Preparing Your London Home for Winter: Fall Cleaning Checklist

Fall in London, Ontario means beautiful foliage, cooler temperatures, and the need to prepare your home for another harsh Canadian winter. Proper fall cleaning and maintenance protect your home from weather damage and can significantly reduce heating costs.

Why Fall Cleaning Matters in London

London winters are tough on homes. We face freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and the dreaded freeze-thaw cycles that cause damage. Proper fall preparation prevents costly repairs and keeps your home comfortable all winter.

Exterior Fall Cleaning Tasks

Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture

• Wash patio furniture thoroughly
• Dry completely before storing
• Cover or store in garage/shed
• Clean and roll up outdoor rugs

Gutter Cleaning

London's mature trees drop massive amounts of leaves. Clogged gutters lead to ice dams and water damage.

• Remove all leaves and debris
• Flush gutters with hose
• Check downspouts drain away from foundation
• Consider gutter guards for future protection

Window Cleaning and Inspection

• Clean exterior windows before cold weather
• Check caulking around windows
• Replace worn weather stripping
• Consider window film for insulation

Deck and Patio Maintenance

• Sweep and wash deck/patio
• Check for loose boards or stones
• Apply sealant if needed (before temperature drops)
• Store or cover grill

Interior Fall Cleaning Tasks

HVAC System Preparation

Your furnace will work hard all winter. Prepare it properly:

• Replace furnace filter
• Have furnace professionally serviced
• Clean air vents and registers
• Test thermostat
• Consider programmable thermostat for savings

Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery

Before tracking in winter salt and snow:

• Professional carpet cleaning
• Steam clean upholstery
• Treat stains before they set
• Apply carpet protector

Fireplace and Chimney

If you have a fireplace:

• Have chimney professionally cleaned and inspected
• Check damper operation
• Stock firewood (store away from house)
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Window Treatments

• Wash or dry clean curtains
• Dust blinds thoroughly
• Consider thermal curtains for insulation
• Check for drafts around windows

Kitchen and Pantry

• Deep clean refrigerator and freezer
• Check and organize pantry
• Clean oven thoroughly
• Organize for holiday cooking

Bathroom Deep Clean

• Scrub tile and grout
• Clean exhaust fans
• Check caulking around tub/shower
• Organize under sinks

Bedroom Preparation

• Wash all bedding including mattress covers
• Rotate or flip mattresses
• Switch to warmer bedding
• Clean under beds

Basement and Storage Areas

Basement Inspection

• Check for moisture or leaks
• Clean floor drains
• Organize storage areas
• Check sump pump operation

Garage Organization

• Sweep and organize
• Check garage door operation
• Prepare snow removal equipment
• Store summer items properly

Energy Efficiency Checks

Insulation and Drafts

• Check attic insulation
• Seal air leaks around doors and windows
• Install door sweeps
• Add insulation to pipes in unheated areas

Water Heater

• Drain sediment from water heater
• Check temperature setting (120°F recommended)
• Insulate hot water pipes
• Test pressure relief valve

Prepare for Winter Emergencies

Emergency Supplies

• Flashlights and batteries
• Candles and matches
• Battery-powered radio
• First aid kit
• Non-perishable food and water

Snow Removal Equipment

• Service snow blower
• Stock ice melt/sand
• Check shovels
• Prepare emergency car kit

Room-by-Room Fall Cleaning Schedule

Week 1: Exterior

• Gutters and downspouts
• Windows and doors
• Deck/patio
• Outdoor furniture storage

Week 2: Main Living Areas

• Living room deep clean
• Dining room
• Kitchen deep clean
• Carpets and upholstery

Week 3: Bedrooms and Bathrooms

• All bedrooms
• All bathrooms
• Linen closets
• Bedroom closets

Week 4: Basement, Garage, and Systems

• Basement cleaning and inspection
• Garage organization
• HVAC service
• Final touches

When to Call Professionals

Fall preparation involves many tasks. Consider professional help for:

• Gutter cleaning (especially multi-story homes)
• Carpet and upholstery cleaning
• Furnace servicing
• Chimney cleaning
• Whole-house deep cleaning

Professional services save time and ensure thorough preparation for winter.

Conclusion

Proper fall cleaning and preparation protect your London home from winter damage and keep your family comfortable. While the task list seems long, breaking it into weekly chunks makes it manageable.

Don't have time for a thorough fall cleaning? London Cleaners offers comprehensive seasonal cleaning services tailored to London's climate. We'll ensure your home is winter-ready while you enjoy the beautiful fall weather.