It’s coming up on holiday time, or a better way to put it “hibernation time”. Whether it’s inside, outside, or even just your clothes. This is the time to clean. Well, at least it is for me. I will be having both holidays at my house this year. I’ve jotted down a few ideas for me, but figured I’d share them with you. We all may be in the same boat. I’m eco-friendly and guessing you are too, so here are some ways to start the fall season.

• The Heat is On

Before firing up your furnace and/or fireplace it’s very important to make sure that everything is in working order. This will lessen the chance of a problem in the middle of winter! Nobody wants a heat issue when it’s FREEZING out! Start off with the fireplace if you have one. Make sure that everything is clean and functioning. If you haven’t gotten it inspected in a while we would suggest having a professional come in.  If your fireplace damper is damaged or nonexistent, install a chimney balloon to keep warm air in and cold air out of your home.

Replacing or cleaning a furnace filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Before you do, sweep or vacuum the area around your furnace. Regular cleaning or replacing of a furnace filter increases efficiently! It will also help with the allergens in the home!

Finally, inspect caulk around windows and doors to ensure there are no leaks. The last thing you want is the brisk wind sliding through your backdoor! BRR! . Fall is also a good time to venture up to the attic and check on the condition of the insulation.

• The Air In There

Since fall cleaning is ensuring no cold are gets in, you want to make sure the air in your home is as clean as possible! Especially since winter means bye, bye to open windows for fresh air! You should clean or replace the filters of any air purifiers or humidifiers. It doesn’t  hurt to introduce a few new air-purifying houseplants to your home as well. And while you clean, take a good look at your arsenal of cleaning products. Many conventional cleaning remedies contain caustic chemicals– replace them with eco-friendly or DIY sprays!

• Yesterday’s Pit-Stained T-Shirt, Today’s Handmade Draft Stopper

Need more room in your closet for those cozy sweaters! Fall is a great time to go through your wardrobe and decide what stays and what has seen its day! Get rid of old ripped towels! Toss those shirts that have lingering stains! It’s always a great idea to make a trip to a consignment store, and keep old shirts for cleaning rags!

• Nontoxic DIY Cleaners: Now Is the Thyme

Fall’s the time to start prepping the pantry for holiday baking! While figuring out what you have and what needs to be replaced start experimenting! I love to make my own DIY cleaning products. Try recipes that include pantry staples like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice! It’s amazing how well these items use to get your home into tip top shape! It’s all we use in our home– safe for our children and pets!

If you aren’t into DIY cleaners- invest in eco friendly products that aren’t chalked full of unwanted chemicals!

• Other suggestions!

• Flip mattresses
• Inspect (and clean, if needed) the gutters
• Vacuum drapes/window treatments and upholstered furniture
• Clean the “four C’s”: carpets, cupboards, chandeliers, and (refrigerator) coils
• Wipe-down outdoor/patio furniture before storing
• Test smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
• Wash the windows
• Polish the silver
• Drain and store your garden hoses
• Organize your kitchen

Launder all linens and bedding (give cold water washing a shot and/or line drying outdoors before the weather turns too damp/cold).