Even without a marked change of seasons, the beginning of fall is a good reminder to
see to those tasks that only need to be done “once in a while” to keep your home in
top-notch performance.

Freshen your dishwasher. Food residue, grease, and soap scum can build up in your dishwasher and leave odors, bacteria, and, in some cases, reduced performance. Remove the filter and wash it with warm, soapy water. Spray or wipe down the inside of the dishwasher with white vinegar, then run a cycle with a vinegar-filled bowl on the top rack.

Clean your curtains. Dust, pollen, and odors can collect on curtains, especially when windows are open. You can vacuum them down, then check the care tags to see if they can go in the washing machine, or need another cleaning method.

Clean the grill. Whether you pack your grill away in the fall or barbecue all year, this is a good time to soak the removable parts in warm, soapy water with a bit of degreaser. Scrub and dry everything before storing or reassembling.

Check your tree branches. Inspect trees to identify overgrown branches, damaged or dead trees. Hire a professional if anything has gotten too close to the roof or power lines.

Reverse overhead fan direction to rotate clockwise at low speed. This will push warm air down from the ceiling, and low speed circulates heat without creating a chilly breeze. Evenly distributing heat helps your room feel warmer, allowing you to lower your thermostat.

Schedule your swamp cooler changeover. Get on your service provider’s calendar for drainage, cleaning, and any parts replacement, so you are ready to cover the unit in October.

If you have a chimney this is the time for inspection. Book a sweep early to check for soot buildup, blockages, and proper ventilation, and find out early if you will need a clean-up before you want to build a cozy fire.