Complete Fall House Reset! 🍁 A Step-by-Step Guide to a Cozy Autumn Clean + Simmer Pot Recipe

Fall is finally here, which means it’s time to refresh your home! There’s something so satisfying about cleaning and organizing your space as you transition into a new season—especially fall- which brings cozy nights, warm drinks, and crisp air. It’s the perfect time to reset your home and create a warm, inviting atmosphere that mirrors the beauty outside. 🍂

In this blog post, I’m sharing my complete fall cleaning routine—a top-to-bottom reset that will make your house feel fresh, cozy, and ready for autumn. From scrubbing the kitchen and bathrooms to washing linens and making the whole house smell like fall with a simple simmer pot recipe, this guide has everything you need to get your home in tip-top shape for the season.

Let’s dive in!

Why a Fall Clean is Important 🍁

Before we jump into the cleaning routine, let’s talk about why a fall refresh is essential. After summer—when the focus is often on outdoor activities and fun in the sun—our homes can sometimes get a bit neglected. Sand from beach trips, extra dust from open windows, and the general wear and tear of summer adventures can leave your space feeling less than spotless.

Fall is the perfect time to deep clean, reset, and prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Not only does a clean, organized space make it easier to settle into cozy nights at home, but it also helps reduce allergens and creates a healthier living environment.

Plus, who doesn’t love the feeling of stepping into a home that smells like fall? 🍎🍊🍂

Step 1: Deep Clean the Kitchen – The Heart of the Home

I always like to start with the kitchen. It’s the hub of activity in my home, and with the fall season comes plenty of cooking and baking, so I want to ensure this space is as clean as possible.

Here’s what I do in the kitchen:

1. Clean the Stove and Oven: These appliances get a lot of use, especially if you’re like me and enjoy cooking throughout the year. I start by scrubbing down the stove, focusing on removing any built-up grease or grime that might have accumulated over the summer. Next, I clean the oven, making sure to get rid of any food splatters or residue from past meals. A clean oven is a must for fall baking, whether you’re whipping up pumpkin bread or a delicious casserole.
2. Wipe Down the Refrigerator and Dishwasher: Next, I move on to cleaning out the refrigerator. I throw away any expired or leftover items from summer, wipe down the shelves and drawers, and give the outside a good clean. After that, I tackle the dishwasher, ensuring it’s in top shape for the months ahead. A fresh, clean dishwasher ensures that all your fall dishes come out sparkling.
3. Countertops and Cabinets: I wipe down all the countertops, making sure to remove any crumbs, stains, or dust. I also clean the cabinet doors and handles, which can sometimes get overlooked but tend to accumulate fingerprints and grime. This step makes the kitchen feel truly refreshed and polished.
4. Scrub the Sink: Finally, I give the sink a good scrub. A clean sink makes such a difference in how the kitchen feels! I like to use a mixture of baking soda and lemon to give it a natural, deep clean and leave it smelling fresh.

By the end of this step, my kitchen is sparkling clean and ready for all the cozy fall meals to come.

Step 2: Dust and Shine in the Living Areas

Once the kitchen is done, I move on to the living areas. Dust tends to build up more quickly as we transition from summer to fall, especially if the windows have been open or if you’ve been using fans. Here’s how I refresh these spaces:

1. Dust All Surfaces: I start by dusting all the surfaces in the living room, dining area, and office. This includes shelves, tables, picture frames, and any other decor. Dust can accumulate in the corners and on top of furniture, so I make sure to dust every nook and cranny. Don’t forget ceiling fans and light fixtures, which can often collect a surprising amount of dust!
2. Clean the Glass Tables and Mirrors: I love glass surfaces, but they can easily show smudges and fingerprints. I wipe down all my glass tables and mirrors, using a streak-free cleaner, to make sure they’re shining. Clean, smudge-free glass instantly brightens up a room and makes everything feel more polished.

Step 3: Tackle the Bathrooms – A Deep Clean for Sparkling Results

Bathrooms are high-traffic areas, so they definitely need a deep clean during a seasonal refresh. Here’s how I make sure my bathrooms are spotless:

1. Scrub the Sinks and Counters: I start by cleaning the sinks and countertops in both bathrooms. I use a disinfectant to make sure everything is germ-free, and I also focus on scrubbing any soap scum or residue that might have built up. A clean sink is so satisfying!
2. Clean the Toilets: Toilets get scrubbed down next, using a heavy-duty cleaner to ensure they’re as clean as possible. I also wipe down the outside of the toilet and around the base, areas that can sometimes be overlooked.
3. Wipe Down Mirrors: I make sure the mirrors in both bathrooms are spotless and streak-free. Clean mirrors make a big difference, especially when you’re getting ready in the morning!
4. Mop the Floors: I finish up the bathroom deep clean by mopping the floors, ensuring they get into all the corners and under any cabinets.

Step 4: Laundry – Fresh Linens for Fall

One of the best feelings after a deep clean is slipping into fresh, clean sheets. As part of my fall reset, I like to wash all my towels and bed linens. This adds a layer of coziness and freshness to the entire home.

1. Wash Towels: I start by washing all the towels in the house—bath towels, hand towels, and kitchen towels. Fresh towels not only smell amazing but also make the bathrooms feel even cleaner and more luxurious.
2. Wash Bed Linens: After the towels, I wash all my bed linens, including the sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. Clean bedding is essential for creating a cozy, comfortable space to relax in during those chilly fall evenings.

Step 5: Vacuum and Mop the Entire House

Now that most of the cleaning is done, I focus on the floors. Clean floors pull everything together, making the house feel brand new.

1. Vacuum All the Floors: I vacuum every room in the house, making sure to get under furniture and into the corners. This step helps eliminate any dust, crumbs, or debris that may have settled during the summer.
2. Mop the Hard Floors: After vacuuming, I mop all the hard floors in the house, including the kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas with tile or hardwood. Mopping not only cleans but also makes the floors look shiny and polished.

Step 6: Simmer Pot Recipe – Fill Your Home with Fall Scents

Now that the house is clean, it’s time to make it smell like fall! My go-to method for creating a cozy, autumnal atmosphere is using a simmer pot. It’s super easy to make and fills the house with the most delicious seasonal scents.

Here’s my favorite fall simmer pot recipe:

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 apple, sliced
   • 2 orange, sliced
   • 2-3 cinnamon sticks
   • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
   • Optional: cloves, nutmeg, or star anise for extra spice
2. Instructions:
   • Fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer.
   • Add the apple slices, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla.
   • Let the mixture simmer on low heat, adding more water as needed.
   • Enjoy the warm, cozy scent that will fill your entire home! 🍎🍊

This simmer pot smells amazing and adds moisture to the air, which can be really helpful as the weather gets drier.

Step 7: Tidy Up and Final Touches

After the cleaning is done and the house smells like fall, I would like to do one final sweep to tidy up any remaining clutter. I put away anything that’s out of place and do a final check to ensure everything looks neat and organized. This is also a great time to add some fall decor—think cozy blankets, candles, and maybe even a pumpkin.

Final Thoughts on a Fall House Reset 🍂

A complete fall house reset is the perfect way to transition into the cozy season. From deep cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms to dusting, mopping, and adding the final touch with a simmer pot, this routine helps your home feel refreshed, clean, and ready for fall. Plus, it sets the stage for enjoying all the best things the season has to offer—warm meals, comfy nights, and the joy of spending time in a space that feels welcoming and serene.

So, grab your cleaning supplies, turn on your favorite fall playlist, and let’s get our homes ready for autumn! 🍁