Winter is Here: 8 Cleaning Must-Do’s Before the Cold Sets In

a woman and a child washing hands
Photo by CDC on Unsplash

As the temps drop and we start spending more time indoors, it's a great chance to embrace your inner señora and give your home a little refresh. Fall cleaning doesn’t have to be a big project—think of it as a quick tune-up to make your space cozy and clutter-free for the months ahead. Here are 8 easy tips to get your home feeling fresh, organized, and ready for winter hibernation:

Deep Clean Those Windows

a brown and white cat sitting on brown sofa near a white windowPhoto by Stephanie Harvey on Unsplash

Fall is all about light, warmth, and clear views of those autumn leaves. Give your windows a good wash, inside and out, to let in as much natural light as possible. Clean the glass, wipe down the frames, and don’t forget to check the screens for dust and grime. To make the cleaning job easier, use a vinegar-water mix or a glass cleaner, and go for a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks. Pro tip: clean your windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks from the sun drying them too fast.

Declutter Your Coat Closet

a woman sitting on bed organizing clothesPhoto by Sarah Brown on Unsplash

With the cooler months approaching, your coat closet is about to be the most popular spot in the house. Go through and donate anything you haven’t worn in a while. Make room for heavy coats, scarves, gloves, and any winter gear you’ll be reaching for. It would also be a good idea to hang a shoe organizer on the closet door for gloves, hats, and scarves. It keeps things neat and easy to grab on the way out.

Give the Carpets and Rugs Some Love

a very bright living room with a gray sofa and a colorful carpetPhoto by LeeAnn Cline on Unsplash

Your rugs and carpets have seen a lot of action over the summer, and they could probably use a deep clean before winter. Either rent a carpet cleaner or hire a professional to give them a refresh. If you have smaller rugs, consider taking them outside for a good shake or spot clean. And here’s a little tip: sprinkle baking soda over your carpets and let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming. It will help absorb odors and leave your space smelling fresh.

Clean and Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

a black fan near a plantPhoto by rishi on Unsplash

You probably used your fans to keep cool all summer, but now it’s time to switch things up! Clean off any dust and grime from the blades, and then reverse the direction of your fans. Running them clockwise in the fall helps push warm air down, keeping your rooms cozy without cranking up the heat. If you want to be more efficient about it, use a pillowcase to wipe the blades; just slide it over each blade to trap the dust inside. No more dust clouds and sneezing!

Tackle the Kitchen Cabinets and Pantry

woman in green shirt and white pants standing in front of open pantryPhoto by Grass America on Unsplash

With the holidays coming up, you’ll probably be spending a lot of time in the kitchen, so it’s a good idea to clear out any expired ingredients, spices, or snacks. Wipe down your cabinets and shelves, and organize everything so you can easily find what you need for all that fall baking! One easy way to keep stuff organized is to group similar items together (like baking supplies, canned goods, etc.) and use bins or baskets to keep it all in one place.

Dust All the Forgotten Nooks and Crannies

woman in black long sleeve shirt holding some cleaning productsPhoto by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

We all have those areas we don’t think to clean often—like the tops of cabinets, baseboards, or under the furniture. Give these spots some attention to clear out any dust and cobwebs, so you’re not breathing in allergens when you’re cooped up inside. Use a microfiber duster or even a dryer sheet to pick up dust more effectively. For baseboards, try wiping them down with a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water for a fresh look.

Swap Out and Wash Your Bedding

a woman sitting on the floor in front of a washing machine smelling freshly laundered clothesPhoto by kalpa mahagamage on Unsplash

Fall is all about cozying up, so now’s the time to bring out the heavier blankets and comforters. Wash any summer bedding and replace it with warm, fluffy layers that’ll make your bed feel extra snuggly as the temperatures drop. For a fresh fall vibe, consider adding an extra throw blanket and some autumnal-colored pillows. It’s an easy way to switch things up without a full room makeover.

Clear Out the Gutters

a close up of a gutter with trees in the backgroundPhoto by Eléonore GAUTIER on Unsplash

If you’re up for some outdoor work, make sure to tackle your gutters. Leaves and debris tend to pile up in the fall, and clogged gutters can lead to water damage when winter storms hit. Use a ladder (safely!) to clear out the leaves, and make sure everything’s flowing smoothly before the first big rain. If climbing up isn’t your thing, you can use a long-handled tool to scoop out the debris or hire a professional to get the job done. It’s worth it to avoid any big issues later.


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