Now that the kids are back in school, it’s time for you to get your house back in tip top shape for fall!
HOME RECOVERY 101: FALL CLEANING LIST
Banish the dust:
Scrub baseboards with a toothbrush or damp washcloth.
Wash windows and wipe down windowsills to remove the dirt and grime.
Clean window treatments according to type and manufacturer’s instructions.
Dust cabinets, fireplace mantel, light fixtures, artwork, decorative items and window sills.
Change furnace filter if needed; make sure furnace is in working condition before winter.
Conquer the kitchen:
Discard old or spoiled food from refrigerator and freezer and wipe down shelving.
Clean stove, oven and microwave according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Run dishwasher on empty with dishwasher-specific cleanser.
Sort through pantry and discard old or unusable items.
Wipe down cabinets, backsplash and walls to remove dirt and fingerprints.
Organize away:
De-clutter room by room, donating items that you no longer use or love.
Put away summer swim items, keeping a well-stocked pool bag accessible for vacations or indoor swimming.
Organize linen closets, junk drawers and office papers, and any other area of the house that needs sorting.
Prepare a place for children’s schoolwork and backpacks.
Prepare a place for winter coats, hats and boots.
In bathrooms, organize toiletries and makeup and discard expired or empty items.
Beautify the bedroom:
Rotate mattress according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Launder bedding if needed, and add additional blankets for colder months to come.
Swap out summer clothing for fall attire, donating items you don’t wear regularly to a thrift store.
Spruce up your yard:
Clean and store any outdoor summer play items such as inflatable pools.
Sweep awnings, porches, patios and decks, rinsing off as appropriate.
Remove any dead or dying plants and flowers.
Inspect gutters and downspouts to make sure they are free of dirt and debris.
Elyssa Andrus, a parenting columnist for Utah Valley 360, shares the cleaning checklist, sure to make your home feel fall ready!
You can read Elyssa’s columns at www.utahvalley360.com
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