I started my day today with a cup of coffee; a routine of easing into my day that I am striving to do on a more frequent basis.  As I drank my coffee, my mind wondered through my “to do” list.  First, what I needed to accomplish today; then it morphed into what needs to be done in the coming week and month.  The list expanded as I looked out of my window into my yard: it’s time to pull out my “Fall Cleaning” lists.

For me, Fall is always a time of mixed feelings:  I love the change of color we experience at this time of year: but I also begin feeling a loss for the outdoor activities (and warm weather) I enjoy.  I miss seeing my “summer fixtures” in the yard and by my front door; but I also like the feeling of deep-cleaning my home and getting rid of the stale smells and allergens in the air that have collected as a result of closed windows and air conditioning.

We’re bound to have one or two warm, sunny fall-like days before the chill of the season sets in.  So on one of those sunny days I’m going to open my windows, let the fresh air in, and start cleaning.  Here are a few lists you might find useful when doing your own fall cleaning.

When it comes to cleaning your home, if you prefer to clean with natural cleaners rather than chemicals, here are a few recipes to mix some of your own natural cleaners (Better Homes and Gardens, October 2017 issue):

• Multipurpose Spray:  1-1/2 cups hot water + 3 Tbsp Castile soap
• Scrub:  3/4 cup backing soda + 1/4 cup Castile soap + 1 Tbsp warm water
• Window Cleaner:  2 cups warm water + 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1/4 cup white vinegar + 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
• Carpet Stain Remover:  2 cups warm water + 1 Tbsp Castile soap + 1 Tbsp white vinegar

*Castile soap can be found at Target and Wal-Mart.

Deep-Cleaning Your Home
This list may seem daunting at first, but take one item at a time and before you know it, you’ve worked through the list.

• Vacuum drapes and window treatments.  Clean window sills.  Vacuum baseboards and corners.  (And don’t forget to wash the windows, interior and exterior.)
• Move furniture and vacuum beneath and behind it.   To freshen upholstery:  sprinkle baking soda on it with a cheese shaker.  Let it sit at least 15 minutes or overnight; vacuum.
• Launder or clean all bedding:  mattress pads, pillows, blankets, comforters.   Use the baking soda to freshen your mattresses also.  Vacuuming the mattress will remove dust and allergen build-up.  This is also a good time to rotate your mattress to even out the wear of it.
• Pull appliances (stove, refrrigerator, washer dryer, etc) away from the walls.  Vacuum cobwebs and dust bunnies that have collected in the space.
• What about those light fixtures?  Cleaning glass fixtures and wiping the bulbs (when they are cool, of course) will improve the lighting in the room.
• When’s the last time you looked at the corners and the ceilings in each room?   Vacuuming will help you clean these areas easily.   Otherwise, attach a clean cloth to the bristle end of your broom to remove the cobwebs.
• Clean or replace your humidifier.
• Replace your furnace filter frequently throughout the year to help reduce the amount of allergens in your home.  This would be a good time of year to do it, if you haven’t done it yet this year.
• Check dryer exhaust tube and vent for built-up lint, debris.  Make sure the exterior vent door closes tightly when it’s  not in use to prevent birds from building nests, etc.

Also, be sure to clean your vacuum cleaner of lint, dust, etc., often as you are moving from room-to-room.  This will ensure your vacuum cleaner is working at its best to deep clean the carpets, drapes, mattresses, etc.

Check our August Blog which talks about the timing of staining and painting exterior surfaces.  Our Autumn Checklist will help you wrap up your summertime activities and prepare your yard for the winter season.

If you’re planning on selling your home yet this fall or before the end of the year, these lists can help you prepare your home for the  sale.  If you know anyone who is looking to buy or sell their home, please let me know.  I’d appreciate your referral!

Next month’s blog:  What Should You Do Before Leaving for Vacation?

Berni Halaas, REALTOR®
New Century Real Estate and
Interiors by Berni
“Going Above and Beyond to Make YOUR DREAMS Come True”