screens yourself, start by removing the screens and vacuuming or brushing off loose dust and debris,’ continues Riley. ‘Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a bucket, then use a microfiber cloth (such as these USANOOKS Microfiber Cleaning Cloths from Amazon, which are ultra-absorbent and last over 1200 washes) or sponge to wash the window panes, working from top to bottom.’

‘After washing, use a squeegee to remove the soapy water, wiping the blade with a cloth to avoid streaks.’ We like the OXO Good Grips Wiper Blade Squeegee from Amazon, as it has a soft, non-slip handle that is comfortable to use even when wet.

For the screens, apply soapy water, rinse thoroughly under a running tap, and let them dry completely before reinstalling for best results, as dust will cling to them if damp.

2. HVAC filters

'Changing HVAC filters improves indoor air quality as we spend more time indoors during the cooler fall months,' says Mick Jain, operations manager at VMAP cleaning services.

Making time to clean your HVAC system now will also help cut energy bills throughout winter.

3. Your desk

If you regularly work from home, you might have been adopting a more alfresco working style during summer, which has probably left your office or desk space indoors neglected and messy. You’ll be needing it soon, so it’s important to get it ready and get rid of those items cluttering your desk that could be set to hinder your productivity.

‘We clean hundreds of homes per week, and in August we see a solid increase in office cleaning requests,’ says Robert Brennan, owner of Brennan & Co. cleaning professionals, which is one of the largest home cleaning companies in Arizona. ‘They become cluttered and dusty during summer, due to people spending less time in them and more time outside. While doing a deeper clean, customers often ask us to help organize and sort the accumulated items built up over summer.’

It can be a nightmare organizing a desk, so invest in one of the best desk organizers.

4. Carpets and upholstery

‘Summer activities can leave carpets and upholstery stained and dirty, so a deep clean is essential for removing grime and stains before the cooler months,’ says Riley. ‘You can either rent or purchase carpet cleaning equipment (such as this Bissel TurboClean PowerBrush Carpet Cleaner from Amazon, which is Amazon’s overall pick, rated 4.6 stars by over 28,000 shoppers) for a cost-effective DIY solution.’

‘Alternatively, you can hire a professional service for a more thorough clean. Renting allows you to handle the cleaning yourself, but professionals use advanced equipment and techniques to achieve a deeper clean and apply treatments that extend the life of your carpets,’ as they’re clued up on how to steam clean a carpet.

Either way, getting your carpets clean will ensure a home that’s perfect for relaxing and hosting as you transition into fall.

5. Gutters

Wondering when the best time to clean gutters is? With all the trees losing their leaves in fall, your gutter can soon fill up and become clogged, so it's important to clean and clear them in preparation for the wetter weather.

'Clearing gutters of debris ensures proper drainage during fall rains, preventing water damage to the roof and foundation,' says Jain.

6. Your garage

Sorting out your garage should be another task on your fall cleaning checklist, particularly as they are often exposed to dampness, moisture, dust, and pests, and filled with things to get rid of. While it’s no small job by any stretch, you’ll thank yourself and reap the benefits of your forward planning come fall.

‘Organize and clean your garage to prepare it for winter storage and keep it free of pests,’ says Riley. ‘Begin by sorting and decluttering items, then clean the garage floor and address any spills.’ The best way to clean garage floors is with a degreaser, a stiff-bristled brush, and plenty of elbow grease, to remove stains and marks.

‘Use shelves and bins (such as these IRIS USA Stackable Storage Bins With Lids from Amazon, which have pull handles and buckles so are easy to pull out even from high shelves) to keep items off the floor and ensure they’re easily accessible. Clean and winterize your outdoor equipment before storing it, using sealed containers to protect it, and install weather stripping and seal gaps to prevent pests from entering.’

Putting time aside now to get your garage looking gorgeous will keep it tidy and reduce pest problems ahead of the colder months on the way.

FAQs

What should you clean before people come over?

When guests come round, first impressions count, so start there – with your front door and entryway.

Vacuum, mop, and dust, and consider swapping out your doormat or adding a diffuser so your home looks and smells fresh and clean from the moment of entry. Do not overlook your bathrooms and powder room, too, as these are frequently used by guests.

There are also several cleaning tasks best left to professional cleaners that you might want to start thinking about booking now, to ensure you leave no work undone before fall arrives.