It's starting to feel a lot like winter. October saw us finally getting the cold weather we expect for this time of year, along with a wet and wild storm or two. But now that the clocks have gone back and the nights are drawing in, we can see that it’s officially time to get our homes winter-ready.
And, no, I’m not talking about stocking the cupboard with emergency essentials or storm-proofing your windows. I'm focussing on cleaning jobs that you can do quickly and easily without taking over your weekend.
From making it feel warmer to keeping the muck and grime of winter weather firmly outdoors, these are the essential cleaning jobs to tackle this November.
Behind large furniture
Sounds niche and random, but it’s an often overlooked spot. As windows stay closed and the heating comes on, dust can become more noticeable around the home. Not only does it make the pace look mucky, but it also causes allergies to flare up.
Pull sofas and beds away from the wall if it’s safe to do so, then vacuum behind and underneath them, taking care around cables and plugs. If furniture is too heavy to move, use a long-reach vacuum attachment to get as far underneath as you can.
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Ceiling light fittings and lampshades
We rely more on lamps and indoor lighting as the evenings draw in, which makes dusty shades and cobwebs easier to spot – and all the more annoying.
Switch the light off and let bulbs cool before cleaning; use a long-handled duster or a clean, dry microfibre cloth on fittings and lampshades. Check the care instructions before washing fabric shades and don’t spray cleaner directly on to a light fitting.
Windows, inside and out
With fewer daylight hours, clean glass can help make the most of the natural light that does come in – and it’s easier to spot fingerprints and rain marks when the sky is already looking a bit grey. Start by dusting the frames and sills so you don’t spread grit across the glass, then use a suitable glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to wipe the panes, drying them well to reduce streaks.
Don’t forget the corners and the inside of the frames, where dust and cobwebs can collect. Clean outside panes only if you can reach them safely from the ground. Leave upper-storey windows to a professional.
Blankets and throws
As the evenings get colder, blankets and throws tend to move from the back of the cupboard to firmly on the sofa, spare bed or favourite armchair. Before they become part of your daily routine, give them a refresh: they may have picked up dust while stored away or they might carry crumbs, pet hair and everyday marks from last season. Check the care label first, as wool, fleece and delicate fabrics can need different treatment. Wash them at the recommended temperature with a suitable detergent and use a gentle cycle if the label advises it.
For throws that only need a quick freshen-up, shake them outside to loosen dust, then use a lint roller or the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to lift pet hair and crumbs. Spot-clean marks according to the care label rather than scrubbing at them, which can damage the fibres. Air the blanket outdoors on a dry day, if the label allows, or dry it indoors somewhere well-ventilated. Make sure it is completely dry before folding it or putting it back on the bed or sofa as damp fabric can develop a musty smell that is far from cosy.
Fridge and freezer
November is a handy time to make room before the larger food shops and festive leftovers begin to appear. Take food out in sections, check use-by dates and wipe shelves and drawers with warm, soapy water, then dry them before replacing everything.
Clean the door seals gently with a soft cloth so crumbs and spills don’t collect there; only defrost the freezer if it needs it and the manufacturer’s instructions allow it.
Doormats
November’s wet leaves and muddy pavements can turn the hallway into a trail of footprints, so it’s worth giving your doormats a proper clean before the mess builds up. Take indoor mats outside and shake them firmly to loosen grit, then vacuum both sides and the floor underneath. If the mat is washable, follow its care label; natural-fibre mats such as coir usually shouldn’t be soaked, so check the manufacturer’s advice before using water.
For outdoor mats, brush off dried mud and leaves first, then scrub with a stiff brush and a little soapy water if the material allows. Rinse away any residue and leave the mat somewhere airy to dry completely before putting it back. A damp mat can transfer moisture indoors, so clean it on a dry day if you can. While it’s up, wipe the doorstep and threshold, too, where grit and leaf debris often collect.
Fireplace or log burner
If you’re planning to use your fireplace or log burner more often this month, give the whole area a tidy before the first proper fire of the season. Make sure the appliance is completely cold, then remove old ash and debris according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t use a household vacuum on ash unless it’s specifically designed for the job, as fine particles can damage it or escape back into the room. Put ash in a suitable metal container and keep it outside, away from the house and anything that could catch fire, until you’re certain it’s fully cold.
Wipe the hearth and, if you have a stove, clean the glass with a product made for that surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners or tools that could scratch it, and check the appliance instructions before cleaning inside. It’s also a good time to book a qualified chimney sweep if one is due, as soot and debris can build up in a chimney or flue while it’s not in use. Finally, check that your logs are dry and store them somewhere ventilated – away from the stove or an open fire.
