Your Ultimate Room-by-Room Fall Cleaning Checklist
If you’re part of our Texas family, you’re ready for fall, but the dog days of summer seem to linger a little longer. You might find yourself in that tricky in-between place—trying to get festive with autumn decorations while kids come home with wet beach towels and wet swimsuits, tracking dirt in and out of the house as they play outside. When we’re lucky, the weather cools just enough for those wonderful outdoor dinners (with lots of bug spray), but that means more cleanup in the kitchen and, of course, even more tracking of the outdoors inside!
On the other hand, our Portland fam are starting to enjoy those cooler temperatures. The blue skies and mild weather are lingering into early October, thank goodness, but soon enough, the leaves will change and begin to fall, sticking to our Blundstone boots (and maybe leaving a muddy boot print or two around the house).
That’s why we wanted to share some universal tips for fall cleaning that will help both our Texas and Portland families prepare for the holiday season and the chilly winter ahead.
Benefits of Fall Cleaning
Improved Air Quality:
In Austin and San Antonio, with all that outdoor play, you might notice more dust and allergens sneaking into your home. A thorough cleaning can help refresh your air and keep your family breathing easy. Those Texas allergy attacks are absolutely no joke. IYKYK.
Organization:
Decluttering is also a good thing to focus on right now because it can create space for all those cozy blankets and holiday decorations you’ll want to pull out soon.
Home Maintenance:
For our Portland peeps, do not forget to catch up on maintenance needs now so you can avoid last-minute repairs when winter hits. A clean home can also help spot any issues before they turn into bigger problems.
Your Room-by-Room Fall Cleaning Checklist
Entryway
Wipe down surfaces and clean shoe racks.
Organize coats and shoes.
Clean any rugs or mats.
Living Room
Dust all surfaces, including electronics.
Vacuum or clean upholstery.
Wash curtains or clean blinds.
Organize books and decor.
Kitchen
Deep clean appliances (oven, fridge, microwave).
Wipe down cabinets and countertops.
Organize pantry and check expiration dates.
Clean sink and faucet.
Dining Room
Dust and polish furniture.
Vacuum or clean the dining chair upholstery.
Clean the dining table and set for the season.
Bedrooms
Change and wash bedding.
Dust surfaces and vacuum.
Organize closets and donate unused items.
Rotate and clean mattresses.
Bathrooms
Deep clean the shower, tub, and toilet.
Organize toiletries and discard expired products.
Wipe down mirrors and fixtures.
Launder towels and bath mats.
Home Office
Organize papers and files.
Dust electronics and surfaces.
Vacuum or clean flooring.
Refresh any decor for a cozy fall vibe.
Tips for Effective Fall Cleaning
Create a Schedule:
Set aside a weekend to tackle these tasks room by room, or break it down over a week.
Get the Family Involved:
You know our True Glow motto, make it a family affair! Even the kids can help with simple tasks, turning cleaning into a fun activity.
Use Eco-Friendly Products:
Consider using green cleaning solutions that are safe for your family and the environment.
Nothing feels quite as good as a fresh, clean home as we transition into the fall and winter seasons! Whether you’re enjoying the lingering warmth in Texas or embracing the cooler temps in Portland, we hope this checklist helps you feel prepared for the upcoming fall and holidays. And if this is helpful, we can do a winter holiday specific check list too!
Download our Printable Fall Cleaning Checklist to keep track of your tasks, and let’s get started on making your home shine!
Happy cleaning, friends!