Fall Cleaning Checklist: How to Prep Your Home Before Winter Hits

September 10, 2025

Why Fall Cleaning Matters

When the temperatures drop in Utah, families start spending more time indoors. That means dust, dirt, and clutter build up quickly—and a messy house can make the long winter months feel even more stressful.

Fall is the perfect time to reset your home. With holidays on the horizon and cozy nights ahead, a seasonal deep clean helps improve air quality, reduce allergens, and create a warm, welcoming space for family and guests.

At Clean Home Happy Home, we’ve put together this fall cleaning checklist to help homeowners prepare their homes for the colder season ahead.

🧹 Step 1: Tackle Dust and Allergens

As heaters start running and windows stay closed, dust and allergens circulate more.

Fall Dusting Checklist:

  • Wipe ceiling fans and light fixtures
  • Clean vents and replace HVAC filters
  • Dust baseboards, shelves, and window sills
  • Vacuum upholstery and behind furniture

💡 Pro Tip: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and improve indoor air quality.

🪟 Step 2: Wash Windows and Blinds

Summer pollen, dirt, and smudges can build up on windows. Before winter sets in, give your windows and blinds a thorough clean.

  • Wash window panes, inside and out
  • Wipe down blinds or curtains
  • Clean window tracks and frames

✨ Clean windows let in more natural light, making shorter fall days feel brighter.

🛏️ Step 3: Refresh Bedrooms

Cooler weather means swapping out bedding and creating cozy spaces for sleep.

Bedroom Fall Reset:

  • Wash or dry-clean comforters, blankets, and pillow covers
  • Rotate mattresses and vacuum underneath
  • Switch lightweight summer bedding for warmer options
  • Organize closets and donate outgrown clothes

🍽️ Step 4: Deep Clean the Kitchen

The holiday season means more cooking and baking. Get your kitchen guest-ready now.

Kitchen Fall Checklist:

  • Clean oven, stovetop, and microwave
  • Wipe inside the fridge and freezer
  • Sanitize counters, cabinets, and drawers
  • Scrub sinks and faucets
  • Wash trash cans and disinfect handles

💡 Pro Tip: Organize your pantry so baking supplies, snacks, and canned goods are easy to find before the holidays.

🚪 Step 5: Entryway & Mudroom Reset

Fall in Utah means muddy shoes, wet coats, and backpacks piling up. Organize your entryway to keep the mess contained.

  • Add a boot tray or rug for shoes
  • Wipe down walls and doors
  • Provide hooks for coats and backpacks
  • Use baskets or bins for gloves, hats, and scarves

👟 This small step makes a huge difference in keeping the rest of your home clean.

🛁 Step 6: Bathrooms Deep Clean

Bathrooms need extra attention before winter when more guests are visiting.

  • Scrub grout, tubs, and showers
  • Clean behind toilets and sinks
  • Wash shower curtains or liners
  • Restock toiletries and fresh towels

🪑 Step 7: Living Room & High-Traffic Areas

Your living room is the heart of the home during colder months.

Focus on:

  • Vacuuming couches and chairs
  • Cleaning under and behind furniture
  • Dusting entertainment centers and remotes
  • Washing throw blankets and pillow covers

🦠 Don’t forget to sanitize remotes, door handles, and light switches—these are germ hot spots.

🌬️ Step 8: Seasonal Maintenance Tasks

Cleaning isn’t just about surfaces—it’s also about preparing your home for winter.

  • Replace air filters
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Reverse ceiling fan direction (to push warm air down)
  • Clean gutters to prevent ice buildup

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting until the holidays to clean—do it now before the rush
  • Ignoring high-touch areas (like switches and remotes)
  • Forgetting deep cleaning under appliances
  • Skipping HVAC filter changes—bad for both air quality and energy bills

💬 Why Fall Cleaning Makes a Difference

A clean home makes fall and winter more enjoyable. You’ll breathe easier, stay healthier, and feel more at peace as you spend more time indoors.

Plus, if you’re hosting family for the holidays, you’ll be ready without the last-minute panic.

📞 Ready for a Stress-Free Fall?

At Clean Home Happy Home, we specialize in seasonal deep cleans for families across Northern Utah. Whether you need a quick reset or a full fall cleaning package, our professional team is here to make your home cozy, fresh, and guest-ready.

✔️ Local, trusted cleaners
✔️ Flexible scheduling
✔️ 100% satisfaction guarantee

📱 Call or text us today at 385-335-9697
🌐 Or book online at www.getacleaninglady.com

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