Autumn Cleaning Checklist: 55 essential cleaning tips

Oct 10, 2024Robin Mather
Pink The Green Co. Cellulose Dish Cloth Getting Used For Autumn Cleaning With White Kitchen Background

As the weather cools down, having an Autumn cleaning checklist is just as important as a Spring cleaning one. Over the summer, dust, pollen, and dirt can build up while you’ve been busy with holidays, BBQs, and outdoor activities. Now is a good time to get your home ready for those cold, blustery (and often rainy!) days stuck inside the house.

Using eco-friendly cleaning products, you can refresh your space while being mindful of the environment. Here's our checklist, focusing on 5 key areas to make your home clean and cosy for the upcoming season.

1. Deep Clean Your Carpets and Rugs  

Carpets and rugs trap dust, allergens, and dirt during summer when windows are open and foot traffic is high. A deep clean removes these particles and prepares your floors for the colder months.

Eco-Friendly Methods for Carpet Cleaning:

Natural or eco-friendly cleaners are a great way to clean carpets without harsh chemicals. Products like our Multipurpose GreenTabs™ dissolve in water and offer a powerful cleaning solution that removes dirt while being kind to the environment.

Steps for Deep Cleaning Carpets:

  1. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove surface dust and dirt. For best results, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

  2. Prepare an eco-friendly cleaning solution by dissolving a multipurpose GreenTab™ in warm water.

  3. Spot-clean stains using the cleaning solution and a soft brush. For spot cleaning, dip a soft brush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the stained area in a circular motion. Blot with a clean, dry cloth to lift the stain, and repeat until the stain is gone. Always test the solution on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t discolour the carpet.  

  4. For a deeper clean, you can rent a carpet cleaner. You could also hire professionals who use environmentally friendly methods.

Care Tips:

  • Let carpets dry fully after cleaning to prevent mould or mildew.

  • Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet before vacuuming to absorb odours naturally.

 

2. Clean the Roof Gutters  

Autumn leaves are beautiful, but they can wreak havoc on your roof gutters if left unchecked. Blocked gutters can cause water damage, leaks, and foundation problems in winter. Cleaning your gutters in autumn helps prevent these issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Gutter Cleaning:

  1. Ensure your safety first. Use a sturdy ladder and wear gloves. Have a helper on hand to hold the ladder steady.

  2. Use a gutter scoop or a small spade to remove leaves and debris from the gutters.

  3. Place the debris in a biodegradable bag for easy disposal.

  4. Use a garden hose to rinse the gutters. This removes leftover dirt and makes sure water flows freely through the down spouts.

Care Tips:

  • Install gutter guards to prevent future build-up of debris.

  • Clean gutters twice a year for best results—once in autumn and once in spring.

 

3. Clean Your Windows  

As the days get shorter and the weather cools, clean windows help bring in more natural light once the dust and smudges that have built up over summer are removed. Autumn is the perfect time for a deep clean of your windows.

Sustainable Window Cleaning Tips:

Use a glass cleaner like our environmentally friendly Glass Cleaner Green Tabs™ for a streak-free clean. It leaves no harmful residues and is gentle on the environment. These dissolvable tabs are a sustainable alternative to traditional bottled cleaners.

Pink Cellulose Dish Cloth with Pink Glass Cleaner GreenTab Getting Used to Autumn Clean Patio Door

Get ready for autumn cleaning with Green Tabs™

 

Steps for Cleaning Windows:

  1. Wipe down window frames and ledges with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.

  2. Prepare your glass cleaner by dissolving a Glass Cleaner GreenTab™ in water and filling the solution in a reusable spray bottle.

  3. Spray the GreenTab™ solution onto the glass. Wipe the windows in circles with a reusable cloth.

  4. Dry with a lint-free cloth for a streak-free finish.

Care Tips:

  • Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks caused by the sun drying the cleaner too quickly.

  • Clean both the inside and outside of windows for the best results.

4. Clean the Fridge and Freezer  

As you prepare for colder months and store more food, it's a good time to deep clean your fridge and freezer. Removing old food will help keep your appliances working well and your food fresh.

Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning the Fridge and Freezer:

  1. Unplug your fridge and freezer, then remove all food items.

  2. Take out any removable shelves, drawers, and trays, and soak them in warm, soapy water.

  3. To remove food spills and stains, wipe down the inside of the fridge and freezer, using a cellulose cloth and the Green Tabs™ Multipurpose Cleaner.

  4. Clean the seals around the doors, as these can trap dirt and grime.

  5. Dry all surfaces thoroughly before replacing the shelves, drawers, and food.

Care Tips:

  • Defrost your freezer if necessary to improve efficiency.

  • Use an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odours naturally.

 

5. Wash Blankets & Bedding  

Autumn is the time to swap out lighter summer bedding for heavier blankets and duvets. Washing blankets and bedding before use refreshes them by removing dust and allergens.

Eco-Friendly Washing Tips:

Use our GreenSheets™ laundry detergent sheets for a gentle, sustainable wash. These sheets dissolve fully in water, leaving no residue. They also cut down on plastic packaging and have multiple fragrances to choose from.

Steps for Washing Blankets & Bedding:

  1. Read the care labels to follow the correct washing instructions.

  2. Wash blankets and bedding in warm water (around 60°C) to kill dust mites.

  3. Use our GreenSheets™ detergent sheets for a sustainable and effective clean.

  4. Dry the bedding thoroughly to prevent mould or mildew growth.

Care Tips:

  • Air-dry heavier items like duvets to avoid damaging the fabric in the dryer.

  • Store extra blankets in breathable bags to keep them fresh until needed.

 

50 Additional Items to Clean This Autumn  

With autumn upon us, now is an ideal opportunity to dive into some deeper cleaning and organisation. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of 50 additional items to clean during this season, ensuring your home remains neat, comfortable, and inviting as the colder months settle in.

Our GreenTabs™ range includes a bathroom tab, kitchen degreaser tab, multipurpose tab, and glass cleaner tab, providing you with a comprehensive solution for all your cleaning needs. With our full range of eco-friendly cleaning products, you can effectively tackle every corner of your home, making it fresh and welcoming for the autumn season.

  1. Organise kitchen pantry
  2. Clean small appliances (Air-fryer, Microwave, Toaster etc.)
  3. Clean counter tops
  4. Wipe down cabinet doors
  5. Clean out refrigerator
  6. Organise and clean your spice rack
  7. Clean out pantry and dispose of expired items
  8. Dust fans
  9. Dust light fixtures
  10. Clean window blinds
  11. Dust baseboards and mouldings
  12. Sweep and mop hard floors
  13. Wipe down indoor plants
  14. Freshen up cushions
  15. Clean laptop keyboards
  16. Clean home office desk
  17. Organise cleaning supplies
  18. Organise craft supplies
  19. Clean makeup brushes
  20. Dust picture frames
  21. Clean bathroom counters
  22. Wash bathroom mats
  23. Wash shower curtains
  24. Descale shower heads
  25. Organise seasonal clothes
  26. Wash bed linens and pillowcases
  27. Dust bookshelf tops
  28. Clean out shoe racks
  29. Organise garage
  30. Clean out shed
  31. Organise toolboxes and drawers
  32. Clean lawn equipment
  33. Sweep outdoor patios
  34. Clean outdoor grill
  35. Clean patio furniture
  36. Wipe down porch and steps
  37. Wash outdoor cushions
  38. Clean car interiors
  39. Wash reusable shopping bags
  40. Wash dog beds
  41. Wash pet toys
  42. Organise pet supplies
  43. Clean entryway surfaces
  44. Wipe down remote controls
  45. Clean out storage bins
  46. Empty and clean your vacuum cleaner
  47. Clean the washing machine drum (run a cycle with vinegar)
  48. Check and replace smoke detector batteries
  49. Sweep the fireplace
  50. Organise kids' toys

     

    By following our autumn cleaning checklist, you can ensure a clean, organised, and inviting space as the weather cools down. Each task contributes to a healthier home environment, reducing allergens and dust build-up, which is particularly important during

    Use eco-friendly products to help protect the environment whilst maintaining a clean home. The Green Company's Green Tabs™ and GreenSheets™ are designed to tackle dirt, grime, and odours without the use of harsh chemicals or single-use plastics. Stock up on eco-friendly cleaning solutions and make your home cosy, clean, and ready for the cooler months ahead.

     

    Join our Facebook community group here! The Happy Clean Club



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