Want to know what I'll be cleaning this September? Well, with this month comes the start of fall, so it's as good a time as any to start the new season with a freshly sanitized space in my opinion.
Knowing what needs your attention when is key to keeping a clean yet achievable, liveable home, which is why I prefer to prioritize certain areas, rather than trying to tick off my entire home at once.
Here, professional cleaners share their cleaning tips for acing the practical tasks I'm focusing on this month.
5 things to clean in September
1. Lunchboxes and water bottles
Banish dust and bacteria at the end of summer
Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless highlights that as soon as school starts, lunch gear goes from sitting in your organized kitchen cabinets to being handled, packed, and used daily. Just like when I was in school and college, I bring a lunchbox to work with me most days so it's top of my list for things I'm cleaning in September.
'Especially because they hold food every day,' Karina says, 'it’s worth the effort in September to give these items a deep clean to keep bacteria from hitching a ride to school or work.'
For this, Karina recommends using the OXO Good Grips Cleaning Set available at Amazon.
'This set comes with different brush sizes, so you can tackle everything,' she explains. 'The ergonomic handle makes scrubbing easier, and the compact brush fits places even dishwasher jets can’t reach. It’s durable enough for frequent scrubbing but gentle on plastics, so containers also last longer without scratching.'
It's not only your lunch and snack boxes which might need cleaning – Maria Mooney, executive brand director and nontoxic cleaning expert for Truly Free Home, adds, 'Just like lunchboxes, water bottles may not have been getting used a lot in the summer.
'To get rid of the dust that accumulates from sitting unused, I like to soak these with a Truly Free Home Everyday Cleaner available at Amazon, which also helps prevent mold and bacteria buildup when in heavy use.'
2. Under-bed storage
Clean out this oft-forgotten spot before fall
If you live in a smaller home, you'll know that underbed storage ideas are an ideal way to make use of prime real estate. But, as Karina says, unfortunately, the space under your bed is an area that tends to be 'out of sight and out of mind. Take the time to clear out dust bunnies and set up storage bins to maximize the space for shoes, books, or seasonal clothes,' she advises.
Then, it might be a good idea to take the time to declutter and organize the area under the bed, to avoid any common underbed organizing mistakes.
And, if you need a new storage solution, Karina recommends the Sterilite 28 Qt Underbed Storage Box available at Amazon.
'The low profile makes it ideal for tight spaces,' she says. 'The snap-on lid keeps items dust-free, and the clear design makes identifying stored items quick and easy.'
You can also add labels to your boxes, using a label maker such as the Brother P-Touch PT-D200G Label Maker available at Walmart, which is one of the tools professional organizers can't do their job without, so you can easily find what you're looking for later without having to pull everything out.
3. Laundry hampers
Laundry baskets can harbor bad, lingering odors
I'm also taking time in September to clean the laundry basket. It's easily forgotten and comes into contact with sweat, bacteria, and dirt.
Jecko De Leon, operations manager at Bear Brothers Cleaning, says, 'These bags house bacteria, and if ignored for a long time, they can cause odor to linger in your clothes,' which is one of the worst laundry habits.
To get this job done, Jecko recommends using a fabric-safe disinfecting spray, such as the MICROBAN Disinfectant Spray available at Amazon, weekly after emptying the laundry bag, or, even better, popping it into your washer if it's machine washable. Just make sure to check the laundry symbols before getting started to avoid any accidental damage.
4. Backpacks
It's a good idea to give your backpack a much-needed refresh this month
When was the last time you took the time to wash your (or your children's) backpack? They go everywhere with us and often end up on the floor, so it's no surprise that they're prone to a buildup of crumbs, sticky spills, and musty smells – I know mine is.
Luckily, the majority of backpacks can be washed in the washing machine. Jecko recommends wiping the inside with Lysol Disinfectant Wipes, available at Amazon, before tossing any fabric liners into the wash on a gentle cycle.
'Don't forget the zippers and bag straps,' adds Karina. 'These are the parts that are grabbed most, making them magnets for dirt and bacteria.'
5. Umbrella stands
Umbrellas and their stands can end up smelling musty or harboring mold
Finally, give your umbrella stand some attention this month, says Jecko – it's one of the things people with clean entryways always do.
'September tends to bring the first wet days in many areas,' he explains. 'Now's the best time to clean the ignored umbrella stands and get rid of the dust that has accumulated after not being used for months.'
In particular, he adds, make sure you check the bottom of the stand to monitor the presence of mold and mildew. This can be tackled with the bestselling MOLD ARMOR Mold and Mildew Killer available at Walmart.
What to shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
'The suction and spot-cleaning power of this machine make it perfect for refreshing backpacks,' says Karina. 'It’s especially good for fabric interiors, and works wonders on spots that wipes alone can’t handle. It’s small enough to store but powerful enough to make any well-loved backpack look fresher.'
This tough yet gentle bottle brush features a non-slip handle for improved grip. It's dishwasher-safe, so you can simply pop it in your machine when it's time for a refresh.
If your underbed storage solutions are really looking past their prime, it's sometimes easier to simply replace them. These bags have clear windows for easy identification of items and handles to pull them in and out with ease.
This is the new and improved version of the handheld vacuum I swear by at home. It's ideal for keeping a clean home when you have pets, like me, and boasts fast recharging and long-lasting battery life.
Banish stubborn stains from your backpack, laundry hamper, and laundry with this stain remover pen that I can't live without. It even comes on holiday with me, and works effectively in only three simple steps.
Get rid of dust and grime on your umbrella stand with this damp duster, which works with just water and can be used again and again.
Meet our experts
As a mother of three, Maria is committed to offering professional cleaning advice and product recommendations across health, wellness, and lifestyle, to help families cultivate their happiest, healthiest homes. In fact, Truly Free Home is on a mission to eliminate harmful toxic chemicals and plastic waste from over 10,000,000 homes.
With extensive contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more, Karina has extensive knowledge of both commercial and residential cleaning, and knows better than anyone which monthly tasks need ticking off, particularly at the start of a new season.
Jecko De Leon is the operations manager at Bear Brothers Cleaning, a home cleaning and improvement company based in Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama.
Once the new season starts, you can turn your attention to your fall cleaning checklist.
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