Fall is no doubt the start of the homey season. It’s when you embrace warm drinks in front of the fireplace, covered in your favorite blanket in the company of your loved ones. However, before everyone comes home and you start spending more time indoors, it’s essential to get your house ready.
This is especially important if you host guests in your home for the holidays. The first thing on your checklist should be a thorough fall clean-up. You want to get your home clean and well organized to make an impression on your visitors before fall is here.
But where should you start? Below is a comprehensive fall cleanup checklist that will help make the work easier and make your home guest-ready:
Pan Yourself Before You Start Cleaning
Cleaning your home too early could mean it gets dirty quickly. Instead of busting out your gloves and cleaning spray, take some time to plan your cleaning times. Start by picking a date for a general clean up and make the necessary arrangements.
If you prefer a professional cleaning service, ensure you schedule the clean-up date in advance. Planning yourself also involves purchasing the required supplies. These supplies may include:
- Cleaning products
- Cleaning wipes
- Basic toiletries
- Paper towels
- Garbage bags
- A new toilet brush and holder
- Air freshener
Making sure you restock your cleaning supplies before starting your cleaning process is key. That’s because you will avoid interruptions to run to the store on the actual cleaning day.
Sweep and Clean Your Entrance
When expecting everyone home for fall and the upcoming holidays, it’s vital to keep your home clean. Whether the guests prefer using the front or back door, the entryway will be your guests’ first impression. Therefore, ensure you take the time to sweep and clean any dust and debris in the area.
Remember to shake your welcome mat to remove any dirt and debris trapped under it. If you have glass doors, use a glass cleaning spray and wipe any smudges and fingerprints from them. This is a great way to set the tone of a clean and tidy home.
Remember to also check the area inside the door on the entryway for any dirt. Organize your console and sort out your mail. You can organize the mail in a drawer and put all the shoes under the console in a basket. Create a space for your coat hanger for your family and friends spending the holidays with you.
Straighten and Declutter Your Living Area
After cleaning the entrance, ensure you concentrate more on the areas where your family will gather. This includes the living room, family room, game room, or basement. You will want to be as efficient as possible.
Take a laundry basket and move around each room, collecting anything you feel doesn’t belong or is cluttering the room. Slowly move back around as you puff and straighten the pillows and fold any throw blankets you have. Ensure you have a microfiber duster cloth in your hand at all times to ensure you dust the shelves and tables as you move around.
Clean All the Bathrooms
Nothing is more disgusting than a dirty bathroom. Did you know that having a clean and organized bathroom helps your guests forgive any messiness around your home? When cleaning the bathroom, you should start with the walls and surfaces.
Dust every surface and wipe it down to get rid of any debris. Then organize all your items into drawers or your medicine cabinet. Clean the sink and wipe down the mirrors to ensure everything is sparkling.
Ensure that all toiletries are fully stocked, including toilet paper. Hang clean and fresh hand towels, fill the soap dispenser and place a new bar of soap in the bathroom for your guests. Don’t forget to sweep and clean the bathroom floor once you’re done with all the surfaces.
Clean Your Kitchen
Decluttering and cleaning the kitchen is one of the most dreaded cleaning jobs around the house. However, everyone ends up entering the kitchen at some point. Therefore, ensure that all your dirty dishes are clean.
You can clean them using the dishwasher or hand wash them in the sink. If you’re unable to clean your kitchen, you should consider hiring maid services to help get your home ready. The house cleaners you clean and dust your kitchen counters and utensils.
Remember to declutter your kitchen to get rid of any items you don’t need. When Decluttering, start from the counters and work your way into the drawers. Sort out all your utensils and all other items in your kitchen.
Remember to wipe down your kitchen counters and other surfaces using disinfecting wipes. Wipe any fingerprints from your appliances and clean your sink. The last place to clean should be your floor.
Using a broom and a dustpan, sweep the floor thoroughly. Then, use a vacuum to remove any remaining dirt and debris and use a damp floor mop to clean away any remaining dirt on your floor.
Vacuum and Mop the Floors
It’s well known that most people only capture the general image or a room only at eye level. This means that most people don’t focus on the floor as the rest of the room is straightened and organized. However, it’s advisable to clean all your floors and coverings such as carpets.
Start by sweeping, then vacuuming the floors. Then, you can mop them with a damp mop to get rid of any remaining debris. When cleaning your carpet, sprinkle it with dry baking soda and leave it for around 30 minutes before vacuuming it away. Baking soda is excellent for absorbing any foul odors from carpets.
Are You Ready for Your Fall Cleanup?
Fall is one of the best times of the year. It’s an excellent time for families to reunite and loved ones to spend time together indoors. However, this is terrible news for many homeowners rushing to ensure their homes are clean.
If you’re worried about your upcoming fall cleanup, we are here to help. At Kathleen’s Cleaning Service, we offer homeowners house cleaning and housekeeping services for a cleaner and better-organized home.
We know that your home is your most significant investment, and we strive for perfection in every aspect of our professional cleaning service. Contact us today and schedule a professional fall cleanup for your home.