Fall Cleanup Tips: Our Top Ten Tasks Before the Weather Turns

The days are getting shorter, the nights a little longer. The greenery is slowly edging toward gold, and the lazy days of summer are starting to give way to crisp evenings and “football weather”. Fall is knocking at the door, and the holidays won’t be following too far behind it.

In short, it’s time to plan your home’s Big Fall Cleanup!

Everyone is familiar with spring cleaning, and all that it entails. But the fall cleanup is just as big of a deal as its springtime cousin, and with good reason. Now is the best time to get things squared away while conditions are still at their best, and before the “everyone-tracking-in-mud” season begins in earnest. So if you have some time to spare this weekend and/or next weekend, we have a brief list of simple (but important) tasks for you to consider. Read on!

Clean Out the Garage

The summer months are for outdoor activities of all kinds, but now is the best time to put everything back where it belongs! Bikes and helmets can return to their storage areas. Gardening supplies and tools can go back to their proper shelves or receptacle. Tools and equipment go back onto the pegboard hooks where they live.

Then comes the big job: cleaning the garage floor. Lots of yuck can build up since spring cleaning, and this is your chance to wet it down, suds it up, and scrub with a short-bristle push-broom. And after rinsing it down, be sure to use your trusty Kenmore wet/dry vac to sop up what remains!

Clear the Gutters and Downspouts

The accumulated leaves, branches and debris inside your roof gutters and downspouts can keep them from working properly, which can lead to unwanted seepage around your basement or foundation. That’s why it’s important to clean them out regularly, and right now is an excellent time for that. Important: If you’re not 100% confident in climbing a ladder and doing this job yourself, there are almost certainly professional services in your area who are happy to do it. It might not be cheap, but it’s a LOT less than a trip to the ER.

Vacuum Under & Behind Appliances

Aside from routine floor cleaning chores, you also need to get at the places where dust bunnies (and other household pests) go to congregate and multiply. And while you’re back there… cleaning the dust off the compressor coils will help your fridge run more efficiently.

Top Tip: The Kenmore CSV Go™ XL lightweight cordless vacuum includes an EasyReach™ flexing wand that makes it nearly effortless to reach under, around and behind bulky obstacles with the touch of a button.

Dust Off Ceiling Fans and Change Their Rotation

Cleaning the dust that accumulates on the blades of a ceiling fan is one of those jobs that can be a serious effort, if you don’t have the right tools. Or… it’s a simple two-minute task if you have a Kenmore vacuum with an extra-long telescoping wand! And once the fan blades are dust-free, don’t forget to reverse the direction of the fan. In the cooler months, you’ll want the warm air from the heaters vents or radiators drawn upwards and circulated through the room.

Dive Into a Kitchen Deep-Clean

The kitchen is a high-traffic zone that can always benefit from a thorough cleaning. With holiday cooking projects on the horizon, a spotless kitchen is your best friend right now! Start by clearing off and decluttering the countertops and cleaning all surfaces. Wipe down the exterior and interior of your Kenmore refrigerator, microwave, and the cooktop and oven of your range. For a deeper clean, run a cleaning cycle on your dishwasher and the washing machine.

Use a non-abrasive cleaner to give a generous scrubbing to your kitchen sink and faucets. And finally, check the expiration dates and organize pantry items and wipe down its shelves and containers.

Pro Tip: If you’re thinking of tackling the tough job of cleaning the oven interior, remember this… Kenmore electric and gas ranges feature self-cleaning ovens with a steam-clean option!

Rotate That Mattress!

It’s important for the longevity of your every-night mattress to rotate it 180 degrees every six months, providing more even wear. If the last time you did it was during spring cleaning, then (yep!) it’s time to do it again! Also, if your mattress is not a pillowtop or cushion-top style, you’ll also want to flip it over.

Clean Carpets & Upholstery

You really should give your carpets a good, thorough cleaning every six months or so, and right now is just as good a time as any! And if you have pets in your home, you know how much our animal companions can create tough messes on your favorite furniture, 24/7.

But before you think in terms of renting a machine or hiring a service for this occasional cleanup job, you should take a few moments to explore Kenmore’s lineup of carpet cleaners and stain removers. They’re loaded with features, designed for fast and easy use, and more affordable than you might think!

Prepare Your Indoor Air Systems

With cooler temperatures on the way soon, it’s essential to ensure your heating system is ready. Make an appointment with your HVAC service professional to inspect and service your furnace, changing the system filter if needed. If it’s been a while, or you’re not sure who serviced the system last, feel free to contact our friends at Sears Home Services… they can service any brand of whole-house air conditioning or heating system, no matter where you bought it.

Also consider having your air ducts cleaned to remove dust and improve efficiency. You’ll breathe easier!

While you’re at it, this is the perfect time to check those detectors. Test out your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace their batteries if needed. Better safe than sorry!

Organize Closets and Mud Room

Let’s be 100% honest for a second. There’s a fairly good chance you’ve been holding onto more clothing than you actually wear! Go ahead and admit it: a little confession is good for the soul.

But as you’re putting away your summer-season clothes bringing out those old favorite sweaters, hoodies, and jackets, please consider what items you might want to donate or recycle. That same idea applies to kids’ summertime toys and sporting goods. If you don’t need it anymore and no one in your home is planning to use it next year… don’t store it. Find it a new home!

Next Step: Get Comfy

Once you feel like your home is ship-shape and ready to take on the change of seasons, take a moment or two and give your efforts some well-earned appreciation! But if you’d like to take it to the next level and update your indoor décor for a more autumnal vibe, we have a few ideas for making your home environment more “cool-weather cozy,” indoors and out.

By tackling these seasonal household cleanup tasks in early autumn, you’re setting the stage for a comfortable and welcoming home throughout the colder months. Not only does a clean and organized home feel good, but it also promotes a healthy living environment. So, grab your cleaning supplies, put on some upbeat music, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.