Fall Cleaning Like it or not, summer is coming to an end. While we still have several warm days ahead of us, the night air is already getting brisk. Now is a good time to get a head start on preparing your home for colder months. Since the leaves are still in the trees where they belong, we suggest getting started inside your home. A good tip when cleaning is to start from the top and work your way down. Lighting If your light fixtures have a dome cover or shape that collects dust and flies, take them down and give them a good wipe. While you're up there dust off the ceiling moldings and any cob webs that may have appeared in the corners. Windows Your windows have likely been open to let in the fresh air. With the air also came dust and particles from outside. Remove your screens and hose them down with soap and water. Vacuum the blinds and window treatments, clean the inside frames with a damp cloth and wash the inside surface of the glass. You'll be surprised how much has likely accumulated on these surfaces. Furniture Remove the pillows from upholstered surfaces and vacuum thoroughly. If you haven't shampooed them in a while, now is a good time. Move all furniture into the centre of the room and have a good laugh at the dust bunnies and missing items you find. Vacuum and clean the floor and baseboards around the room. If you've been thinking of rearranging the furniture, now is a good time or you can simply put the room back together how you started. Flooring If your floors are mopable, mop them. If they are carpeted, rent a steam cleaner or hire some professionals. It is still warm enough to open your newly clean windows and speed up the drying process. In the bedrooms Repeat the light fixtures, windows and ceiling wipe down. Flip and rotate your mattress. Wash sheets, mattress pads, comforters, duvets, throws and all of the socks you find under the beds. Vacuum and clean under beds, behind dressers and night tables etc. In the Kitchen You've likely had more than one get together that ran into the evening and left your kitchen in disarray. Its time to clean and reorganize. Unplug and clean behind your fridge and stove if possible. Clean all surfaces thoroughly. Empty your pantry and check for expiry dates. It may not be a bad idea to get rid of some of those snacks you bought "for guests" that may not be the healthiest choice. Things to remember Change the air filter in your furnace. Remove sediment from water filters and water heaters (if applicable in your home). Check your home's humidifier and have your furnace inspected and serviced. Turn off the water to your outdoor faucets (you can turn them on as you need them). Stock up on salt/deicer now while it is in stores and on sale (it will be no fun sliding down your driveway after the first snowfall to pick some up). With the inside of your home clean you can sit back and wait for the leaves to fall so you can clean your yard and prepare the outside of your home for winter.