As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisper, it's time to get your home ready for the autumn season. Autumn is all about cosiness, warm hues, and inviting scents. So why not prepare your home to reflect that same atmosphere? Here’s your ultimate autumn cleaning checklist to help you transition smoothly and make your home the perfect sanctuary for the cooler months ahead.
Our Favourite Autumnal Scents and Cleaning Products
Nothing says autumn quite like the aromas that fill the air during this season. Incorporating autumnal scents into your cleaning routine not only freshens up your space but also can lift your mood and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Here are some of our favourite scents and corresponding cleaning products to make your home smell like autumn:
- Pumpkin Spice: Opt for multi-surface cleaners with a pumpkin spice fragrance to make your whole house smell like a cosy café.
- Cinnamon and Clove: These scents are perfect for diffusers and scented candles. They also make fantastic additions to DIY cleaning sprays.
- Apple and Cinnamon: This combination is great for kitchen cleaners. Use a gentle, natural cleaner with apple and cinnamon essential oils to leave your kitchen smelling delicious.
- Vanilla and Nutmeg: Ideal for room sprays and fabric fresheners, these scents add a comforting touch to any room.
Organise Your Wardrobe
One of the first steps in getting your home autumn-ready is organising your wardrobe. It’s time to bid farewell to your summer attire and make room for cosy jumpers, scarves, and boots.
- Sort Through Your Clothes: Start by going through your summer clothes. Decide what you want to keep, donate, or put away.
- Deep Clean Wardrobes: Before hanging up your autumn/winter clothes, give your wardrobe and drawers a good clean. Hoover the floors, dust the shelves, and wipe down any surfaces.
- Swap Clothes: Store your summer clothing in vacuum-sealed bags or containers to save space. Bring out your autumn and winter clothes and organise them by type and colour for easy access.
- Check Winter Gear: Get out your winter gear like coats, gloves, and hats. Make sure everything is clean and in good condition.
Clean Windows
Natural light becomes even more precious as the days grow shorter. Clean windows can make a significant difference in how much light enters your home, impacting your overall mood and energy levels.
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need a bucket, window cleaner, a squeegee, and some microfibre cloths.
- Remove Dust and Dirt: Start by dusting the window frame and sill.
- Clean the Glass: Spray your window cleaner onto the glass and use the squeegee to remove it, working from top to bottom. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe away any streaks.
Dust Furniture and Surfaces
Autumn is prime time for allergies, especially with dust and pollen that may have accumulated over the summer. A thorough dusting can help alleviate some of these issues.
- Start High, Go Low: Always dust from top to bottom, so you don’t have to re-clean surfaces. Ceiling fans, light fixtures, and tops of cabinets should be tackled first.
- Use Microfibre Cloths: These are perfect for trapping dust without just spreading it around.
- Polish Wood Furniture: Use a wood polish that complements the autumn scents in your home. A touch of lemon and lavender can make the room feel fresh and clean.
- Don't Forget the Nooks and Crannies: Make sure to dust baseboards, window sills, and other often-overlooked areas.
Additional Autumn Cleaning Tips
Hoover Regularly
Your carpet and rugs can trap a lot of dust, dirt, and allergens. Hoovering at least once a week can help keep these under control. Don’t forget to hoover under and behind furniture where dust tends to accumulate.
Clean the Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, it’s time to clean it out in preparation for those chilly autumn nights. Remove old ashes, clean the glass doors, and ensure the chimney is clear and functioning properly.
Declutter
Autumn is a great time to do a bit of decluttering. Go through old magazines, mail, and other items that may have piled up over the summer.
Rotate Bedding
Swap your lightweight summer bedding for warmer, cosier options. Wash and store your summer quilts and bring out your heavier duvets and blankets. Don’t forget to flip your mattress too.
Create a Cosy Atmosphere
Now that your home is clean and organised, it’s time to add those little touches that make autumn so special. Think soft throws, fluffy pillows, and candles with those favourite autumnal scents.
Final Thoughts
Getting your home ready for autumn doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With this comprehensive checklist, you can tackle one area at a time, making the process more manageable and even enjoyable. By incorporating these autumnal scents and following these steps, you’ll create a warm, inviting space that’s perfect for enjoying the beauty of the season. Happy autumn cleaning!
