As summer starts to wind down, the days get shorter, and the temperatures get cooler, this is the perfect time to do some essential cleaning jobs around the home. These will help prepare the house for the cold winter months to come and act as a reminder of the regular maintenance steps that should be taken. Here’s a look at five essential fall cleaning tips you can add to your list.
Get Out The Power Washer
Do you have decking or a patio in your front or back yard? If so, fall is the perfect time to give it a good power washing. This helps to bring it back to that like-new condition, bringing out the grain of the wood and colors of the stone. Power washers do an excellent job, not just on the surface dirt and grime, but even on stains and that deep down dirt. If you have wooden fencing, you can even use the power washer on the fence.
Give Your Windows A Good Cleaning
This is also the perfect time of year to give all your windows a good clean, getting rid of the dust, dirt, and grime that have built up during the warm months. An expert guide to cleaning your home’s windows suggest that you clean both the inside and outside of the windows, use a clean microfiber cloth so as not to leave particles on the glass, have a bucket with warm soapy water handy, use a soft sponge if necessary, and get a true sparkle by using vinegar and water mixed (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water).
Giving them a good cleaning now will ensure they stay clear and relatively mess-free until spring when it will be needed again.
Inspect Caulking Around Windows & Doors
As you are cleaning the windows, this is a great opportunity to inspect the caulking. Pay close attention to any signs of cracking, peeling, or missing caulking. This can result in moisture seeping in and air loss – which means your energy bills will increase.
Pack Away Outdoor Furniture & Décor
For those who live in an area of the country that gets a lot of rain, snow, and ice through the winter, you may want to pack away your outdoor furniture and décor. While the materials are meant to handle the outdoors, the often extreme conditions of weather can be very hard on the items. Storing them somewhere dry and sheltered such as a garden shed will help to prolong their lifespan.
The Final Pruning Of The Year
Fall may also signal the final pruning of the year, which will help to encourage plenty of lush and healthy growth next spring. Cutting back overgrown bushes, trees, and plants before it gets too cold is usually a good idea.
The House Is Ready For The Arrival Of Winter
By doing all of these essential clean-up jobs around the house, you’ll be making sure it’s ready to handle everything that winter may throw at it.
