5 Things for Your Home and Fall To-Do List

You probably give your home a deep clean in the spring, but you should also show it some love at the beginning of fall. Here’s where to start:

1. Perform a pantry audit.

First, remove all the cans and boxes from the shelves, and vacuum away any lingering dust or crumbs (a lot can build up in a few months!). Then, inspect each item, tossing anything that is expired or past its prime. Consult this shelf-life chart as a helpful guide.

2. Test smoke detectors and clean vents/ducts.

You already know to put fresh batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (doing it on the days you change the clocks for Daylight Saving Time is an easy way to remember). If any are more than 10 years old, replace them. But you also need to clean your dryer vents & air ducts, since dust that accumulates can cause them to underperform or start a house fire!

3. Flip your mattress.

When you turn back your clocks, turn your mattress over, too. If you can’t flip it because it has a pillowtop, rotate it 180 degrees to prevent body impressions form causing certain spots to slump. Sprinkle the mattress with baking soda to neutralize odors, and then vacuum it up.

4. Clean your rugs and carpet.

Get a jump on holiday party season by giving your rugs and carpeting a good scrub. We recommend getting a professional cleaning once a year to keep up.

5. Vacuum all upholstered surfaces.

You think your couch is clean until you plop on it, and a haze of dust appears around you. Give sofas and chairs a good vacuuming, making sure to hit both sides of the cushions, the back, sides, arms, and even the platform underneath the cushions. We also recommend getting a professional upholstery cleaning once a year.

Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a25733/fall-cleaning-tasks/