As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, it's a clear sign that winter is on its way. This change of seasons is the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. 

A well-organized and clean home offers comfort during the long winter nights and ensures the health and safety of your family. To assist you in this seasonal transition, we've compiled the ultimate winter cleaning checklist. 

This comprehensive guide covers everything from the essentials to deep cleaning and additional tasks. Whether it's decluttering living spaces, deep cleaning carpets, or preparing your outdoor areas, our checklist is designed to make your winter prep a little easier.

15 Tasks To Clean Your House Before Winter

This winter cleaning tasks checklist is designed to be thorough yet manageable, covering everything from basic cleaning to deep-cleaning tasks for the winter season:

1. Declutter Your Space: Start your winter cleaning with a thorough decluttering of your home, organizing items to trash, donate, or sell.
2. Dust and Clean All Surfaces: This includes hard-to-reach edges and corners, ensuring every nook is free from dust accumulation.
3. Vacuum and Wash Floors: Regular vacuuming and washing of floors are crucial to eliminate dirt and germs.
4. Sanitize High-Touch Areas: Wipe down door knobs, light switches, and other frequently touched surfaces to minimize germ spread.
5. Air and Dryer Vent Cleaning:Maintain good air quality and safety by cleaning out air vents and dryer vents, which can be potential fire hazards. 
6. Deep Clean Beds and Bedding: We spend a significant amount of time in bed, so be sure to deep clean your mattresses, comforters, and even bed skirts.
7. Clean Behind Large Appliances: Move and clean behind refrigerators and stoves to prevent pest infestation and improve appliance efficiency.
8. Carpet and Rug Deep Cleaning: Vacuum and shampoo your carpets and rugs to eliminate accumulated dirt and germs. If your space is large or particularly dirty, consider using a professional carpet cleaning service.
9. Window Treatment Cleaning: Dust and clean curtains, shades, and blinds to improve your indoor air quality.
10. Furniture and Upholstery Cleaning: Sanitize upholstery and give wood furniture a thorough cleaning.
11. Garage Organization and Cleaning: Declutter and organize your garage to prevent it from becoming a haven for pests.
12. Gutter Cleaning: Clean gutters to prevent water damage and ice dams on your roof.
13. Kitchen Deep Clean: Focus on cleaning appliances like microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, and ovens.
14. Bathroom Maintenance: Deep clean shower curtains or doors, and sanitize all surfaces.
15. Outdoor Furniture and Yard Maintenance: Prepare outdoor furniture for winter and clean up your yard to prevent lawn diseases.

Additional Winter Cleaning Tasks 

To fully prepare your home for winter, consider adding these extra tasks to your cleaning checklist:

• Chimney Cleaning: Ensure your chimney is clean and safe for those cozy winter fires. A clean chimney reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide buildup.
• Furnace Maintenance: Have your furnace inspected to ensure it runs smoothly throughout the season. Regular maintenance can improve efficiency and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
• Winterize Plumbing: Protect your pipes from freezing by insulating them, especially in unheated areas. Also, know how to shut off water in case of a pipe burst.
• Check Insulation: Proper insulation in your attic and walls keeps your home warm and reduces heating costs. Inspect and upgrade insulation if necessary.
• Prepare Emergency Kits: With winter storms potentially leading to power outages, prepare emergency kits with essentials like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable food items.
• Snow Removal Equipment: Ensure your snow removal tools, such as shovels and snow blowers, are in good working condition. Stock up on salt or sand for icy walkways and read COIT’s expert tips for winter driveway maintenance. 
• Outdoor Lighting: With shorter days, ensure your outdoor lighting is adequate for safety and security.

Taking these extra steps will ensure your home is well-prepared and equipped to handle the winter months, providing peace of mind and a cozy living environment.

Can You Wash Your House in the Winter?

Washing your house in the winter is possible, but it requires some considerations due to the colder weather:

• Check the Weather: Choose a day when temperatures are above freezing to prevent water from freezing on surfaces.
• Use the Right Equipment: A pressure washer with a hot water option is ideal for winter house washing.
• Focus on Key Areas: Prioritize cleaning areas prone to mold and mildew growth, such as siding and gutters.
• Be Mindful of Safety: Slippery conditions can make washing your house in the winter more hazardous. Take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
• Consider Professional Help: If unsure, it's best to hire professionals who have the experience and equipment to safely wash your house in winter conditions. 

By following this detailed checklist and tips, you'll not only enjoy a cleaner living space but also peace of mind, knowing your home is ready to face the winter months with ease and comfort.

Additional reading: 10 Winter Cleaning Steps to Prepare Your Home for Colder Weather