These are the 5 things I'm cleaning in October – you can also enjoy a quickly sanitized home ready for hosting and Halloween

With the colder weather, hosting, and the joy of fall decor all on the horizon in October, these are the five things I'm cleaning before getting cozy and enjoying my favorite time of the year.

After all, from my front door and doorstep, to my fireplace and blankets, I want my home looking – and feeling – its best ahead of hosting season.

Here, professional cleaners share their cleaning tips for ticking off the cleaning tasks I'm tackling this month.

5 things I'm cleaning this October

1. Front door and doorstep

When the trick or treaters come, I want my front door and any fall decor ideas looking their best. For that reason, I'm cleaning my front door and using all the front porch cleaning tips in my arsenal ahead of time. The fake cobwebs can be added later!

Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless, agrees with my approach. 'With trick-or-treaters and holiday guests arriving, your front entrance sets the tone,' she says. 'Clean away cobwebs, sweep debris, and give your door a quick wipe so Halloween decorations stand out against a clean backdrop.'

For this, she recommends the MRS. MEYER'S Clean Day All-Purpose Cleaner Spray is available at Amazon, to safely wipe down doors.

Samantha Shpeen, chief home officer at Clean Cult, adds, 'A thorough sweep, wipe-down, and refresh before adding seasonal decorations makes your space more welcoming and helps keep dirt from being tracked inside.'

You can also use our tried and tested sock-on-a-stick cobweb hack for a free, easy, and convenient DIY cleaning tool to tackle those dusty corners that are harder to reach. Don't forget to wash your hands after.

Walmart has the limited edition Native Sugar Cookie Handsoap, which is plant-based and free from harmful chemicals, making it not only deliciously fall-scented but gentle on skin.

2. Kitchen cabinets

Again, keeping in mind spooky season hosting, I'm going to clean my painted cabinets and give them some love, as they're one of the dirty things pro cleaners always notice in people's kitchens.

Jecko Leon, operations manager at Bear Brothers Cleaning, advises, 'Clear out expired foods from old stock and wipe down the inside of cabinets before restocking for holiday cooking.'

After decluttering my kitchen cabinets, I always use my Scrub Daddy Damp Duster Sponge available at Walmart, followed by a quick spritz and wipe with a multi-use cleaning spray to freshen up the space. My favorite is the plant-powered Method All-Purpose Cleaner, available at Amazon.

Just keep an eye out for any signs that it's time to replace your Damp Duster, and re-invest accordingly. Sponges can harbor harmful bacteria and need regular cleaning, which you can do in the dishwasher.

3. Outdoor lighting fixtures

'Shorter days mean outdoor lights get more use,' says Karina. 'Dust and bugs inside these fixtures can dull brightness and make your home look unkempt.'

For this essential outdoor cleaning task, remove covers and rinse them, advises Karina, then wipe with a microfiber cloth, such as the Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths available at Amazon.

It's especially important to clean your solar lights as the panels will need every bit of natural light they can get to run brightly for as long as possible.

4. Throws and blankets

As Samantha says, 'We all love pulling out extra cozy layers in October, but those blankets and pillows gather and retain dust, odors, and even allergens while they’re in storage.

'Tossing them straight onto the couch without a refresh just spreads that buildup around your living room.'

Therefore, this month, I'm taking the time to wash, dry, and care for my blankets and throws, using my favorite laundry detergent – the Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent Liquid available at Amazon.

'This will give you a clean slate so you can enjoy a cozy and clean living space,' adds Samantha.

5. Fireplace and mantel

Finally, I'll be turning my attention to cleaning my fireplace and mantelpiece this October.

'As fireplace season begins, soot, dust, and clutter on mantels stand out,' explains Karina. 'A clean mantel also creates a welcoming spot for fall décor.'

To clean a fireplace and prep your chimney for winter, all that's needed is a quick wipe down with a multi-purpose cleaner and a vacuum inside the fireplace before your first fire. If you're in the market for a new handheld or cordless vacuum, I swear by the Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum available at Amazon.

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet our experts

Karina Toner

Karina is an expert when it comes to all things cleaning, with knowledge of both commercial and residential tricks and techniques.

Jecko Leon

Bear Brothers Cleaning was founded in 2023, since reaching over 100 five-star Google reviews.

Samatha Shpeen

Samantha is the controller and chief home officer at Clean Cult, where she helps bring sustainability into every corner of the home. A mom of two and passionate advocate for practical eco-living, Samantha serves as the brand’s go-to expert on household sustainability.

'A little intentional cleaning now makes the colder months feel fresher, cozier, and far less stressful when the holiday rush sets in,' says Samantha.

Don't forget to check our decluttering calendar for the month, too.