Getting your house clean before winter and the holiday entertaining season starts removes pressure and makes for a more peaceful and relaxed winter. Here are some tasks you should not skip.
Chimneys and Fireplaces
Have your chimney, fireplace, and wood stove cleaned before winter heating season sets in. Creosote buildup causes chimney fires that damage the liner and can start house fires. There may also be bird nests or twig and leaf blockages that occurred over the summer and fall.
The Garage
Garages often become cluttered and disorganized during busy summer and fall seasons. Don’t let the mess carry over into winter when you want to park a vehicle inside. Make sure your winter equipment–from shovels to snowblowers–is accessible and ready to use. Replace or repair them if required.
Evict any pests that have moved in and ensure door weatherstrips seal properly to keep them out. Clean any stains–oil, gas, etc.–off the floor while the weather is still warm.
Under Sinks
Cabinets under sinks contain water lines and drain lines along with as many cleaning products that fit. Take everything out, check for plumbing leaks, and clean well. When replacing the products, organize them to allow air circulation around the pipes to prevent freezing. In very cold climates, leave the cabinet doors cracked to let warm air into the space.
Windows
Clean your windows–inside and outside–before freezing temperatures set in. The sun is not up as long in the winter; nor is it as bright and warm. Clean windows allow more light and warmth into the house.
Closets
Even with the doors closed, closets and the clothes in them accumulate dust. They also attract moths. You may be moving your wardrobe anyway–replacing summer clothes with winter clothes. Take the opportunity to clean the closet, throw out or donate old clothes, and reorganize. Wash summer clothing before storing it away to remove dust, dirt, and moth eggs.
Pantry and Cabinet Shelves
Fall is a good time to check baking and food supplies on pantry and cabinet shelves. Take them down and check “best before” dates. Throw out anything that is stale-dated and make a list of items to be replaced. Clean the shelves, walls, and cabinets–then restock the shelves, adding new products as required.
Large Appliances
Refrigerators, stoves, washers, and dryers should be pulled away from the wall. Dust, dirt, food, and lint collect behind them and under them. Make sure you clean the cooling coil on the back of the refrigerator to extend its lifespan and save energy.
Dishwashers are difficult to move. Take off the front kick panel and mop and/or vacuum underneath without disturbing the water lines and electrical connections.
Curtains
Curtains collect dust and dirt when the windows are open. Also cooking grease and smoke. Take them down to wash or dry clean before the Christmas tree goes up. Check the tag for cleaning instructions.
Seasonal Items
Replace summer clothing and footwear with winter clothes. Wash all items before storing them and repair any damage. This is a good time to declutter and throw out or donate clothing, boots, and sporting equipment that your family has outgrown or no longer uses.
Outdoor Furniture and Pots
Wash and scrub the dirt and grime off outdoor furniture. Let it dry and store it in the garage or shed–if available. If necessary, buy outdoor furniture covers that can be properly secured against wind and snow.
Empty the dirt out of all flower pots. Wash and scrub them to eliminate any remaining dirt and to prevent diseases that might overwinter. Store pots in the garage or shed. If you have to leave them outside make sure they are weighted down.
