The complete fall checklist for a tidy home

As the seasons change, so should cleaning routines. Fall typically means more time spent indoors, which can bring increased foot traffic, dust and debris. It also signals the approach of the holiday season, which often brings houseguests and extra cooking.

To make seasonal cleaning a breeze, break down each room into a checklist of must-do tasks.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often the center of the home, where everyone gathers when they get home from daily activities. Fall weather lends itself to muddy shoe prints. Cooler weather also means less outdoor grilling and more indoor cooking, which can do a number on kitchen surfaces.

Dedicate a few minutes after dinner to streamline kitchen cleaning. These three tasks can be done in ten minutes or less and can easily work their way into your after-dinner cleanup routine:

• Clear off and wipe down counters
• Scrub sink
• Sweep the floor for crumbs

Bathroom

Your bathroom is an important space to clean, no matter the season. It's the room where you bathe and prep for the day, so it should be freshened up regularly. Keep your bathroom clean by accomplishing small tasks every day.

• Clean off counters.
• Wipe down shower walls while showering.
• Wipe out the sink.
• Refresh towels: Put out a new hand towel; use the old one to wipe down the sink.
• Clean the toilet: A quick daily wipe-down with a toilet brush can prevent stains and mildew.

Living room

Fall is the perfect time to cozy up in the living room around the fireplace. With increased use, however, living areas can quickly collect clutter. Family night in the living room can also mean snacking on the couch, which leads to more spills and stains. Stay on top of fall house cleaning by doing a quick pick-up each evening. It takes just a few minutes to refresh the living room with these daily living room cleaning tasks.

• Pick up clutter.
• Spot-clean spills.
• Straighten pillows.
• Clean screens: Wipe fingerprints off TV screens with a 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and distilled water.
• Freshen upholstery: Remove stale smells from upholstery by sprinkling on baking soda with a cheese shaker. Let sit for at least 15 minutes or overnight; vacuum.

Bedroom

Days get shorter, and nights get longer when fall comes around. Make sure your bedroom is straightened and clean for unwinding at night. For those who sleep with the window open throughout the summer, closing up for the season can lead to shocking amounts of dust and pollen collected on bedroom surfaces. Clean up this essential spot for relaxation with a regular bedroom cleaning ritual.

• Make your bed daily
• Launder sheets weekly
• Rotate mattress every two months
• Dust ceiling fans: Reduce allergens by dusting ceiling fan blades often. While you're up there, flip the fan's direction switch: In fall and winter, blades should move clockwise to circulate heated air.

Exterior

Cold weather can do a number on your home, especially if certain areas aren't prepped correctly for the shift in weather. Fall is the time to retire patio furniture and spruce up your exterior, including a few important maintenance tasks, before winter hits. Here are some important home exterior cleaning tasks to complete this fall.

• Clean out gutters.
• Rake leaves.
• Power-wash windows and siding.
• Clean patio furniture and store away.
• Have your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned before use.
• Remember to change your furnace filter monthly.