Guide
The fall cleaning checklist for a cozy winter.
Fall cleaning is less about spring's fresh-start energy and more about getting the house sealed, heated and deep-cleaned before everyone is shut inside for months. A little effort now pays off all winter.
A fall cleaning checklist focuses on preparing the home for winter: deep clean before windows close for the season, service and dust heating systems and vents, reverse ceiling fans, weatherproof drafts, swap and store seasonal items, and handle the once-a-year deep tasks like carpets and upholstery before the house is shut up for the cold months.
Prep the heating
Before the furnace runs all day, clean what it pushes air through.
- Replace HVAC filters and vacuum vents and returns
- Dust radiators or baseboard heaters
- Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise to push warm air down
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries
Seal and weatherproof
Catch the drafts now while it is still comfortable to work.
- Check weatherstripping on doors and windows
- Clean window tracks and sills before closing them for the season
- Wash windows inside and out for the last warm-weather chance
Once-a-year deep tasks
Do the big deep-clean jobs before the house is sealed up.
- Shampoo carpets and upholstery while you can still air-dry with windows open
- Wash curtains and drapes
- Deep clean the kitchen, including inside the oven before holiday cooking
- Flip and rotate mattresses
Seasonal swap
- Store summer items; bring out cold-weather bedding and gear
- Clean and put away patio furniture and grills
- Declutter and donate before the holidays
Rather hand it off? ShowMeClean NWA handles all of this across Barry County and Table Rock Lake. Get a free quote or call (417) 846-1234.
Common questions
Frequently asked
Spring cleaning is a fresh-start deep clean; fall cleaning focuses on prepping the home for winter, including heating, weatherproofing and deep tasks done before the house is closed up.
Early to mid fall, before you rely on the heat and before holiday hosting. It is easier to deep clean and air the house out while the weather is still mild.
Running fans clockwise on low pushes warm air that collects at the ceiling back down into the room, which helps heating efficiency.