By Arabella Peterson Entertainment 23.08.2025

The End-of-Summer Cleaning Checklist You Can Complete In One Day

Spending the Bank Holiday at home? Tackle these tasks and get it all done in just one day.

The late August Bank Holiday is something of a last hurrah for the summer. The days are still long, you can go out with just a light jacket, and the beer gardens haven't lost their buzz. But there’s a sense of autumnal anticipation in the air.

If you’re skipping the day raves, pub crawls and picnics this year and plan to stay in on Monday, why not get everything in order before the season ahead? It’ll make you feel accomplished (see: smug), not to mention it’ll stop you from doom-scrolling and getting FOMO all day. Here, we’ve created a checklist of pre-fall chores that you can complete in just one day. And GO!

Living areas and bedroom

Rotate bedding

Although linen and cotton are both year-round bedding options, if you’re someone who likes to mark the seasons with different fibres, now’s the time to do it. Perhaps you’re switching from organic cotton percale to linen or vice versa, either way, properly wash, dry and store your current sheets and switch them over. Bring out throws, duvets, quilts and any other cosy items you might have tucked away during summer.

Dust and hoover overlooked spots

Even if you’ve been pretty good at keeping on top of hoovering the floor, there are probably spots that haven’t been shown as much love, which over time accumulate dust and pollen. Ceiling fans, lampshades, skirting boards, window sills and blinds are some of the biggest culprits for catching dust mites. So, make your way around the house with a microfibre cloth, feather duster for delicate spots, and watch your space freshen up before your eyes.

Wash curtains

Curtains can also trap a surprising amount of dust. To give them a proper wash, first check the care label for fabric type and washing instructions in case they need any special care. Remove any hardware that can be easily detached and shake out the dust (outside!). Machine-wash durable curtains on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent, using a mesh bag for protection. For delicate curtains, hand-wash them in a sink with cool water and detergent. After washing, hang them to dry to minimise wrinkles, or tumble dry on a low or no-heat setting.

Hoover upholstered furniture

Use your hoover's upholstery tool (that small, rectangular, brush-like nozzle with short bristles that you may have never touched) to clean top-to-bottom. Remove cushions and clean under them, in the seams, and along the base. For best results, set the suction to a low level for delicate fabrics and consider using a handheld hoover for easy maneuverability.

Flip or rotate couch cushions and mattresses

Okay, so this should technically be done every few months, but no judgement here if this is the first time you’ve checked this task off the list. By flipping or rotating couch cushions and mattresses, you can extend their lifespan by ensuring even wear and preventing sagging and body impressions. Make sure you use two people for mattresses (they're always heavier than you think), and check online for any specific instructions for your mattress.

Clean fans

Whether it’s still warm enough to have a fan around, or if you’re ready to store it away, take the opportunity to properly clean it. Start by turning it off and unplugging it, then, use a soft cloth or duster to wipe down the blades. For more thorough cleaning, you can disassemble the fan (if possible) and wash the blades and fixtures with soap and water or a suitable cleaner, ensuring everything is completely dry before reassembling it.

Kitchen

Clean out the fridge and pantry

Wipe down and reorganise the fridge and pantry so it’s ready for all your autumn cooking needs. Take everything out and give shelves and drawers a thorough wipe-down so your kitchen feels fresh and organised. Toss expired condiments along with stale snacks and forgotten leftovers. Group pantry staples together – grains, canned goods, spices – so it’s easy to see what you have. While you’re at it, make a shopping list of any essentials you’re running low on.

Descale the kettle

This goes for the coffee machine, too. Mineral deposits from hard water can build up over summer, making appliances less efficient and leaving a chalky taste in your drinks. To descale, fill your kettle halfway with equal parts water and white vinegar, bring it to a boil, then let it sit for 15–20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For your coffee machine, run a cycle with the same vinegar-and-water solution (check the manufacturer’s instructions first), followed by two cycles of clean water to flush it out.

Defrost the freezer

Stop that annoying build-up of ice that jams drawers and makes doors hard to close. This is especially helpful if you’ll soon be stocking up on soups, stews, and freezer meals. First, turn off and unplug the freezer. Remove all food items and place them in a cooler or freezer bag to prevent thawing, and take out any removable drawers and shelves. Place towels or a shallow container at the base to catch melting ice. You can speed things up by setting bowls of hot (not boiling) water inside. Once the ice has melted, wipe down the interior with warm soapy water, dry thoroughly, and then plug the freezer back in before restocking.

Bathroom

Scrub tiles and grout

Summer humidity can leave behind extra buildup and mildew, especially in bathrooms. Give tiles and grout a deep scrub with a baking soda paste or grout cleaner to refresh and brighten the space before the cooler months.

Clean and descale the shower head

Your shower head might be a spot in your bathroom you simply don't ever clean. Simply remove the head and use teeth flossing brushes to scrub the shower holes. Then submerge the shower head in a container full of white vinegar for two hours before giving it another scrub and reattaching.

Closet and laundry

Rotate your wardrobe

Unless you’re a brave wild-swimmer or you have a few more beach vacations on the cards, it might be time to put away your swimsuits. Consider storing away any particularly summery items like shorts and sundresses, too, and get out the jumpers and jackets you’ll need during autumn. If anything has become a bit musty in storage, pre-soak the item in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for up to an hour. Then, wash the garments in the hottest water safe for the fabric using a gentle detergent, or add a cup of baking soda directly to the wash drum. After washing, air-dry the clothes outdoors in sunlight to help eliminate any lingering odours.

Cleanse your cupboards

Clear out your clothes from your closet, then wipe down the shelves and hoover the floors. When you put your clothes back, make sure they’re neatly folded and categorised. Consider adding cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter pests like moths and silverfish. If your cupboard gets particularly damp as the weather cools, place moisture absorbers like silica gel packets inside as well.