Preparing Your Home for a Healthy Autumn
As the seasons shift, so do our needs at home. Fall invites us to restore balance, refresh our surroundings and prepare for the months ahead with health and comfort in mind.
WORDS Elissa Rose
As leaves begin to turn and the air takes on a crispness, fall calls us to retreat inward. It’s a season of transition – not just outdoors, but within our homes. Preparing your space for the colder months doesn’t require a complete overhaul, but it does invite reflection and intention. As we close the windows and light the candles, it becomes even more important to ensure the air we breathe is clean, the systems we rely on are functioning well and the materials surrounding us support our health and comfort.
Fall is also an opportunity to reset and clear out the remnants of summer to make space for rest, rituals and nourishing foods. Whether you're tuning your home for a quieter rhythm or preparing for the festivities to come, these steps will help you approach the season with care and clarity.
 |
Photo courtesy of Sunhouse Craft |
Deep Clean Before You Close Up
With windows shut and heating systems running, indoor air can quickly become stagnant. Dust and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from furniture, textiles and cleaning products can accumulate, especially in homes with poor ventilation. Before the cold truly sets in, give your home a thorough clean with natural, non-toxic products. Start high and work down – dust crown molding, light fixtures, ceiling fans and vents, then move on to furniture and baseboards. Wash windows to make the most of dwindling daylight and vacuum rugs, cushions and upholstery with a HEPA-filter vacuum to trap allergens. Replace summer bedding with warmer layers and take the opportunity to clean mattresses and air out pillows.
Learn more about the importance of indoor air quality: Breathe Easy in Your Home All Year Round
Get Ahead of Heating Season
Now’s the time to inspect your heating system, before it becomes essential. Whether you rely on central heating, space heaters or wood burning stoves, routine maintenance is key for both efficiency and air quality. Clean radiators and baseboard heaters of accumulated dust. Replace filters on HVAC systems and clean vents throughout your home. Unless it’s your main heat source, be cautious when using a wood burning stove and ensure your space is well ventilated. Wood burning stoves carry respiratory health risks, especially for children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
Address Humidity and Condensation
As temperatures drop, we often see a rise in indoor humidity – especially in kitchens, bathrooms and near windows. Moisture buildup can contribute to mold growth, which poses risks to respiratory health and home integrity. Use a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity (ideal levels fall between 40–60 percent). Run ventilation fans when cooking or bathing and consider a dehumidifier in particularly damp areas. Wipe down windows and sills regularly and inspect corners, closets and storage spaces for signs of mold.
Learn how to mitigate mold: Mold Matters – Health, Prevention and Remediation, Part 1
 |
Photo courtesy of Public Goods |
Outdoor and Entryway Prep
As summer ends, we tend to forget the exterior of our homes – but seasonal transition starts before you step inside. Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup and ice dams. Store or cover outdoor furniture, drain garden hoses and check windows and doors for drafts. Setting up a mudroom or entryway system – with mats, hooks and storage – helps reduce the amount of dirt, moisture and pollen tracked indoors.
Safety and Maintenance Checks
As you nestle in, make sure your home is equipped for safety. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Inspect first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Check space heaters and heating pads for frayed cords or wear. This is also a good time to clean dryer vents, which can become clogged with lint and pose a fire risk in colder months when laundry loads tend to increase.
Read more about maintaining your home here: Home Maintenance Made Simple
Layer Up with Healthy Materials
As we prepare to spend more time indoors, we naturally gravitate toward softness such as blankets, throws and heavier curtains. But not all textiles are created equal. Synthetic materials can shed microplastics and off-gas harmful chemicals, especially in heated environments. Instead, look for natural, breathable fibers like wool, organic cotton, linen or hemp. These not only regulate body temperature but also contribute to healthier indoor air. When purchasing new items, check for third-party certifications like GOTS or OEKO-TEX to ensure non-toxic processing and dyeing.
Prepare Your Pantry and Clean the Kitchen
Fall often means more time spent cooking, baking and sharing meals. Prepare your kitchen to support seasonal eating with a deep clean and mindful organization. Wipe down cabinets and reorganize dry goods. Discard expired spices and rotate pantry staples. Clean behind and beneath appliances and take this opportunity to descale your kettle and coffee machine. Consider investing in glass storage containers to keep bulk ingredients fresh and plastic use to a minimum.
Discover how to make simple swaps for a healthy kitchen: Room Refresh: Simple Changes for a Healthier Home - The Kitchen Edition
Fall is an invitation to slow down, but also to tune in. With a little care and attention, your home can become a true shelter; warm, well-ventilated and ready for the quieter months ahead. Let WLLW guide you toward a healthier home for the coming season.
 |
Photo courtesy of Koala Eco |
Download your own copy of WLLW’s Fall Home Prep Checklist here
Fall Home Prep Checklist
Cleaning and Air Quality:
- Dust high and low – ceiling fans, vents and baseboards
- Vacuum rugs, upholstery and mattresses with a HEPA vacuum
- Wash windows and clean light fixtures
- Air out bedding; switch to warmer, natural materials
- Check air purifiers and change the filters if needed
- Use non-toxic cleaning products and tools such as those offered by Koala Eco and Sunhouse Craft
Heating and Ventilation:
- Replace HVAC or furnace filters
- Clean radiators and baseboard heaters
- In homes with water radiators, bleed them to reduce trapped air
- Schedule chimney sweep or fireplace inspection
- Wipe down vents and extractor fans
- Test your thermostat and consider programming it to reflect seasonal shifts
Humidity and Moisture:
- Monitor humidity levels (ideal 40–60 percent)
- Run bathroom and kitchen fans
- Clean window sills and corners to prevent mold
- Use dehumidifiers in damp-prone areas
- Clean humidifiers and dehumidifiers before seasonal use
- Inspect attic and basement for leaks or dampness after heavy rains
Outdoor and Entryway:
- Clear gutters and downspouts
- Store or cover outdoor furniture
- Seal doors and windows to prevent drafts
- Set up a mudroom or entry system
- Drain and store hoses and shut off exterior water spigots to prevent freezing
- Rake leaves away from foundations to reduce moisture buildup
Safety Checks:
- Test smoke and CO detectors
- Clean dryer vents
- Inspect heating appliances and cords
- Restock first aid kits and fire extinguishers
- Schedule duct cleaning if it hasn’t been completed in several years
- Review emergency preparedness, such as flashlights, candles, batteries and blankets
- Service generators if you have one
Materials and Textiles:
- Rotate or wash seasonal bedding and throws
- Swap synthetic fabrics for natural ones (wool, cotton, hemp)
- Check for third-party certifications (GOTS, OEKO-TEX)
- Clean and hang heavier curtains to add warmth and insulation
Kitchen and Pantry:
- Wipe down cabinets and check for expired goods
- Clean behind appliances
- Descale kettles and coffee makers
- Switch to non-toxic cleaning and storage solutions
- Stock the pantry with fall staples like broths, beans and spices for warming meals
- Check reusable food storage (jars and beeswax wraps etc.) and replenish if needed
Lighting and Atmosphere:
- Check lightbulbs and switch to warmer-spectrum LEDs for calmer evenings
- Clean lampshades and swap in task lighting where shorter days need it
- Set candles or diffusers with natural, non-toxic scents to support mood
Gardening:
- Plant spring bulbs and cut back perennials
- Compost fallen leaves instead of bagging them
- Store garden tools and clean them to prevent rust
- Cover or bring in potted plants sensitive to frost
Wellness and Rest:
- Rotate or refresh mattresses and pillows for seasonal support
- Layer bedding with breathable wool or cotton for warmth without overheating
- Create a reading or rest nook for the longer nights
Seasonal Transition:
- Rotate wardrobes - store summer clothes in breathable bags, bring forward knits and coats
- Donate items you no longer need before the holidays
- Stock herbal teas and immune-support staples for cold season
Feature Image: Hero/Adobe
Photography: Suncraft House, Public Works, Koala Eco
