Forget New Year's resolutions — Q4 is when the going gets tough, and the errands get going. Something about the lure of fresh school supplies combined with the impending holidays make for the perfect time to decide to refresh your spaces that have been begging for some TLC since Spring. Whatever the reason, consider this your cheat sheet for a top-to-bottom home refresh before the chaos of the holidays sneaks up on you.
KITCHEN
Run the dishwasher with a vinegar cycle. This helps clear out mineral buildup in the pipes and keeps the inside looking shiny and smelling fresh. In an empty dishwasher, place 2 cups of distilled white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack and run a hot cycle without detergent. Pro tip: do this monthly, not just seasonally, if you have hard water.
Upgrade your fridge and freezer with clear organizers and bins. Group items by category (e.g. snacks, condiments, drinks) so future-you always knows where to look. We also love using Lazy Susans for corralling small jars that tend to get lost in the back.
Clean out the spice cabinet. Spices lose potency over time. As a rule of thumb, ground spices last about a year, whole spices closer to three, but go by the expiration dates on the containers. A tiered rack or Lazy Susan keeps things visible so you're not digging around or re-buying spices you already own.
Wipe down cabinet fronts and hardware with a little dish soap and warm water. Knobs or pulls in need of a glow-up? Swap in new hardware for a chic and easy kitchen refresh.
Check and refresh pantry staples like flour, sugar, baking soda, and olive oil before the holiday baking extravaganza begins.
Sharpen your cooking knives at your local kitchen shop or hardware store. A dull blade makes prep work twice as hard—and twice as dangerous!
Season your wood cutting boards with food-safe mineral oil to prevent warping and cracking. Apply a generous coat, let it sit for a few hours (or overnight), then wipe away the excess.
1. 3 Tier Spice Rack 2. Vintage Labels 3. Spice Jar with Aluminum Lid 4. Short Fridge Drawer 5. 4 Piece Cutting Board Set 6. Rotating Adjustable Organizer 7. Lemon Myrtle & Mandarin Essential Oil Dish Soap 8. Bamboo Handle, Putty 9. Holiday Towels, Set of 2 10. Trio Of Knives 11. Knife Sharpener
BEDROOM
Give pillow and duvet inserts a spin in the washing machine. Most down and down-alternative inserts are machine washable on a gentle cycle—just add a couple of clean tennis or dryer balls to the dryer to keep the fill from clumping. If your machine isn't big enough, drop them off at your local dry cleaner.
Rotate or flip your mattress and give it a good vacuum using the upholstery attachment.
Pack away summer linens in breathable cotton bags rather than plastic bins. This prevents mustiness and keeps them fresher for next spring.
1. Moss Temple Signature Candle 2. Pillow & Linen Spray 3. Bedding Storage Bag 4. Car+Boat Handheld Vacuum Cleaner 5. The Duvet Cover - Apple Green Sloane 6. Wool Dryer Balls 7. Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent 8. The Cloud Duvet Insert and Pillow Insert
BATH
Toss your shower curtain (and liner) in the washing machine. Add a couple of towels to the load to help scrub away soap scum, and use warm water with a bit of vinegar. Most vinyl liners can go in too—just skip the dryer and let them air dry instead.
Give towels a vinegar wash to brighten whites and banish any musty smells. Run a hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar and no detergent, then follow with a normal wash.
Swap in your cold-weather skincare. Trade lightweight moisturizers, serums, and face masks for your winter regimen. Also check expiration dates on summer SPF before storing away for the season.
1. Hair Towel 2. Hair Mask 3. Rich Face Cream 4. Ultimate Dry Brush 5. Shower Curtain 6. Body Lotion 7. Bathrobe 8. All Purpose Cleaner 9. The Super Hydrator 10. Luxury Bath Towel Sets 11. Lip Mask
GENERAL HOUSE
Have carpets and rugs professionally shampooed. Pro tip: Book this early! Professional cleaners tend to get busy as everyone gears up for holiday hosting.
Dry clean or vacuum curtains using the upholstery attachment. If they're not dry-clean only (be sure to check the care tag!), a gentle cycle on cold with a slow spin and air dry works fine for most cotton or linen panels.
Launder or air out throw blankets so they're ready for cozy season. Wool and cashmere throws should be laid flat to dry (hanging can stretch the fibers), and a quick steam can revive them between washes.
Dry clean any decorative pillows in living rooms, dens, and bedrooms before packing them away or putting them back into rotation.
Dry clean sofa slipcovers and professionally clean tailored sofas and chairs. Not sure what your upholstery can handle? Check the manufacturer tag first—some fabrics need a solvent-based cleaner, not water, and a DIY spot treatment on the wrong one can do more harm than good.
Dry clean or wash outdoor pillows and cushions. Most covers can go in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle with a mild detergent—just skip the dryer and let them air dry completely as heat can damage the protective finish.
Vacuum and dust lamps, lampshades, fans, and baseboards—the easy-to-forget spots. Switch ceiling fan blades to clockwise for fall and winter—it's the easiest way to keep a room feeling warmer without touching the thermostat.
Polish wood furniture to prevent any cracking and give it a nice glow before hosting season. Skip silicone-based polishes, which can build up a hazy residue over time—a soft cloth with a little mineral oil or a dedicated wood cream does the job.
Reset the entryway. Swap out flip-flops and beach totes for jackets and scarves. Add a tray or boot mat by the door to catch mud and water.
Deep clean the junk drawer and mail station. A little chaos-taming now means a much calmer fall—and with school schedules and holiday cards about to start piling up, an empty inbox for paper is worth its weight in gold.
shop the edit:
Shop winter skincare:
all home reFall home cleaning checklist
Seasonal home maintenance
Home organization ideas
Pre-holiday cleaning checklist
Holiday home preparation
Kitchen organization ideas
Bedroom refresh ideas
Bathroom cleaning tips
Fall cleaning tips
Home decluttering checklist
Seasonal home reset
Deep cleaning checklist
