Fall Cleaning: The Underrated Home Refresh

Spring cleaning gets all the glory, but let’s be real—by the time fall rolls around, your house has seen sunscreen spills, dirty feet, popsicle drips, and maybe a few rogue water balloons that didn’t quite survive the summer. Now the pumpkins are out, the kids are back in school, and cooler evenings (or at least the hope of them) make this the perfect season to give your home a good reset.

Think of it as tidying up before the chaos of the holidays. A little effort now creates that cozy, welcoming vibe we all crave when evenings get darker and the couch gets extra appealing. Plus, many of the things we forget to clean all year? They’re the very things that can make your home feel a little “off.” Let’s fix that before you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner.

Here are some often-overlooked fall cleaning tasks—made just slightly less dreadful.

Small but Mighty Tasks

Make Carpet Stains Disappear
Carpet spots are like bad roommates—they stick around way longer than you’d like if you ignore them. Luckily, all you need is warm water, a stain spray, and an old toothbrush. Dab, scrub, and voilà—the mysterious “juice stain” from July is gone, and your living room no longer smells faintly… suspicious.

Board Game Rehab
Your Monopoly box has seen better days, and let’s be honest, no one needs three versions of Scrabble. Take half an hour to sort through your game shelf. Toss broken boxes, reunite stray pawns, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, transfer game pieces into clear bins (snip the logos off the boxes so you still know what’s what). Suddenly your family game night will feel less like a trip to the attic and more like a curated event.

Microwave Spa Day
That spaghetti sauce explosion you swore you’d clean last month? Time’s up. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a splash of vinegar, nuke it for four minutes, then wipe everything down. It’s oddly satisfying to banish those orange splatters, like power-washing a house but smaller and less judgmental.

Toaster Crumb Clean-Out
Your toaster is basically quietly hoarding a loaf’s worth of crumbs. Pull the tray and empty it before it evolves into kindling. Your bagel will still toast, but without the faint whiff of “burnt mystery.”

Fridge Vent Dust Busting
If your fridge is making weird noises, it might not be haunted. Odds are the vent is clogged with dust and pet hair. Vacuum it clean, and you’ll help your refrigerator run efficiently and save yourself from an unexpected appliance repair bill. I always forget this one.

Bigger, But Oh-So Worth It Jobs

Conquer Shower Door Stains
Hard water stains have a way of making clear glass look like frosted glass—except not on purpose. A good scrub will restore some sparkle, and if you add a quick squeegee swipe after each shower, you can actually keep it that way. Suggestion: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water with a tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray it generously on the glass, let it sit 10–15 minutes (more for really tough stains), then scrub gently with a microfiber cloth or non-scratch pad. Rinse and squeegee for a streak-free shine. This combo is powerful for both soap scum and hard water spots

Dust Fans and Vents
Flip those ceiling fans to clockwise so they push warm air down in cooler months. But first? Dust the blades so you’re not snowing allergy fluff all over your clean living room. While you’re at it, vacuum your intake vents. Your lungs (and heater) will thank you.

Give Your Washing Machine a Facial
Your washer takes care of your clothes daily, but when was the last time you took care of it? Run a hot cycle with vinegar or cleanser, wipe down the gasket, and clean the trap. It keeps odors away and extends your machine’s life. Win-win. Suggestion: A great fall cleaning tip for your dishwasher is to start by removing and washing the filter with warm soapy water, since grease and food bits can easily clog it. Next, place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack and run a hot water cycle (no dishes or detergent); the vinegar will break down odors, food residue, and mineral deposits

The Oven Reality Check
Yes, it’s a greasy, smelly job. Yes, nobody likes it. But think ahead to Thanksgiving: do you want your turkey infused with six months of burnt pizza rolls? Scrub it now (or hit that self-clean button) before heavy cooking season arrives.

Dishwasher Filter TLC
Your dishwasher filter’s job is to trap the gross stuff so your plates come out sparkling. If it’s never been cleaned, well… it’s not doing its job. Rinse and scrub, and suddenly your kitchen stops smelling suspicious after every “clean” cycle.

Linen Cabinet Upgrade
Bundle a full sheet set together so you can grab it in one go. Less sheet wrestling = less time spent arguing about which fitted sheet actually belongs on your bed. Labeling the shelves for sizes is the next-level move (your future self will applaud).

The Real Takeaway

Fall cleaning isn’t glamorous, but it’s like a tune-up for your home. Do it now, and not only will your space look better, it’ll feel better: warmer, fresher, and ready for company. Plus, once you’ve tackled these chores, you get to sit back with hot cider and binge your favorite series guilt-free.

After all, isn’t that the whole point?

Susie

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Because your next chapter should be about joy—not worry. 💛

Susie | Real Estate Agent Serving clients in Washington for 20+ Years

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