In this post, we share smart tips for both outdoor and indoor cleaning in preparation for autumn and winter!

In the outdoor section, we focus on preparing the garden for winter by tidying away summer items and cleaning garden tools with soap and warm water to keep algae and mold away! In the indoor section, we focus on clearing the hallway for winter shoes and clothes, as well as using moth repellent to protect seasonal clothing. To improve the indoor environment, we provide tips on dusting thoroughly and switching to environmentally friendly light sources. Additionally, we give advice on cleaning the oven and tidying behind the stove before Christmas cooking using environmentally friendly cleaning products and considering using natural alternatives instead of strong chemicals to protect the environment and health.

It's high time for autumn cleaning!

Smart autumn cleaning, outdoors:

• Tidy away all summer items. Feel free to scrub garden furniture, pots, and garden tools with soap and warm water. The superfatted soap keeps algae, mold, and bacteria away. Plus, it's much more enjoyable to bring out clean things in the spring. Scrub brush, eco-fiber cloth, solid or liquid soap, and warm water in a bucket work well. Rinse off with the garden hose. Let dry and put away.

  
  

• Make sure to clear the garden and flower beds of all "edibles." Apples and other leftover garden material easily become a feast for rats that dig tunnels under the snow. If you have had problems with rats during previous winters, you can place juniper sprigs where you suspect rats might enter; by basement windows, vents in the foundation, and so on. It's not a guarantee that you'll get rid of them, but rats really dislike juniper.

  
  

• Clean the windows before winter. You'll thank yourself when it's time to hang up the Advent stars! If you already have sub-zero temperatures, you can solve this by adding a little methylated spirit to the water, which prevents it from freezing. At the same time, check that you have intact and good window seals/weatherstripping. If not, it's a good idea to replace them now. It can make a big difference to your electricity consumption during the winter.

  
  

• Finally, place a sturdy doormat outside and put/hang up an old-fashioned straw broom outside the front door. This way, you avoid dirt from outdoor shoes and snow being dragged into the home. The straw broom can withstand being hung outdoors, under a roof. It is very effective against both dirt and snow.

  
  

Smart autumn cleaning, indoors:

• Tidy up the hallway and make room for winter shoes and winter clothes. Keep in mind that winter clothes take up more space than summer clothes, so declutter thoroughly. Remember to use moth repellent when you put away seasonal clothing. Natural moth repellent in red cedar is preferable as it is not at all toxic.

  
  

• When you then take out your winter clothes, is there anything you no longer need? Maybe you've bought a new winter jacket, the children's snowsuits might have become too small? Then please think of those in need. There is always some organization that collects warm clothes to help those who need them during the cold winter.

  
  

• Empty all recycling bins. Both newspaper collection, batteries, and plastic tend to accumulate and increase more during autumn and winter.

  
  

• Take the opportunity to beat rugs and air out bedding while it's snow-free. It's always an extra job to shovel out railings and beating frames for this.

  
  

• The air often becomes much drier during the winter, which means that all the dust wants to swirl around in our homes. Take the opportunity to dust, wipe down, and vacuum thoroughly, even behind heavy furniture, so you keep the indoor air cleaner. Dust bookshelves and ceiling moldings effectively with a genuine ostrich feather duster.

  – Another tip for a better indoor environment is to switch all lights to real stearin candles, light bringers, or soy wax candles that are not petroleum-based, as these are not good for the indoor environment.

  
  

• Clean the oven and clean behind the stove. It's almost time for Christmas food and baking. For this, we recommend an eco-fiber cloth and solid soap. A fatty soap dissolves grease from cooking very effectively. Read more about how to use solid soap in the following blog post: How to use solid and liquid soap?

  
  

• We would also like to advise you to phase out strong cleaning products in favor of natural ones.

  
  

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Questions and Answers

- Why is it important to clean garden tools and furniture before winter?

Cleaning garden tools and furniture with soap and warm water helps to keep algae, mold, and bacteria away during the winter, while also preparing for a fresh start in the spring.

- What can you do to prevent rats from entering the garden during the winter?

To avoid rats, you can clear the garden of leftover material and place juniper sprigs in places where rats might enter, such as by basement windows and the foundation.

- Why is it good to use environmentally friendly light sources instead of regular lamps?

Environmentally friendly light sources, such as real stearin candles or soy wax candles, are better for the indoor environment because they are not petroleum-based and do not emit harmful substances.

- What is the advantage of cleaning the oven with an eco-fiber cloth and solid soap?

Eco-fiber cloths and solid soap are effective at dissolving grease from cooking and are environmentally friendly alternatives to strong chemicals, which is especially important considering Christmas cooking and baking.

- Why do we recommend replacing strong cleaning products with natural alternatives?

By using natural cleaning products instead of strong chemicals, you reduce the risk of harmful fumes and environmental impact, while maintaining a clean and fresh indoor environment.

Order natural cleaning products here: Västerbottenssåpa