The Fall Refresh
As much as we hate to admit it, Fall is just around the corner. Not that we have anything against Fall, we are just never quite ready to see summer go! As the days get shorter and the first leaves start to crunch under our bicycle tires we begin thinking about preparing our homes for the routines that come with the season, school schedules and gathering inside for football Sundays.
Where is the best place to start? If you ask us it is with the things that will kick up the most dust! Why Fall clean if you are only going to trudge up and down from the basement with your Fall clothes, bedding and boots? Once your closets are done and your beds are striped (to wash or change out for warmer layers) it’s time to get to cleaning.
Our method, when you are trying to decide where to start, is to always start from the top! Ceiling light fixtures and fans, dusting walls and trim, wiping down interior doors, we want to dislodge any dust that is coming from above before we tackle the surfaces below. You will want to give your windows a little extra attention since you will be keeping them open more often while you enjoy the cooler temps and Fall foliage. A tip for some of these higher up chores, use your swiffer pole! It doesn’t always have to hold a disposable pad, you can attach a soft rag and dust out of reach surfaces. In fact we are sure a neighbor or two has seen us dangling our swiffer pole out the window, with a cloth soak in glass cleaner affixed, as we attack the outside of our windows!
Next, move any furniture that does not get moved during your weekly cleaning routine and vacuum under those upholstered furniture cushions and clean underneath area rugs, you never know what you might find! At this point if you are in a bedroom it’s time to give that mattress a spin (by that I mean rotate it!) and a vacuum. Linens, especially if you are changing out for something new, can shed lint so go ahead and make those beds. You’re almost there…give your furniture and cabinetry a little more love than usual, for example, maybe go beyond dusting just the top of the nightstand. If you are changing out any decorative items, new candles, pillows, art pieces now is the time to have fun with it. If not try rearranging the decor you already have to make the room have a different look. Like your light fixtures (that are now gleaming) your decor pieces are the icing of your room so make sure to thoroughly wash them when possible, especially things made of glass or metal so they sparkle! Once you are done running up and down and all around the last thing (aside from the laundry you may have created) that needs your attention are your floors.
We suggest dividing and concurring! Working your house in sections or one room at a time. It will all be worth it when you kick up your feet with a glass of wine and see a beautiful rainbow reflecting off of your favorite vase or your fussiest guest asks you if you redecorated because your house looks so lovely!
