You knew it was coming. Here's a task list for your fall cleaning:

In all rooms:

• Dust mop, scrub, or vacuum floors and carpets.
• Move belongings and furniture and dust or sweep under them.
• Put all possessions where they actually belong.
• Clean mirrors.
• Launder or beat rugs.
• Dust baseboards, doorjambs, vents, and walls, especially corners.
• Vacuum, launder, dust, or dry clean window treatments as needed.
• Clean all lighting fixtures (vacuum shades, wash glass globes, etc.).
• Wash windows (inside and out).
• Replace batteries and test smoke detectors.

Bedrooms:

• Change linens.
• Fluff pillows.
• Launder blankets and comforters.
• Hang up clothes.
• Take summer clothes to be stored to the dry cleaner if necessary.
• Launder pillows and mattress pads.
• Flip or turn mattresses and vacuum box springs.
• Replace summer bedding with heavier comforters.

Living Room/Dining Room:

• Declutter as much as possible.
• Launder slipcovers and tablecloths.
• Vacuum sofa and chair cushions (including dining chairs).
• Designate a spot for mail and errand materials.
• Spot clean furniture.
• Polish wooden furniture.
• Clean fireplace.

Kitchen:

• Do all dishes and put them away.
• Clear and scrub countertops.
• Scrub stovetop.
• Clean oven.
• Scrub sink.
• Clean refrigerator. (That means tossing out the science experiments hidden in the back and scouring away the apple juice spills from last month.)
• Scrub cabinet fronts.
• Prune fridge art gallery.
• Match up plastic containers and discard the ones missing lids or bottom.

Bathroom(s):

• Scrub all fixtures.
• Wipe down shower walls.
• Wash shower curtain.
• Bleach shower liner.
• Empty medicine cabinet, discarding outdated medications and cosmetics. (Note:  Do NOT flush medicines.  Many pharmacies provide containers for safe disposal.)
• Discard or donate any worn, stained, or torn linens or towels.  (Many animal rescue groups are happy to accept old towels, blankets, and sheets.)