As the temperature drops, many of us start thinking about switching the heating back on. But after sitting unused throughout the warmer months, radiators and the spaces around them may have collected a surprising amount of dust.
Autumn also brings closed windows, damp coats, muddy shoes and more washing dried indoors. Together, these can make a home feel stale or musty just as you want it to feel warm and cosy.
Before turning up the thermostat, set aside around 45 minutes to tackle these seven often-overlooked cleaning jobs. If your heating is already in use, switch it off and allow every radiator to cool completely before you begin.
What You’ll Need
You can complete most of this autumn cleaning checklist with:
- A vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment
- A long, flexible radiator or dusting brush
- Microfibre cloths
- A bucket of warm water
- A mild cleaning solution
- Glass cleaner
- Washing-machine cleaner
- A suitable floor cleaner
- Protective gloves
Always read the product label before use, test cleaners on an inconspicuous area and never mix different cleaning chemicals.
1. Remove Dust From Your Radiators
Radiators collect dust between their panels, around their vents and in the narrow space between the radiator and the wall. When the heating comes on, rising warm air can circulate this dust around the room and create that familiar warm, dusty smell.
Make sure the radiator is completely cold before cleaning it. Place an old towel underneath to catch falling dirt, then use your vacuum cleaner’s crevice attachment around the top, underneath and behind the radiator.
A long radiator brush or flexible duster is useful for reaching between the panels. Work from the top down, gently loosening the accumulated dust before vacuuming it from the floor.
Finish by wiping the outside with a lightly dampened microfibre cloth and a mild cleaner suitable for painted surfaces. Avoid soaking the radiator or using abrasive scourers, which may damage its finish. Allow it to dry completely before switching the heating on.
2. Clean Behind Radiators and Along Skirting Boards
It is easy to clean the front of a radiator and overlook everything around it. Dust, pet hair, cobwebs and small items can collect underneath radiators and against the skirting boards behind them.
Use a narrow vacuum attachment to reach as far behind the radiator as possible. A flexible duster can help dislodge debris from awkward corners.
Next, wipe the surrounding skirting boards and wall carefully. Use only a small amount of moisture, particularly around wallpaper or water-sensitive paint.
While you are there, check that curtains, furniture and other belongings are not pressed directly against the radiator. Leaving space around it allows warm air to circulate more freely.
3. Refresh Extractor Fans and Cooker-Hood Filters
As windows remain closed for longer, working ventilation becomes especially important. Extractor fans help remove moisture and cooking vapours, but dust and grease can build up on their covers and filters.
Before cleaning an extractor, switch it off and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Dust or vacuum the outer grille, then wipe it with a damp microfibre cloth.
Metal cooker-hood filters can often be removed and washed in warm water with a suitable degreaser. Some carbon filters must be replaced rather than washed, so check the appliance manual first. Make sure every washable component is fully dry before refitting it.
Bathroom extractor covers can also gather a layer of dust that restricts airflow. Clean the accessible cover carefully, but leave electrical parts and internal servicing to a suitably qualified person.
4. Clean Window Frames, Tracks and Sills
Condensation becomes more noticeable when warm, moist indoor air meets a cold window. Cleaning the glass alone is not enough: dirt and moisture often collect in the tracks, seals and corners of the frame.
Start by vacuuming loose debris from the window tracks. Use a soft brush to loosen compacted dirt, then wipe the frame, sill and accessible seals with a damp cloth.
Apply glass cleaner according to its instructions and buff the panes with a clean microfibre cloth for a streak-free finish.
Keeping trickle vents open and using extractor fans when cooking or showering can help moisture escape. Wipe away condensation when you notice it rather than allowing water to sit on the sill or frame.
If damp patches or mould continually return, cleaning alone will not resolve the underlying problem. Check for leaks, damaged seals or inadequate ventilation and seek professional advice where necessary.
5. Clean the Washing Machine
More clothes may be dried indoors during autumn, which makes fresh-smelling laundry especially welcome. Unfortunately, detergent residue, lint and moisture can collect inside the washing-machine drawer, filter and rubber door seal.
Begin by checking the seal for trapped debris. Wipe around and inside its folds with a soft cloth, taking care not to damage the rubber.
Remove the detergent drawer if the manufacturer’s instructions allow it. Wash away accumulated detergent and fabric conditioner, then clean the space where the drawer sits.
Run the machine’s maintenance or drum-clean cycle using a suitable washing-machine cleaner. If you clean the filter, follow the appliance manual, disconnect the power where instructed and place towels or a shallow tray underneath before opening it, as retained water may escape.
Once finished, dry the seal and leave the door and detergent drawer slightly open so the interior can air between washes.
For a more detailed routine, link readers to your existing How to Clean a Washing Machine guide.
6. Refresh Curtains, Throws and Pet Bedding
Soft furnishings trap dust, hair and everyday odours. Once the windows are closed and the heating is running, those smells can become more noticeable.
Vacuum curtains using a low-suction upholstery attachment, paying attention to the top edges and folds. Wash removable throws and cushion covers according to their care labels.
Pet bedding may also benefit from a thorough clean. Remove loose hair first, use a suitable detergent and allow everything to dry completely before returning it to its usual place.
Avoid spraying fabrics indiscriminately with air freshener. A fragrance may temporarily disguise an odour, but it will not remove the dirt or moisture causing it. Always check the fabric-care instructions before applying any cleaning product.
7. Prepare Doormats and Entrance Floors
Autumn means wet leaves, mud and grit being carried into the home. Your entrance area is the first line of defence, so clean it before the wetter weather becomes established.
Shake outdoor mats thoroughly and vacuum both sides. Wash them only if the care instructions say it is safe to do so, and allow them to dry completely before putting them back.
Vacuum or sweep the floor underneath before cleaning it with a product suitable for the surface. Take particular care with wood and laminate flooring, which can be damaged by excess water.
Consider keeping a separate absorbent indoor mat near the door and a tray for wet shoes. Regularly removing trapped dirt here will help prevent it from being walked through the rest of the house.
Your Quick Autumn Cleaning Checklist
Before the heating goes on:
- Vacuum between and behind cold radiators
- Clean nearby skirting boards
- Move furniture and curtains away from radiators
- Dust extractor covers and clean suitable filters
- Vacuum window tracks and wipe the sills
- Clean the washing-machine seal, drawer and filter
- Refresh curtains, throws and pet bedding
- Clean doormats and entrance floors
- Check for recurring condensation, damp or mould
Start the Season With a Fresher Home
An autumn clean does not need to mean tackling the entire house. Concentrating on the areas that collect dust, retain moisture or trap odours can make a noticeable difference before winter arrives.
With clean radiators, clear ventilation and freshly washed fabrics, your home will be ready for the colder months ahead.
Explore our range of cloths and dusters, brushes, washing-machine cleaners, glass cleaners, floor-care products and protective gloves to find everything you need for your autumn reset.