As the leaves start to fall and the days get shorter, it’s time to prepare for the cold months ahead. But before you pull out the heavy-duty sweaters and cozy blankets, consider doing an autumn cleaning. Like spring cleaning, giving your home a deep clean in the fall can help you and your family transition smoothly into the winter season. Below, we explain why you should prepare for winter with an autumn cleaning and share some tips on decluttering and cleaning your home before winter sets in.

The Benefits of a Pre-Winter Deep Clean

Autumn cleaning is more than just a routine chore: it’s an opportunity to ensure the health and safety of your home. Here are a few reasons why a deep clean in the fall is essential:

Improved indoor air quality: As you close up your house for the winter, it’s important to clean all surfaces, as well as heating vents and air filters, to prevent the accumulation of dust and allergens.

Eliminating clutter: A clutter-free environment can help reduce stress levels and make it easier to find everyday items. Plus, decluttering now means less stuff to deal with during spring cleaning.

Preparing for holiday guests: With the holiday season approaching, you’ll want to ensure your home is clean and welcoming for friends and family who may visit.

How To Autumn Clean Like a Pro

Now that we’ve established the benefits of an autumn cleaning, let’s dive into how to tackle this seasonal task:

Decluttering Your Home

Start by decluttering the main living spaces of your home. As a working mother, you likely have plenty of items that are no longer needed or used. It’s also wise to declutter your basement and other storage spaces to make breaking out the holiday decorations easier for the rest of the year.

Deep Cleaning Your Home

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to thoroughly clean. Here are a few tips for tackling the most common household areas:

Kitchen: Clean your refrigerator and pantry and discard expired items. Then, scrub down all surfaces, including the oven and stovetop. Don’t forget to clean the inside of cabinets and drawers.

Bathroom: Use a disinfectant cleaner to deep clean your toilet, sink, shower, or bathtub. Don’t forget to wash bath mats, shower curtains, and towels.

Living Room: Dust all surfaces and vacuum carpets and furniture. Consider having your upholstered furniture professionally cleaned for a fresh start to the winter season.

Bedrooms: Wash all bedding and rotate your mattress. Consider decluttering dressers and nightstands to ensure you have everything for a cozy winter bedroom.

By completing an autumn cleaning, you’ll be much more prepared for winter and ensure a cozy and inviting environment for your family throughout the winter months. All that’s left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. Happy cleaning!