The Ultimate Fall Cleaning Checklist

While spring gets most of the attention when it comes to deep cleaning, fall is also a fantastic time to tidy up your outdoors. This is especially true if you’re planning to incorporate autumnal decor or entertain over the holidays. And if you experience harsh winter weather, you’ll want to protect your outdoor furniture investments.

We created an easy-to-follow checklist of all the cleaning tasks needed for spruced-up, clutter-free outdoor spaces this fall.*

*NOTE: We recommend wearing goggles, gloves, hearing protection, close-toed shoes, and other safety gear when completing cleaning projects—especially if power tools, heavy equipment, and chemicals are involved.

1. Clear Debris Off Your Roof

Supplies Needed

• Ladder or scaffolding
• Roof rake or broom
• Large bucket or garbage can

Instructions

1. Position your ladder or scaffolding on level ground (if you’re using a ladder, ask someone to hold it steady), and place the bucket or garbage can close.
2. Use your roof rake or broom to pull sticks and leaves toward you, then drop them into the waiting bucket.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2, working in sections around your house until your roof is cleared off.
4. If you can’t reach certain spots from your ladder, climb up onto the roof and rake or sweep the remaining debris into the bucket. Work from the top of the roof down to the edge.

PRO TIP:
We suggest cleaning your house from the top down, and working with gravity instead of against it. Any leaves or sticks that fall from your roof while you’re cleaning can be grabbed in the later, lower-to-the-ground chores.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Supplies Needed

• Ladder or scaffolding
• Garden hose or pressure washer with gutter-cleaning attachment
• Large bucket or garbage can

Instructions

1. Set up your ladder or scaffolding on level ground by the end of the gutter furthest from the downspout, and place your bucket nearby.
2. Move along the gutter toward the downspout, scooping out leaves, twigs, and larger bits of debris by hand and dropping them into the bucket. Then, reposition your ladder as needed.
3. Remove hard-to-reach debris from downspouts with your pressure washer or the jet setting on your garden hose.
4. Rinse gutters and downspouts with clean water.

3. Check Outdoor Light Fixtures

Supplies Needed

• Bucket
• Clean cloth
• Soft-bristle brush
• Replacement bulbs (if necessary)

Instructions

1. Disconnect the electricity so you don't get shocked.
2. Inspect all fixtures for any damage or burnt-out bulbs.
3. Use a soft brush to remove any cobwebs or loose debris from the fixtures.
4. Dip the cloth in a bucket of clean water and wipe away dirt and dust.
5. Let the lights dry completely before replacing bulbs and reconnecting the electricity.

4. Wash Windows, Glass Doors, and Screens

Supplies Needed

• Bucket
• Mild dish soap
• Sponge
• Garden hose
• Dry vacuum cleaner
• Soft-bristle brush
• Window cleaner
• Microfiber cloths

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with water and a bit of dish soap.
2. Remove screens and wash them with soapy water and sponge. Set them aside to air-dry.
3. Vacuum window tracks to remove dead insects, dirt, and other wedged-in debris.
4. Use the brush to remove loose dirt and cobwebs.
5. Spray glass doors and window panes with the window cleaner, then wipe it off with the microfiber cloth.
6. Reinstall the screens or put them in storage.

5. Inspect and Repair Fencing

Supplies Needed

• Screwdriver (or impact drill) and screws
• Hammer and nails
• Fence pickets
• Wood stain or sealant
• Paint brushes or rollers

Instructions

1. Inspect fences for any loose boards or damage.
2. Tighten or replace any loose nails or screws.
3. Replace broken or rotten boards.
4. Apply wood stain or sealant if needed.

6. Get Your Gardens Ready

Supplies Needed

• Pruning shears
• Garden trowel
• Mulch
• Bulbs (if planting a winter garden)

Instructions

1. Remove dead plants and weeds from flower beds, vegetable patches, and planters.
2. Cut back perennials and add mulch to protect roots during winter.
3. Plant bulbs for spring blooms.

7. Clean Your Grill

Supplies Needed

• Grill brush
• Sponge
• Mild dish soap
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Disconnect propane tanks (if applicable) and clean the grates with a grill brush.
2. Remove any grease buildup and wipe down exterior surfaces.
3. Cover the grill or pull it into storage.

8. Clean Outdoor Furniture

Supplies Needed

• Bucket
• Mild dish soap
• Soft-bristle brush
• Garden hose
• Furniture covers

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with water and dish soap.
2. Scrub furniture with the brush and soapy solution.
3. Rinse thoroughly and let it air-dry completely before storing or covering.

9. Inspect Outdoor Equipment

Supplies Needed

• Oil
• Cleaning cloth
• Tools for minor repairs (screwdriver, wrench, etc.)

Instructions

1. Check lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and other equipment for maintenance needs.
2. Clean and oil as needed.
3. Drain fuel from gas-powered equipment, and charge batteries for battery-operated tools.
4. Store in a dry location for the winter.

10. Sweep Patios, Decks, and Porches

Supplies Needed

• Broom or leaf blower
• Bucket or garbage bin

Instructions

1. Place the bucket or garbage can at one end of your patio, deck, or porch.
2. Starting at the opposite end of your space, sweep or blow leaves and debris toward the bucket (this makes collecting easier).
3. If you have a covered space, sweep or blow out any leaves or cobwebs hiding around beams or joists.

11. Remove Leaves From Your Yard

Supplies Needed

• Rake or leaf blower
• Yard waste bags

Instructions

1. Rake or blow fallen leaves into piles.
2. Bag the leaves for disposal.
3. Place bags by the curb if your city has a pickup service.

Alternative mulching method: You can mow your leaves and leave the mulched-up pieces on your grass as extra nutrients. Just make sure to raise your lawnmower blade to its highest point and remove the bag attachment (if applicable) beforehand.

12. Clean and Store Garden Tools and Outdoor Decor

Supplies Needed

• Bucket
• Mild dish soap
• Soft-bristle brush
• Garden hose
• Towel
• Paintbrush
• Sharpening tools
• Storage bins with lids or furniture with built-in storage

Instructions

1. Walk around your property and remove wind chimes, light strands, hummingbird feeders, and other decor that cannot withstand harsh weather.
2. Collect garden tools and accessories like sheers, trowels, and tomato cages.
3. Clean metal tools and decor with soapy water, then rinse and towel-dry them to prevent rust or water spots.
4. Brush loose debris off glass or plastic decor, scrub them with soapy water, rinse, then let them air-dry.
5. Sharpen blades as needed.
6. Place tools and decor in separate storage bins and store them in your garage, shed, or covered area on your porch or patio.