Fall House Cleaning

AlabamaDeb · Fall House Cleaning

Fall House Cleaning
As the Autumn Equinox approaches, the leaves start to change their colors, the
night comes upon us sooner, and the temperatures begin to cool down. This triggers the
reminder that soon our time will be spent mostly indoors. Now is the time to begin our
fall cleaning. Since we all battle with too much to do in usually very little time, you
should start with the rooms most used then move on to the remaining rooms where
cleaning is most needed. Plan on cleaning a day each weekend or a few evenings each
week till the task is done. Below is a guide, room by room of the deep cleaning chores
you should consider getting done before the winter drives us fully indoors.

Kitchen
Start with cleaning the oven.
Clean the ceilings and walls (especially in the kitchen so any grease does not build
up).
Move and clean under and behind the refrigerator and stove.
Clean out the freezer and refrigerator of the food that has been forgotten.
Clean the interior of the freezer and refrigerator.
Wash any ceiling light covers that may be found in the kitchen.
Wash the curtains and/or dust the blinds.
Wash the windows.
Wash those potholders and aprons.
Go through your canned and dry goods. Does it have dust on it? Then, you’ll probably
never use it. Away it should go.
Wash and wax the floors if needed.

Living Spaces
Dust light bulbs.
Clean the lampshades and ceiling light covers.
Dust the blades of the ceiling fans.
Vacuum your books.
Clean the ceilings, walls and floors.
Wash the curtains. Check if they need to be dry cleaned; if so place them without
any hardware in the dryer on an air cycle with no heat. This will get the dust out
without bringing dry cleaning fumes into your home.
Wash any blinds or shades.
Wash the mirrors.
Polish the metals (silver, copper, or brass).
Clean under and behind any heavy furniture.
Dust the knickknacks and furniture.
Wax any wood furniture now.
Empty and clean the closets, cabinets, curios and drawers.
Wash the windows.
Shampoo the rugs and upholstery.
Wash any throws.
Air your toss pillows in the dryer on an air cycle with no heat. Adding a damp hand
towel will help rid them of some dirt.

Crumble some lavender onto the rugs (for cleansing and the sweet smell) after they
have dried from shampooing and give a last vacuum.

Bathrooms
Wash the ceilings, walls and floors.
Wash the sinks and tub. Check the plumbing traps for hair and goo that has
accumulated.
Wash the shower doors or take down the shower curtain and wash it. If it is really
bad then consider replacing it.
Dust the light bulbs and wash the light covers.
Empty the drawers, vanity and cabinets. Check the expiration dates on any meds you
may have accumulated.
Wash the mirrors.
Wash any mats on the floor.
Clean the floors.

Bedrooms
Wash the ceilings and walls.
Move any heavy furniture including the bed to clean under and behind.
Wash the windows.
Wash any mirrors.
Wash the curtains or if they are dry clean only, throw them in the dryer on an air
with no heat cycle.
Wash the shades or blinds.
Turn mattresses and vacuum.
Wash the dust ruffle.
Air the pillows in the dryer on an air with no heat cycle.
Dust and wash any knickknacks.
Dust the furniture and wax any wood now.
Empty and clean all of the drawers, cabinets, wardrobes and closets.
Make way for your fall/winter wardrobe. Check your spring/summer wardrobe now for
the clothes you just don’t wear. Why keep them?
Wash (or air toss) your comforters, throws, quilts and blankets. Make a sachet for
the dryer using a muslin sachet and add a tablespoon of basil (purification), cinnamon
(wealth), marjoram (protection), rosemary (love), and lavender (peacefulness).
Clean and polish your jewelry. Also, polish any silver, copper or brass in this
room.
Vacuum the floor.
Shampoo the rugs and upholstery.

Other
Clean out your garage.
Sweep and mop the garage floor.
Wash your front door.
Sweep the entry area to your front door including the ceiling if there is a porch.
Wash your windows from the outside.
Pour a line of salt along the edge of your thresholds such as your front door and
windowsills for protection.
Clean debris out of your drains and gutters.

Here is a list of some other herbs you may want to use during your fall cleaning. These
can be made into sachets for the dryer, hung in closets or placed under cushions and
pillows. You can also crumble and sprinkle them on the floor then, sweeping them or
vacuuming them up. For a full list refer to Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs.

Mullein- to banish negativity and nightmares
Periwinkle-Protection
Skullcap-relaxation
Yarrow-love
Meadowsweet-peace
Horsetail-fertility
Myrrh-healing

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