Autumn Cleaning: Keep Your Home Fresh in a Wet, Rainy Season

Autumn brings cooler air, shorter days—and a lot more moisture. With rain, mud and higher indoor humidity, your cleaning plan should shift from “summer dust” to “mould, moisture and mess management.” This guide covers what to prioritise, room-by-room tasks, and smart routines to keep your home healthy and fresh.

What to prioritise in a damp season

• Moisture control: Aim for 45–60% relative humidity. Use a hygrometer to track RH and a dehumidifier or boosted ventilation when needed.
• Entryway mud management: Stop dirt at the door with good mats (outside + inside) and a shoe-off policy.
• Airflow & warmth: 10–15 minutes of daily ventilation (windows ajar) helps prevent condensation on windows and walls.
• Regular descaling: Cooler showers + heating changes often increase limescale marks. Keep glass, taps and tiles clear to prevent mould anchoring on residue.

Room-by-room checklist

Entryway / Hall

• Place a scraper mat outside and an absorbent mat inside; wash weekly.
• Add a boot tray or rack to contain drips. Wipe tray daily in wet spells.
• Keep microfibre cloths by the door to spot-wipe splashes on skirting and doors.

Living Areas

• Vacuum slowly in overlapping lines—moist air binds dust to fibres.
• Launder throws/cushion covers; dry fully to prevent musty odours.
• Wipe window frames and condensation channels weekly; dry sills after rainy days.

Kitchen

• Run the extractor during and 10 minutes after cooking.
• Descale taps, sink and kettle; buff dry to remove water marks (helps prevent mould film).
• Clean fridge seals and cupboard corners; humidity can feed hidden mildew.

Bathroom

• Squeegee glass and tiles after showers; quick dry with a microfibre.
• Ventilate: open window or run fan for 15–20 minutes post-shower.
• Descale showerhead, taps and screen; treat grout lines and silicone with a targeted mould remover if needed.

Bedrooms

• Air bedding weekly; rotate or flip mattresses if manufacturer allows.
• Keep wardrobes slightly spaced from external walls to avoid cold-spot condensation.
• Use moisture absorbers or a dehumidifier if RH stays above 60%.

Laundry Area

• Dry clothes with active airflow: outside when possible, otherwise near a dehumidifier or with a condenser/heat-pump dryer.
• Avoid drying on radiators (adds moisture to rooms). If you must, open a window briefly.
• Run a washing-machine clean cycle monthly; wipe door seal after each wash.

Windows, Gutters & Exterior

• Clear gutters and downpipes to stop overflow and damp ingress.
• Wash exterior thresholds; algae can be slippery in constant rain.
• Inspect window caulk and seals; repair drafts to reduce condensation.

Mould & limescale: a quick game plan

• Target RH 45–60%: Use a hygrometer. If high, vent more or run a dehumidifier.
• Remove limescale first: Descale glass, taps and tiles so mould cleaners can reach surfaces properly.
• Treat mould promptly: Use a suitable mould cleaner; follow label contact times; rinse/neutralise if required.
• Dry everything: Mould needs moisture—finish with a dry cloth on problem spots.

Autumn textiles & organisation

• Rotate in heavier duvets, wash/lightly freshen blankets, and fully dry before storage.
• Set up a wet-gear station: pegs for coats, tray for boots, basket for hats and gloves.
• Wash door mats fortnightly; they’re your first defence.

Your wet-season cleaning kit

• Microfibre cloths (glass, general, bathroom sets)
• Squeegee for shower glass and windows
• Neutral pH floor cleaner for sealed wood/vinyl; stone-safe cleaner for natural stone
• Descaler for taps, showerheads and tiles; follow label and never mix with bleach
• Mould/mildew remover for grout and silicone (use PPE, ventilate well)
• Doormat duo (scraper + absorbent) and a boot tray
• Hygrometer and (if needed) a dehumidifier

Weekly rhythm (sample)

• Daily (10–15 min): Ventilate; wipe entry mats/tray; squeegee shower; quick kitchen counter reset.
• Mid-week (30–40 min): Vacuum high-traffic floors; descale taps/glass; empty condensation channels on windows.
• Weekend (60–90 min): Bathrooms top-to-bottom; mop hard floors; wash door mats; wash/air throws and cushion covers; inspect for damp spots and treat early.

Quick 30-minute rainy-day reset

1. Open trickle vents/windows slightly for airflow.
2. Run dehumidifier in the most humid room.
3. Squeegee and wipe bathroom; fan on for 15 minutes.
4. Vacuum entryway and living area slowly; mop any muddy patches.
5. Swap in dry mats; hang wet items at the boot tray.

Eco-minded tips

• Use cold-wash cycles for lightly soiled items; line-dry with airflow where possible.
• Choose concentrated refills to reduce plastic and storage.
• Spot-treat early to avoid heavy chemical use later.

Bottom line

Autumn cleaning is all about controlling moisture, blocking mud at the door, and staying ahead of mould. With smart ventilation, regular descaling, and a consistent weekly routine, your home will feel clean, dry and welcoming—even on the rainiest days.