We've all heard of spring cleaning, but spring isn't the only time of the year your home needs a deep cleaning. The beginning of autumn is a great time to refresh your house before the busy holiday season.

Outdoor Tasks

The long days of summer are over, so now's a good time to put away your sporting equipment and outdoor furnishings. If you're leaving your patio furniture outdoors, make sure to clean it thoroughly before covering it with waterproof covers. Drain your garden hoses before you reel them up to store for the winter, and make sure none of your outdoor faucets are leaking. After you're finished in the yard, grab your ladder and inspect the roof. Clean out your gutters, downspouts, and drains, and schedule a roof inspection if you notice loose shingles or other possible issues.

Indoor Deep Cleaning

You'll be spending more time indoors when cooler weather arrives, so get your house ready by performing a thorough cleaning. In addition to your normal cleaning tasks, focus on areas that are often overlooked. Clean your bedding, pillows, and drapes, rotate your mattresses, and add heavier sheets to the beds to keep your family members warm on cold nights.

Continue your cleaning spree by heading into the kitchen. Vacuum underneath the refrigerator to clean the coils, and scrub the inside of your refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave. Your holiday baking will be more pleasant if you can easily find what you need, so take the time to organize your cabinets and donate any items you're not using.

Safety Concerns

There's nothing more important than your family's safety. While you're cleaning, pay special attention to areas that can be safety hazards. Check your dryer exhaust tube and vents, and remove any built-up debris to reduce the risk of a fire. Now's also a great time to get your furnace inspected to make sure it will work well on that first chilly night.

Your fall cleaning list might be long, but you'll get through the list more quickly if the whole family works together!