In addition to the normal cleaning procedures at your vacation rental, you’ll want to complete some additional tasks during the fall season! This will ensure that your property looks appealing throughout autumn and the upcoming winter months, demonstrating a commitment to the comfort of your guests! As a bonus, adapting your cleaning routine to the season also helps to maintain the condition and longevity of your property! Here are the top 5 vacation rental cleaning tips for the fall season:
1. Protect Outdoor Furniture
If you have outdoor furniture available for your guests to enjoy during the spring and summer months, you’ll want to clean and store any items that may not fare well in colder weather! For example, some patio furniture that is left outside to harsher weather conditions can be damaged. This includes furniture items that contain iron, steel, or wicker, as these materials can rust, rot, or crack during the winter.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Another one of the top vacation rental cleaning tips for the fall season is to clean your gutters and downspouts! This is an essential maintenance task that helps prevent water damage to your property and helps prepare your rental for the winter. To clean your gutters and downspouts effectively, remove any debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to flush out any remaining debris, and dispose of the debris properly.
3. Replace HVAC Filters
As you transition from the air conditioning season to heating season, the fall is the ideal time to replace your HVAC filters! This is a straightforward task that helps maintain indoor air quality and the HVAC efficiency. The air filter compartment is typically found in the return air duct near the furnace or air handler, so simply dispose of the old filter and replace with a filter that matches the size and filtration level needed for your system.
4. Sweep and Inspect Chimneys and Fireplaces
If you have a fireplace in your vacation rental, you know that this is often a favorite amenity of fall and winter guests! Therefore, before “fireplace season”, reduce the risk of a house fire started by an unclean and clogged chimney by cleaning the entire area. If you prefer not to hire a professional chimney cleaning company, you’ll want to be equipped with the right cleaning supplies including a chimney brush, drop cloths, cleaning rods, buckets for debris, safety goggles, gloves and a dust mask.
5. Prepare the Yard for Weather Conditions
Take advantage of the crisp fall weather to prepare your yard for seasonal weather conditions! In many areas of the country, you’ll be dealing with fallen leaves and other debris that should be raked to ensure a clean and safe environment. This is also the perfect time to dust any outdoor lighting fixtures, wipe down outside railings, sweep the porch and vacuum your welcome mat!
Now that you know the top vacation rental cleaning tips for the fall season, learn how our professional housekeeping software can make your cleaning process easier than ever! Our housekeeping command center has all the tools you need to help run your housekeeping and maintenance operations!
