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 decorate or entertain over the holidays. And if you experience harsh winter weather, you’ll want to protect your outdoor 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.
In This Article
1. Clear Debris Off Your Roof 2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts 3. Check Outdoor Light Fixtures 4. Wash Windows, Glass Doors, and Screens 5. Inspect and Repair Fencing 6. Get Your Gardens Ready 7. Clean Your Grill 8. Clean Outdoor Furniture 9. Inspect Outdoor Equipment 10. Sweep Patios, Decks, and Porches 11. Remove Leaves From Your Yard 12. Clean and Store Garden Tools and Outdoor Decor FAQs Explore More Cleaning Content
1. Clear Debris Off Your Roof
Supplies Needed
- Ladder or scaffolding
- Roof rake or broom
- Large bucket or garbage can
Instructions
- Set up your ladder or scaffolding on flat ground, and place your bucket or trash can nearby. If you’re using a ladder, have someone hold it steady.
- Use a roof rake or broom to pull leaves and sticks onto you, then drop them into the bucket.
- Repeat this process around your house until the roof is clear.
- If you can’t reach certain spots from the ladder, go onto the roof and rake or sweep the remaining debris into the bucket, working from the top of the roof down to the edge.
PRO TIP:
Clean your house from the top down, and work with gravity instead of against it. Any leaves or sticks that fall from your roof while you clean 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
- Set up your ladder or scaffolding on even ground near the gutter farthest from the downspout, and place a bucket nearby.
- Walk along the gutter, removing leaves, twigs, and debris by hand and dropping them into the bucket. Move your ladder if needed.
- Use a pressure washer or garden hose with a jet setting to clear hard-to-reach debris from the downspouts.
- Rinse the gutters and downspouts with clean water.
3. Check Outdoor Light Fixtures
Supplies Needed
- Bucket
- Clean cloth
- Soft-bristle brush
- Replacement bulbs (if necessary)
Instructions
- Turn off the electricity to avoid shocks.
- Check all lights for damage or burnt bulbs.
- Use a soft brush to clean off cobwebs and dirt.
- Wipe the fixtures with a damp cloth.
- Make sure everything is dry before putting the bulbs back and turning the power on.
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
- Fill a bucket with water and a little dish soap.
- Take out the screens and wash them with soapy water and a sponge, then set them aside to dry.
- Vacuum dirt, dead bugs, and cobwebs from window tracks.
- Use the brush to remove loose dirt and cobwebs.
- Spray the glass doors and windows with window cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
- Put the screens back or store them.
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
- Inspect fences for any loose boards or damage.
- Tighten or replace any loose nails or screws.
- Replace broken or rotten boards.
- 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
- Remove dead plants and weeds from flower beds, vegetable patches, and planters.
- Cut back perennials and add mulch to protect roots during winter.
- Plant bulbs for spring blooms.
7. Clean Your Grill
Supplies Needed
- Grill brush
- Sponge
- Mild dish soap
- Bucket
Instructions
- Disconnect propane tanks (if applicable) and clean the grates with a grill brush.
- Remove any grease buildup and wipe down exterior surfaces.
- 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
- Fill a bucket with water and dish soap.
- Scrub furniture with the brush and soapy solution.
- 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
- Check lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and other equipment for maintenance needs.
- Clean and oil as needed.
- Drain fuel from gas-powered equipment, and charge batteries for battery-operated tools.
- 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
- Place the bucket at one end of your patio, deck, or porch.
- Sweep or blow leaves and debris toward the bucket from the other end to collect them easily.
- If your space is covered, clear away leaves and cobwebs from beams or joists.
11. Remove Leaves From Your Yard
Supplies Needed
- Rake or leaf blower
- Yard waste bags
Instructions
- Rake or blow fallen leaves into piles.
- Bag the leaves for disposal.
- 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
- Walk around your yard and take down wind chimes, light strings, hummingbird feeders, and other decorations that may be damaged by bad weather.
- Gather your garden tools like shears, trowels, and tomato cages. Wash metal tools and decorations with soap and water, then rinse and dry to prevent rust. water spots.
- Brush off dirt from glass or plastic decorations, wash with soap and water, rinse, and let air dry.
- Sharpen blades if needed.
- Keep your tools and decorations in separate bins and store them in a safe place.
FAQs
When should you start fall cleaning?
The time to start fall cleaning varies by your climate and schedule, but it's generally recommended to begin in late summer or early fall while the weather is still nice and the days are longer.
When to clean up a garden in fall?
Remove diseased or dying summer plants as soon as you see them, but wait for the first fall frost to clean your garden and flower beds exhaustively. If your climate doesn't experience frost, begin cleaning when you notice annuals stop producing.
When should I start decorating my house for fall?
Start decorating your house for fall in late summer or early fall when the weather is still pleasant and the days are longer. However, make sure you've cleaned and organized your indoor and outdoor spaces first. This way, you're not adding to the clutter, and your decor won't get unnecessarily dirty.
