The Exhaustive Fall Cleaning Checklist for Homeowners

Why Fall Cleaning is Non-Negotiable in Chicagoland

Summer in Chicago comes to a close with long beach days behind us, kids back in school, and cooler nights rolling in. But fall isn’t just about cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice — it’s the most important time of year to get your home ready for winter.

Between freezing temps, holiday hosting, and higher fire risks, neglecting fall cleaning can lead to serious issues: frozen pipes, clogged gutters, mildew, poor indoor air quality, and even fire hazards. That’s why we’ve put together this cornerstone checklist — a thorough room-by-room and exterior-to-interior guide designed specifically for homeowners in Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and Oak Park–River Forest.

Inside Your Home

1. Windows

• Wipe down glass panes with streak-free cleaner.
• Dust or vacuum borders and window sills.
• Check seals for drafts before the chill sets in.

2. Walls

• Dust and wash walls with mild soap.
• Pay attention to corners where cobwebs collect.

3. Furniture & Upholstery

• Vacuum furniture thoroughly, including crevices.
• Remove pet hair, crumbs, and allergens.
• Schedule professional upholstery cleaning for stain removal and deep sanitization.

4. HVAC Vents & Filters

• Dust registers and replace furnace filters.
• Clean vents to improve air quality before heating season.

5. Bathrooms

• Scrub tile and grout using baking soda or vinegar (skip vinegar on marble).
• Check for mold or mildew buildup and treat immediately.

6. Carpeting

• Vacuum weekly, but deep clean seasonally.
• Professional carpet cleaning removes bacteria, stains, and allergens.

7. Refrigerator

• Toss expired summer condiments and leftovers.
• Remove shelves and soak them.
• Clean interior with a bacteria-killing solution.

8. Safety Devices

• Dust, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Test alarms — winter fire risks increase significantly.

9. Chimneys & Fireplaces

• Schedule a chimney sweep before using.
• Inspect for creosote buildup, which is a major fire hazard.

10. Attic

• Declutter and organize storage.
• Inspect for rodents or water leaks.

11. Cupboards & Light Fixtures

• Wipe down shelves and pantry items.
• Dust and clean all ceiling and wall-mounted fixtures.

Outside Your Home

1. Weather Stripping & Caulking

• Inspect seals on windows and doors.
• Replace damaged strips to prevent drafts and high heating bills.

2. Gutters & Downspouts

• Clear leaves and debris before freezing temps.
• Prevent water backups that cause ice dams and roof damage.

3. Patio Furniture

• Wash and dry furniture before storing.
• Ensure cushions are cleaned and packed away to avoid mildew.

4. Landscaping

• Trim trees and shrubs to protect against winter breakage.
• Rake and remove leaves to encourage healthy spring growth.

5. Faucets & Hoses

• Shut off exterior water supply.
• Drain hoses and store them indoors to avoid frozen pipes.

Why Choose ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

When it comes to preparing your home for winter, some tasks require more than DIY effort. That’s where we come in:

• 40+ years of local expertise in Chicagoland.
• Nation’s oldest restoration brand, founded in Chicago in 1929.
• IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer and Master Textile Restorer on staff.
• Proud members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA).
• Award-winning firm, recognized as a 2025 Inc. 5000 Honoree, 2024 Chicago Star Award winner, and 2020 BBB Torch Award recipient.

Our services include:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning Services

Call to Action

Get ahead of fall cleaning today. Don’t wait until snow is on the ground or your furnace is overworked. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons helps homeowners across Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Oak Park, and beyond protect their homes before winter.

Call us at (773) 376-1110 (Chicago & North Shore) or (847) 316-9145 (Lake County).

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a multi-award-winning, MBE/WBE-certified disaster restoration and cleaning company serving Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County. Owned by Sam Simon (IICRC Master Restorer, author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset) and Nasutsa Mabwa (CEO, 2025 Inc. 5000 Honoree), our company combines local trust with national legacy.

We proudly serve neighborhoods across Logan Square, Bucktown, Lincoln Park, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Lake Bluff, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Glenview, Oak Park, and River Forest.

FAQ

Q: How often should I do a full home cleaning?
Ideally, once per season. Fall cleaning is especially critical before winter.

Q: Can I clean carpets and upholstery myself?
Basic vacuuming is fine, but professional cleaning removes allergens, bacteria, and deep stains.

Q: What’s the most important outdoor task in fall?
Cleaning gutters and sealing drafts are top priorities in Chicagoland.

Q: Do you offer both residential and commercial cleaning?
Yes, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons serves both homeowners and businesses.