10 Household Spots to Clean Before You Start Decorating for Fall
Declutter, dust, and sanitize your space before the busy season ahead.
While summer décor is always fresh and fun, nothing compares to the cozy look of a porch flanked by glowing jack-o’-lanterns, a fall mantel topped with dried foliage, or a couch bookended by plaid pillows. Replacing vibrant colors and beachy accents with muted hues and harvest-inspired adornments is a surefire way to give your living space a warm, welcoming feel just in time for the holidays. But before you turn your home into a dreamy autumn oasis, you’ll need to clear away the dust, debris, and clutter that accumulated over the summer months.
Giving your house a thorough cleaning before setting up your fall décor isn’t just a metaphorical way to pave the way for a new season. If you don’t wipe away the grime before putting out your decorations, they’ll sit on a pile of dust and dirt (and pick up even more of it) for months. A clean slate will make your autumn runners, faux leaves, and mini pumpkins feel fresh and intentions for the cooler months. “By cleaning first, you not only ensure that the spaces are safely prepared to house your décor, but you also give yourself a clear vision of where and how you want to stage your fall furnishings,” says Mona Murahwa, professional cleaner and founder of Cleaning Mama.
So, before you hang up your fall wreaths and set out your fall centerpieces, these are the household spots you should clean first.
After cleaning your home, read up on these fall decorating tips and ideas:
Front Porch
Since your front porch will probably be decked out in pumpkins and mums all season long, you’ll need a tidy base. Murahwa suggests sweeping away the dirt, leaves, and twigs, hosing down the area, and scrubbing the surface with warm, soapy water. Rinse your porch and let it fully dry before adding your fall décor.
Kitchen Counter
Although your kitchen counters are a great place to showcase fall floral arrangements, pumpkin-scented candles, and other seasonal décor, these surfaces house a great deal of crumbs and grime, so you’ll need to wipe them down with a microfiber cloth and a material-specific cleaning product first.
Dining Table
If you plan on draping a fall tablecloth over your dining table or topping it with seasonal flowers, grab your microfiber cloth, and get scrubbing. A dirty surface won’t just look messy, but the grime will also cling to the bottom of your décor. Again, the type of cleaner you use depends on the type of table you have, whether it’s wood, marble, or glass.
Mantel
Your mantel is the perfect spot to suspend autumn garlands, but a dusty coating will render it useless. “If you’re trying to hang something, dust will make it harder for the adhesive to stay and easier for the décor to fall and break,” Murahwa says. Run a microfiber cloth over the surface to pick up all the tiny, loose particles.
Couch
Before you pile on the fall-inspired pillows and fuzzy throw blankets, give your couch an autumn refresh. After removing the summery pillow covers, vacuum the cushions and the floor beneath it to zap all the crumbs, dirt, and pet hair. If you notice any stains that surfaced over the summer, spot-treat them accordingly.
Coffee Table
As the center of your living room, your coffee table is a prime spot to highlight some of your smaller fall decorations. Oftentimes, though, your accent table is already covered in clutter. After removing and storing any out-of-season items, use a duster or microfiber cloth to get rid of the dusty layer underneath.
Rugs
Whether you’re replacing your rug with a fall-themed one, adding an autumnal runner, or leaving your carpet as it is, vacuuming the dirt, dust, and debris is a must before the seasons change. As you vacuum, pay special attention to the spots underneath furniture. If your carpet could benefit from a deep clean, now is the perfect time for it.
Windows
If you’re hanging fall décor from your windows, wipe down the interior and exterior with warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Murahwa recommends leaving the solution on for a few minutes before rinsing it, so it’ll penetrate all the gunk. Once it’s clean, let it dry completely. “If the surface is even a little damp, the adhesive will not stay long,” Murahwa says.
Shelves
Just like your counters and tables, tackling the clutter, dust, and grime from your shelves is essential before you can start decorating for the season. The process is the same: Store your summer items, donate what you no longer need or use, and remove the dust. If the surfaces are especially dirty, a handheld vacuum and a disinfectant might help.
Patio
If you’re transitioning your porch for the cooler weather, clear away the leaves, dirt, and twigs with a broom. Then, using a pressure washer or some warm water and mild dish soap, scrub away the stains and stuck-on bits. Before storing your summer cushions and setting out your fall décor, make sure the setup is entirely dry.
Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
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