10 Things You Should Clean Every Fall—From Closets to Gutters

While spring has a reputation for being the ultimate time to deep clean your home, each season has its own specific must-dos when it comes to caring for your space. When the summer heat breaks and fall is on the horizon, it's time to prepare the interior and exterior of your home for fallen foliage, colder weather, and even snow. To ensure you stay on top of autumn's most important maintenance tasks, we're sharing our complete fall cleaning checklist.

Gutters

You should clean your gutters twice a year—once in spring and again in fall. "It’s super important that you prioritize cleaning your gutters in the fall," says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. "Throughout these months, the leaves and twigs are falling off the trees and accumulate in your gutters. Cleaning them can prevent clogging and ensures that rainwater and melted snow can run freely." If you skip this task, the built-up debris and water can freeze as temperatures drop, and melted snow can seep through your roof and cause water damage.  

HVAC Filters

Cleaning your HVAC filters during spring is a must. "You want to ensure clean air is circulating in your home, so at the very least you should clean or change your air filters every three months," says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. "Check them every month to determine if they need to be replaced. If the filter is completely covered in dust and or debris, it’s time to change them." Your system works harder when the filters are dirty, so not cleaning them can can lead to higher energy bills, as well as compromised health.

Outdoor Furniture

During summer months, outdoor furniture can build up with debris, stains, and even mildew due to frequent use and exposure to the elements. "To increase the lifespan of outdoor furniture, it should be cleaned in the fall," says Cohoon. "Also, depending on the furniture, it will likely need to be stored for the winter, so giving these pieces a deep clean before putting them away for two seasons will save you time in the spring."  

Chimney

Cleaning your chimney before peak heating season is important for safety reasons. Creosote, a byproduct that comes from burning wood, can build up in your chimney where it stays until it's removed. Servicing your chimney before fall decreases the chance of a chimney fire, says Cohoon. "Cleaning your chimney can also save you money," she says. "When the chimney is clean, it allows for a more efficient combustion and the airflow is better."

Windows

Windows should be cleaned in spring and fall to prevent dust, pollen, and more grime from building up on the glass and screens. "Dust and grime accumulate daily and it’s worth staying on top of the build-up as it can degrade the window glass if it is left for an extended period of time," says Cohoon. Additionally, clean windows allow more light in, making them more energy efficient. 

Patios, Driveways, and Walkways

During summer, hardscapes can build up with excess debris, thanks to increased time spent outdoors grilling, gardening, and beyond. Restore your front and back patio, driveway, and walkways to their former glory before snowy winter weather arrives power washing these areas to remove dirt.

Closets

If you don't have room for multiple seasons of clothing in your closet, fall is a great time to downsize. "Maximize your space by getting rid of or donating clothes that you haven’t worn in a long time," says Cohoon. "When you have room to hang clothes in your closet, you won’t have any reason to pile your clothes in visible areas of your bedroom." If you have clothes in your closet you don't have room for, but don't want to part with, consider storing them in the basement or elsewhere until next season.

Outdoor Cleanup

Your yard will also need some attention come fall. Remove any weeds and trim back overgrown trees and shrubs, says Cohoon. Additionally, you should ensure your yard is ready for fall and winter weather by aerating your lawn, filling in dead patches of grass, mulching garden beds, and fertilizing your plants. All of these tasks will make maintenance easier come spring.

Dust

While dusting is something you should do regularly throughout the year, fall is a great time to dedicate the day to dusting your entire home. "When temperatures drop, you’ll likely find yourself spending more time indoors, so it’s important you take the time to clean off surfaces that accumulate dust," says Cohoon. "This will improve indoor air quality and decrease indoor allergens."

Light Fixtures

Lighting is essential in any home, but it's especially relied on during colder months when the days are shorter. "Take the time to dust all light fixtures and replace bulbs as needed," says Cohoon.