The spring season gets all of the attention when it comes to cleaning our homes. However, you should be cleaning more than once a year. Fall is a perfect time to do some home cleaning and maintenance tasks. The temperatures are starting to cool off, making it the perfect time to do home projects. Make sure these five home areas are on your autumn cleaning checklist.

1. Clean Your Kitchen Appliances: As you prepare for hearty fall meals, give your kitchen appliances a little TLC. You should clean your oven at least every three months. However, most people need to do it more often than this. If you see food spills or smell burning while cooking, you should clean it. The majority of modern ovens are self-cleaning, so this task should be as simple as a few pushes of the buttons. Or, if you prefer to do it yourself, rather than dealing with unpleasant fumes from chemical sprays, make your own mixture of baking soda and water. Spread the paste over the gunk on the inside of your oven. Let it sit overnight, and wipe it off the following day. Then use white vinegar to wipe down the inside of your oven. Additionally, deep clean the interior and exterior of your stovetop, microwave, and refrigerator. Wipe down surfaces and handles to remove grease and spills.

2. Replace Air Conditioning Filters: HVAC filters should get replaced every three months. Throughout the spring and summer, your filters worked hard to trap dust and pollen. While changing the filters, grab your vacuum and clean the built-up dust and lint that gets caught in your vents and ducts. This improves the air quality of your home during the winter months when it is too cold to open windows and air out your home. While you’re at it, consider scheduling a professional HVAC inspection to ensure your system is running smoothly. And don’t forget about cleaning the air ducts, which can accumulate dust and allergens over time.

3. Deep Clean Your Carpets and Upholstery: The cooler fall temperatures and lower humidity make this the perfect time for deep cleaning your carpets, paying particular attention to high-traffic areas and corners. Open the windows to air out the house and help the carpets dry. If you don’t need heavy cleaning, spread baking soda to absorb funky odors and then vacuum it up. You need a carpet cleaner to wash the carpets if you have stains. Allow the carpets to dry well to ensure they don’t get musty or harbor mildew. For upholstery, gently vacuum and spot-clean any stains. This will not only enhance the appearance of your home, but also improve indoor air quality as you spend more time inside.

4. Wash and Store Summer Bedding: If you own summer and winter bedding, fall is the time to switch them out. Launder your summer bedding so it is clean and ready for winter storage. Bring out your fall and winter bedding and get it ready for use. Before you dress the bed, you should clean your mattress. You should clean your mattress every six months. Sprinkle baking soda and let it sit for at least eight hours. After this, you can vacuum it, and your bed is ready for the cooler months.

5. Wash Windows and Window Treatments: The changing leaves outside deserve a clear and unobstructed view from your windows. Bid farewell to the grime and dust that may have accumulated on them during the summer months. Start by giving your windows a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. Don’t forget to clean the window sills and tracks as well, as these areas can trap dirt. Additionally, take this opportunity to launder or dry clean your window treatments, such as curtains and blinds, to ensure they’re fresh and free from allergens. Clean windows allow more natural light to filter in, brightening your space during fall’s shorter days.

As you tackle these five essential areas, you’ll be setting the stage for a cozy and inviting autumn season indoors. Fall cleaning not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home, but also contributes to a healthier and more comfortable living environment. With a refreshed living space, you’ll be ready to embrace the joys of fall – from festive feasts with family to simple, quiet moments spent with loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, gather your cleaning supplies, and embark on a revitalizing journey to prepare your home for the beauty and serenity of autumn.