Fall Cleaning by Kimberly Vetrano

Autumn is almost here and the holidays are fast approaching. The cool, crisp weather makes it an ideal time to get some much needed cleaning done both inside and outside of your home. Fall cleaning is often a ritual in most homes. Not only is it a necessity but having a clean home from top to bottom helps to create a fresh and relaxing atmosphere in your home and it will help you prepare for the upcoming holiday gatherings.

Fall cleaning can seem like an overwhelming task. To make things easier on yourself focus on just one area of your home at a time. Start with the outside of your home now that the weather is cooler. The cool weather makes it a great time to get outside cleaning and repairs done before the colder weather sets in.

Some cleaning suggestions for the outside of your home are;

- Clean outdoor toys, umbrellas and outdoor furniture and store them away.
- Touch up paint on your railings, decks and trim. Use a wire brush to remove flaking and peeling paint. Use weather sealants on exposed wood.
- Check the sealants and weather stripping around your windows and doors. Repair any damaged sealants.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned.
- Wash exterior windows and doors.
- Drain out garden hoses of any excess water and store them away.
- Check your gutters to make sure they are clear of leaves and other debris.

Cleaning the inside of your home will require more time and effort. This is a great time to divide the chores among your family members. Even small children can be given simple tasks to complete. Tackle one room at a time to make things easier. Always remember to clean from the top to the bottom.

- Use an apron or small bucket to keep all your cleaning supplies handy and easy to move from one area to the next.
- Before cleaning a room, move all the furniture from the walls so that it is easier for you to clean and vacuum the walls behind them. Also remove any rugs and shake them to remover dirt, dust and debris.
- Industry experts suggest that you have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year. Check your local paper for any fall cleaning specials. As an added benefit your carpet will be beautiful for your holiday gatherings.
- Clean your light fixtures, chandeliers and ceiling fans. Replace light bulbs if necessary.
- Check your smoke detectors. Make sure they are free and clear of dust so they work more efficiently. Canned air is great for removing dust from inside the detectors. Put fresh batteries in and check to make sure that the detectors are functioning properly. Also consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detector if you don’t already own one.
- Remove cob webs from the corner of the rooms using a damp cloth wrapped around your broom. The damp cloth acts as a magnet to make the cobweb cling to it and make it easier to remove.
- Wash or vacuum your curtains and valances.
- Vacuum and wash off your walls. Use left over paint to touch up any areas that are marked or chipped.
- Thoroughly vacuum all heating ducts and air vents. Replace filters if necessary.
- Shake out mats and rugs. Consider using a mat at your front door. Mats will catch much of the dirt and keep it from finding its way into your home. Another suggestion would be to have people remove their shoes before entering your home.
- Check your pantry and cupboards for any expired foods. Clean off the shelves. Consider giving away any food you do not plan on using before the end of the year to a food pantry. This time of year extra food is in great need to help feed those who are less fortunate.
- Check your holiday cooking and baking supplies. Replenish spice racks and stock up on the necessities so that you are well prepared for holiday baking and cooking.
- Remove clutter from your home. If you have clothing you have not worn in six months or more consider donating it to a homeless shelter or a battered women shelter. If you have larger items such as furniture, toys or other house wares that you truly do not have a need for anyone consider offering them to your local Freeshare/Freecycle group. You can also have a garage sale to get rid of unneeded items and raise some extra money for holiday spending.
- Have your family members try on winter coats and boots. If they no longer fit consider donating them to those in need.
- Flip over mattresses, wash all bedding and clean and vacuum under all the beds in your home. Spiders love to live in dark cluttered places.
- Clean off your fine china and polish your silverware so that there is one less thing you have to worry about before holiday gatherings.
- Vacuum your furniture or have it professionally cleaned if needed. Make sure to move your furniture around and remove cushions to vacuum underneath and around everything.
- Clean interior windows. Check for any cracks or openings and have them repaired. Make sure your windows have a tight seal to keep heat from escaping your home and cold air from entering. - Pull your refrigerator away from the wall and vacuum underneath it and around it. Use the vacuum to clean off the condenser coils. You can also use a long narrow brush or a tooth brush to reach hard to reach places.
- Check your dryer’s exhaust tube for breakage or built up. Remove lint from the vents.
- Unpack your seasonal clothing and have it washed or dry cleaned. Clean and pack away your summer clothing.
- Clean off free standing fans and pack them away for the season.
- Do an inventory on cold weather supplies and necessities and replenish anything you might need such as rock salt, mittens, snow shovels and winter boots.
- Clean out your medicine cabinet of expired medications. Stock up on things you might need during the winter months so you don’t need to venture out to the pharmacy on a cold winter night.
- Now is a good time to create a “snowed in” box of fun. Purchase family games, art supplies, DVD’s and more. Take advantage of end of the season garage sales and clearance sections at local stores to get some fun things your family can do in case of a snow storm. Also check that you have plenty of batteries for your flashlights in case of a power outage.

Having a fresh clean home gives you a jump start on the holidays and gives you one less thing to worry about as you gear up for holiday gatherings and shopping. Fall cleaning helps to make your home smell fresh, clean and healthy for you and your family. It is also nice to have a clean home when you find yourself trapped inside during the long, cold winter months.

Honey Bee

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Wild Rabbit

My family found this adorable little rabbit at Nyack Beach State Park (NY). You cannot tell from the photo but the poor thing had a bite mark on the other side of his neck. He was very comfortable with us getting close to him which I found interesting.