9 simple cleaning tips to prepare your living and dining room for fall decorations

​It’s the end of August and you know what that means…It’s time to get creative and do some festive fall decorating!!! 

Oh…wait…we have to clean first…

If you’re like me there are probably corners of your room that haven’t seen a dust rag in longer than you’ll ever admit! There are too many other “distractions” in life and it’s hard enough to keep up with the basics. And let’s face it, who likes to clean?! Cleaning is a tedious task that’s easy to put off.

But—ever the optimist—I’ve decided to tackle this tedious task with a smile. I lie…but at least I have a well-thought-out game plan!

The game plan is to take a large, overwhelming task and break it down into manageable pieces. Below are 9 tried-and-true tips for getting your living and dining space clean and ready for fall decorating!

​Step 1 Create a schedule

You have a lot on your plate. I do too. Large tasks are much easier when broken down into smaller chunks. So create a schedule to help you get each task done without taxing yourself. Divide and conquer; stagger your workload. Assign yourself a “work schedule”. Spread these tasks out over multiple days so that you only have to spend a small amount of time on each part of the project. Fail to plan, plan to fail!

Step 2 Gather your supplies

Before each step, gather all the cleaning supplies you’ll need for the project. Have things like a step stool, spray cleaners, paper towels, dust rags, a Swiffer mop, a vacuum cleaner, etc. gathered together beforehand to streamline your cleaning process. 

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Step 3 Clear out the clutter

It’s easier to clean when there’s no clutter, so start with a clean slate. Clean and put away your summer decor and unnecessary knick-knacks. Not only will it be easier for you to clean the open spaces, but you’ll also have an empty canvas to work on when you start your fall decorating.

Step 4 Dust and clean the high places

The best way to start cleaning a room is from the top down. Tackle the higher spaces first, then work your way down, leaving the floor til last. Why, you might ask? Well, imagine you took the time to vacuum or sweep your floor, then dusted your ceiling fan and all that disturbed dust dances its way down to your fresh clean floor….Now you have to clean the floor again! So work smarter, not harder. 

So grab your handy-dandy Swiffer duster and tackle those ceiling fans, light fixtures, crown moldings, curtain rods, tops of china closets, wall hangings, pictures, mirrors, and so on.

Step 5 Clean the windows

This is a chore best done on a cloudy day. The reason is two-fold: 1) you won’t be blinded by so much glare, and 2) it’ll be easier for you to see the dirt and streaks. While you’re at it, you can clean your window treatments such as blinds and windowsills. 

​Step 6 Clean the walls and baseboards

Don’t forget that your walls—although vertical surfaces—collect dust as well and will need to be cleaned. This is your opportunity to wipe down those walls and baseboards to remove dust, cobwebs, and unwanted marks. And while you’re at it, don’t forget all those face plates, doors, door handles, and light switches.

Step 7 Clean the soft goods

A family and pets can do unspeakable things to soft goods! This is a prime opportunity to get your fabrics and upholstery looking (and smelling) fresh and clean again. Spend an afternoon washing all the soft goods like curtains, pillows, pillow coverings, throw blankets, tablecloths, and throw rugs. While the washer is doing its thing, pull out the shampooer (if you don’t have one it’s a good investment to buy one) and deep clean the chairs and sofa. If you have a carpet this might be a good time to shampoo that as well. 

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Step 8 Dust and polish furniture

Tables and shard surfaces are next on the list. Take the time to give your woods a well-deserved polish. Polish and dust all your hard furniture and surfaces, including side tables, coffee table, mantle, dining room table, china cabinet, console tables, TV, and electronics. Don’t forget any remaining decor and mirrors not hanging on the walls. 

Step 9 Clean the floors

Hang in there! We’re almost done! The last step on this list is to give your floors some love because they take a bruising! If you have hardwood floors you may need to wax, polish, or dust the surface. Water-resistant floors can be swept and mopped. If you haven’t already mopped your carpets, this will be your opportunity to get that task done.

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​Bonus tips: 

Rinse off your houseplants in the shower to clean off the accumulated dust. They’ll be able to breathe again and do a better job at cleaning the indoor air. But don’t let your plants do all the heavy lifting! Use “green” cleaners, a good vacuum, and HEPA filters for your heating system. 

If you’re someone like me—of a certain age—cleaning is no small task! Remember to make things easy on yourself by asking for help, working slowly, taking frequent breaks, and drinking fluids. Don’t hurt yourself by reaching; use extenders or a step stool. Stay in one piece so you will be able to do the fun stuff—fall decorating!

​So I hope I’ve “inspired” you (if that word could ever be associated with cleaning) to prepare your living and dining room for all the beautiful fall and holiday decor that will soon appear in your home!

Do you have any useful tips for prepping the living and dining room for the fall decorating season? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comment section!

​If you like this blog post here are more blogs for you to read:
Comparing diy upholstery cleaning methods
How to clean a fabric lampshade
How to get streak-free windows and mirrors

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