When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, it’s more than just a change of season - it’s a fresh start for your home. Autumn is the perfect time to tackle a deep clean before the holidays arrive, while the weather is still mild and daylight hours are manageable.
The secret to getting it done without feeling overwhelmed? A focused, room-by-room weekend plan that leaves your entire home refreshed by Sunday night.
Why Is an Autumn Reset Important?
Unlike spring cleaning, which often involves opening windows and scrubbing away winter’s dust, fall cleaning is about preparing your home for more time indoors. By giving every room a targeted refresh now, you can improve air quality, make spaces more inviting, and set the stage for holiday gatherings - without scrambling in December.
Day 1: Inside the Core Spaces
Morning:
How Do You Deep Clean Bedrooms in Autumn?
Start in the rooms where you begin and end your day.
- Wash all bedding, including blankets and duvets
- Flip or rotate mattresses to extend their life
- Dust high areas like fan blades, curtain rods, and wardrobe tops
What Should You Clean in Bathrooms for Fall?
- Scrub grout lines and reseal if needed
- Descale showerheads and faucets
- Wash or replace shower curtains
- Wipe down the exhaust fan cover to clear hidden lint
Afternoon:
How to Do a Fall Kitchen Deep Clean
The kitchen gets heavy holiday use - tackle it early & give it some extra love:
- Clean cabinet fronts and tops
- Empty and disinfect the fridge
- Degrease the stovetop and oven
- Run a dishwasher cleaning cycle
- Mop floors and wipe baseboards
Day 2: Living Spaces, Entryways, and Outdoor Touch-Ups
Morning:
How to Refresh Living Rooms and Dining Areas
- Vacuum under and behind furniture
- Wash or vacuum curtains and drapes
- Dust electronics, décor, high shelves, and crown molding
- Wash throw pillow covers and blankets
Pro tip: Use a telescopic duster for ceiling corners and fans—no ladder needed.
Afternoon:
What to Clean in Entryways and Outdoors for Fall
- Shake out or replace doormats
- Wipe doors, handles, and light fixtures
- Clear cobwebs from porch ceilings
- Clean exterior windows for more natural light
Autumn Reset Pro Tips
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Work in time blocks. Give yourself two to three hours for each area - enough time to make an impact without burning out.
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Start high, finish low. Always dust from the top down so dirt doesn’t fall on freshly cleaned surfaces.
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Use multi-purpose tools. A telescopic cleaning kit can help you tackle high corners, ceiling fans, and window exteriors without dragging a ladder from room to room.
How Often should I do an Autumn Reset?
A full autumn reset is best done once a year, ideally in late September or October. For high-traffic homes, plan a mini version mid-winter to keep dust and clutter from building up.
In short: The autumn reset is your opportunity to set your home up for a comfortable, organized, and welcoming season. By breaking it into manageable chunks, you can transform your space in just one weekend - and enjoy the results all season long.
Ready to make the high spots the easiest part of your autumn cleaning? The Extend-A-Reach High-Reach Cleaning Kit gives you safe, ladder-free access to ceilings, fans, and windows - so your weekend clean is faster and safer.
Autumn Reset Cleaning FAQ
What is an autumn reset cleaning?
An autumn reset is a seasonal deep clean that prepares your home for more time indoors. Unlike spring cleaning, it focuses on air quality, cozy spaces, and holiday readiness.
How do I clean my house in one weekend?
Break it into time blocks:
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Day 1: Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen
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Day 2: Living room, dining area, entryway, outdoor spaces
Work in 2–3 hour chunks per area to stay productive without burning out.
What should I clean first in fall?
Start with bedrooms and bathrooms—the spaces you use daily. Then move on to the kitchen before tackling shared areas like living rooms and entryways.
Do I need special tools for fall cleaning?
No—but multi-purpose tools like a telescopic cleaning kit make the process safer and faster. They help clean high ceilings, fans, and exterior windows without ladders.