Why clean in autumn
In winter, windows stay closed, washing is dried indoors, and the heating runs for hours. Dust, moisture and smells build up. A thorough autumn clean removes dust before it's circulated by the heating, deals with mould-prone areas before condensation season, and prepares the outside of the house for wind, rain and leaves.
Outside the house
Start outside while the weather is still mild:
- Clear gutters and downpipes once most leaves have fallen – see our gutter cleaning guide
- Sweep and clear leaves from paths, patios and drains to prevent slippery algae
- Clean and store garden furniture and cushions – see cleaning garden furniture
- Clean and cover the barbecue, and store gas bottles safely outdoors
- Book a final exterior window clean before winter weather
- Check outside lights so paths are safe on dark evenings
Heating, chimneys and stoves
Clean inside radiators before the heating goes on for the season – it stops the burnt-dust smell and reduces dust circulating in the house. See how to clean radiators. Bleed radiators that are cold at the top.
If you have a wood burner or open fire, book the chimney sweep before the first fire of the season, and clean the stove glass and hearth – see cleaning a log burner and fireplace. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Condensation and mould prevention
Winter is peak season for condensation and black mould. Before it starts, clean any existing mould from window reveals, bathroom sealant and behind furniture on external walls. Check extractor fans work and clean their covers. Open trickle vents, and move furniture slightly away from cold external walls.
Set up a plan for drying washing – outside on dry days, in a vented tumble dryer, or in one room with a window ajar or a dehumidifier. Our guide to removing mould from walls and ceilings explains the safe way to clean it and how to stop it returning.
Get quotes from local cleaners
Inside the house
Then work through the house:
- Wash or air duvets and switch to winter bedding – see washing pillows and duvets
- Vacuum curtains and clean blinds, which hold dust over winter
- Clean windows inside so you get the most daylight on short days
- Deep clean the oven and hob before the busy Christmas cooking season
- Vacuum under beds and sofas, and clean behind radiators
- Dust light fittings and lampshades, which you'll use much more
- Declutter coat racks and shoe areas before muddy weather
Entrances and floors
Most winter dirt comes in on shoes. Put a heavy-duty doormat outside and a washable mat inside every entrance, and set up a shoe rack. Hard floors in hallways and kitchens need mopping more often in winter. Consider a carpet clean in autumn to start the season fresh, or in late winter to remove ground-in mud and salt – see how often carpets should be cleaned.
Professional help
An autumn deep clean – with oven cleaning and carpet cleaning added – is a popular booking in October and November, ahead of Christmas. Window cleaners and gutter cleaners also get busy in autumn, so book early. For the festive season itself, see preparing your home for Christmas, and for the rest of the year, our spring cleaning checklist.
