Why Fall Cleaning is More Important Than Spring Cleaning

A good clean come autumn is essential for avoiding winter flu bugs and colds. Head to the kitchen for a good wipe down. Toss out any expired food from the fridge and disinfect the shelves and removable compartments. The same can be said for the dishwasher and the microwave (here’s some quick and easy hacks to clean your microwave in minutes!).

Related: How to Clean Every Appliance in Your House

You’ll want to clean and organize your garage come fall so there’s free space to park your car in the snowy winter months. So, if your garage has become overrun as a mechanic shop meets gardening shed with a touch of a pawn shop, it’s time to tidy up. Restore the functionality of the space by through sorting and purging redundant and broken tools and appliances, as well as taking out any trash that may have accumulated. Summer toys, like bicycles and kayaks, can be hung on the wall or ceiling.

Even if you don’t have little ones heading back to school, fall always brings a feeling of a fresh start. Help bring that feeling to your home, too. While you’re on a roll with your fall cleaning, now is the time to wash bedding, curtains, couch coverings and robes. Take a thorough inventory of your fabrics and run them through the wash: you’ll be surprised what gets missed on your routine laundry days. This is a chance to get rid of dust, mites, pollen and dander that have inevitably accumulated on some of your linens and fabrics.

Related: 11 Genius Laundry Hacks

The nice thing about doing a deep clean of your home now is that it’ll lighten the pressure of getting the whole house in order for the holiday season. So, head to your pantry and clear your shelves so you can give them a good wipe down. When you put items back in the storage, make sure to dispose of any food items that have passed their expiry date.

Related: 15 Feng Shui Tips for Expertly Organized Kitchen Cabinets

Retiring some of the staples of your summer wardrobe can help make space for the bulky jackets and sweaters that are about to serve as your go-to outfits for the season. If you want to try downsizing during the wardrobe switcheroo, set aside some pieces you’d like to donate from both your summer and fall attire to your local shelter or church.

Related: 10 Marie Kondo-Inspired Organization Essentials That Will Spark Joy

As with every big clean, check your smoke detector to make sure it’s stocked with viable batteries and functions as it should. Especially as you head into the colder months when fireplaces and candles become more popular. Any smoke detector that is over a decade old has passed its prime and needs to be replaced for the safety of you and your loved ones.

As you dress your bed with downy comforters and thicker sheets for the colder months, take a moment to flip your mattress. This ensures the surface of your mattress doesn’t get too worn out in any one spot.

Chimneys can be a treasure trove of insects, rodents and dust. Have a professional conduct a home visit to inspect and clean your chimney before you start using it come fall and winter.

Clogged gutters cause water to pool on your roof, attracting termites and leading to leaks that can damage and devalue your home. This is especially important moving into the season of rain and snow, as your gutters will be in overdrive. When someone is with you to ensure your safety, head up to your roof with a paper compost bag and gloves to clear the accumulated debris from your rain gutter. If you are not comfortable taking this on, you can find home maintenance professionals online in your area.