Professional cleaners and maintenance experts, what are 5-7 things you recommend people clean or fix in November? Why are these things important to do in November?

Question

Lina DaSilva · Accepted Answer

First on my list is always the kitchen . You should deep clean your oven, stovetop, and range hood now. doing it in November means you're not trying to scrub a greasy oven on Thanksgiving morning. At the same time,clean out your refrigerator and pantry to make space for all the holiday groceries you're about to buy.

If you're having guests this is the month to deep clean the guest room and bathroom. wash the bedding that's been sitting in the closet so it's fresh, and clear out any clutter before you're in a last-minute panic. It's also getting dark so much earlier, so take the time to wipe down all your light fixtures and bulbs.  You'll be surprised how much brighter your home feels when they're not covered in a layer of dust.

Think about prevention,too. Clean out your kitchen sink drain before you pour all that holiday cooking grease down it. outside, it's your last chance to disconnect your hoses and cover your faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting . At the end, with the furnace running and the windows closed,it's the most important time of year to test all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries.

Thank you!

Lina DaSilva, Founder at TorontoShineCleaning.ca/

linkedin.com/in/lina-dasilva/

400+ Google Reviews - g.page/r/Cf1-Hi3QpScjEB0/

Kamila Soltynska · Answer

Credentials:
Kamila Soltynska, Founder of Best Home Services. Link: www.besthomeservices.co.uk. I own a cleaning company and hope that my recommendations help with the article on November cleaning :)

Radiators

This is one of the first things I would recommend checking in November, both to clean them to make sure they work well, and to check their thermostat batteries and if they have to be bled. This way, there aren't any critical heating issues during the winter months when you need it the most. Better do it now than when the temperatures drop!

Radiators collect lots of dust, and in my expereince, are almost always under cleaned in households due to it being so difficult to get into the grooves. I would recommend the following steps:

1. Vacuum as much as possible from the sides with a small attachment.
2. Get into the grill with a long tool (even a makeshift butter knife will do).

Some radiators have very easily removable grating, which will make it easier to clean.

Doors, Handles, and Light Switches

I think these are well worth paying attention to in November, when the cold is approaching. At this time, people are spending more time indoors, and are getting extra touches. Meanwhile, the cold and flu season is approaching, making everyone more prone to sickness. Use a disinfectant, and even a degreaser, to get rid of yellow stains from skin oils that build up over time. In the summer you may get away with cleaning less, but in the flu season I do this more frequently to make sure everyone in my household stays as healthy as possible.

Oven

The oven clean is a November essential for me. Once the festive season kicks in it will be too late, with non-stop cooking, hosting, and celebrating commitments. I think it's a good idea to get ahead of things, so that when the festive times kick in, you can focus on cooking rather than cleaning. To make this as painless as possible, I recommend soaking the oven racks in the sink or bathtub, to reduce the amount of scrubbing that needs to be done. A clean oven not only looks better but heats more evenly, which makes cooking easier too.

Cupboards and Pantry

This is a great time to reorganise and wipe down kitchen cupboards. I always tell clients, if it's been more than six months since you last checked expiry dates, it's time. Food storage can be especially important in winter, especially as we are cooking more hearty meals and relying on tinned goods.

Steven Ip · Answer

Hi,

I recommend that people clean the following in November:

1. Air Filter - 1st thing to check, since it gets dirty fast after fall, all the dust, pollen, and debris from the season usually end up clogging them. The quality of the air will be affected. Heaters will be used more often soon. I recommend cleaning or replacing them in November.

2. Upholstered Furniture - This is one thing I always recommend cleaning before the holidays. We know families tend to spend more time indoors and host gatherings in November for the holidays. And sofas and chairs collect a lot of dust and allergens during summer and fall, so deep cleaning them in November makes the house feel fresh and comfortable for the guests.

3. Closet - By November, most people are already switching to warmer clothes. I recommend that they start cleaning out their closets before winter, as this will help them make space for coats, sweaters, and heavier items. It's also easier to keep things organized this way, rather than rushing when the cold really hits.

4. Kitchen Appliances - The kitchen becomes busy in November with Thanksgiving and holiday cooking. It's best to deep-clean stoves, ovens, and refrigerators early in the month so everything will be ready. This is also to avoid last-minute stress cleaning when hosting.

5. Fireplace - If you have a fireplace, November is a good time to double-check it. Since temperature starts to drop in late fall, use of fireplace will be used more often so make sure to clean and remove ash every week or two. By doing this, you will prevent big problems from happening when winter comes when fireplace are needed more frequently.

6. Curtains and Blinds - Dust starts settling faster on curtains and blinds. It may not be noticeable, but regular curtains should be replaced regularly, and big curtains and blinds should be cleaned. And November is a good time to clean it since it's right before winter starts, when people begin spending more time indoors and heating systems stir up indoor dust. Plus, clean curtains let in more sunlight, which is something everyone appreciates when the days get shorter.

7. Guest Room - Since people are expecting guests when the holiday comes, clean the guest room early in November. Take care of it ahead of time so no last-minute rush.

Hope this helps!

Cord Thomas · Answer

The essential time to prepare your home for winter arrives in November before the season brings its intense cold. Homeowners should take action before problems arise instead of waiting for them to happen. Your gutters require immediate attention because ice dams form when they are not cleared properly which results in expensive water damage. A filter replacement and heating system inspection from a professional will save you money compared to making an urgent call during the night. The prevention of burst pipes depends on disconnecting outdoor hoses and protecting outdoor water supply lines from freezing temperatures. A chimney sweep service will enhance both safety and operational efficiency while draft sealing around windows and doors should be completed. Your home receives the same protection as a cashmere blanket when you seal all openings because it maintains warmth while reducing heating expenses. Your initial work during this period will create a peaceful and protected winter season.

Reuben Wilt · Answer

Closer to winter, I would advise to clean your pool thoroughly and balance it before closing it for winter. Get rid of all the leaves and debris, and scrub off any buildup. Then, drain the water to the correct level, blow out the lines, and use antifreeze in the pipes to prevent freeze damage. Remember to close the skimmers and properly winterize and store all the equipment. Doing it will prevent staining and algae that can grow during the cold season. When you finish cleaning, make sure you close it properly with the cover. And if it sags or dips after a rain, do not wait for it to be frozen there, fix it right away. A fallen cover allows leaves and dirty water to get into the pool, thus, the result of your work is lost. If you have a pool enclosure, clean it thoroughly as well. The screens and the frame get dirt, which can lead to mildew or structural issues, thus making spring maintenance more difficult.

Justin Carpenter · Answer

Managing this many homes has taught me one thing: November is key. One year we skipped cleaning the dryer vent and a full load needed two cycles to dry. After it was cleaned, everything dried fast again. Wipe baseboards and check attic insulation now, before it gets cold and the holidays hit. Get it done early and you won't have to think about it again.

Brandi Simon · Answer

Every November getting houses ready for the winter market, I do a few things. Clean windows, fresh carpets, and, I always re-caulk the sinks. Last fall the fresh caulk was a game changer. Buyers noticed right away how well-maintained the house looked. In a season with weak sunlight, these little details are everything, making a whole room feel brighter.

Andrew Bates · Answer

Examine and Replace Lighting

Make sure your lighting is inspected in November. As the days get shorter, proper lighting becomes even more important for safety and ambiance. This is a good month to inspect both the indoor and outdoor lighting and to replace burned-out lamps. Switching to either piped-in or LED lighting is another alternative to be considered. This will improve visibility but will also reduce the cost of lighting or electrical costs. It's also a good time to install motion sensor lights so that entryways can welcome guests safely.

Inspect Electrical Wiring and Outlets

There is a great increase in usage of electrical appliances during the holiday period, and it is wise to have all of your electrical outlets and cords checked carefully for any shortcomings, including loose, damaged, overloaded outlets, and to have any of these conditions corrected by your local electrician. This helps to eliminate conditions for fires and electrical hazards. It is also a good time to clean up the tangled wires and cords, and power strips that may have become unsightly in your home.

Check backup power

Should there be a winter storm, power interruption, or outage, a reliable power source from generators can be a great asset. It is wise to test your home generator, if you have one, to see that it is in working condition. If there is no home generator, this is a good time to consider the installation of permanent power before the stormy weather. It can also give peace of mind, knowing that there will be power in one home situation or another if an emergency happens.

Adrian Iorga · Answer

As a moving company, we maintain a network and coordination with several house maintenance vendors like plumbers, cleaners, and electrical experts. And, they agree in cohesion; November is the final preparation month before the holidays and winter's mayhem.

Here are two recommended tasks that people should not put off in November. Your home's winter version will thank you!

1. Cleaning and replacing refrigerator coils- The weather is still mild, so spare a day for cleaning your refrigerator coils. With Thanksgiving and holidays approaching, your refrigerator is expected to run at maximum efficiency. Cleaning the coils with a vacuum-brush will remove the dust and debris. If coils are damaged or not functioning properly, consider replacing them for efficient cooling in the upcoming months.

2. Check functionality of sump pump- The sump pump removes excess water from the basements or crawl spaces. November is a mixed bag with rain and early freezes expected, so checking your sump pump beforehand is a smart move. Along with the pump's functionality, also check the outside drainage pipe, and make sure the discharge pathway is clear.

Ryan Nelson · Answer

Here's my November checklist from my landlord days: flush the water heater, clean the gutters, and check the weatherstripping. The weatherproofing didn't seem to do much at first, but our tenants' energy bills went down and the maintenance calls stopped. Get this stuff done before winter hits and you'll avoid some huge headaches later.

Jordan Smith · Answer

I've been running a roofing and exterior company in North Carolina for almost a decade, and November is when I see homeowners find problems that could've been prevented. Here are things I'm telling customers to check right now:

**Clean your gutters and check downspout extensions.** Leaves are done falling by late November here in the Triad, but most people wait until spring. Clogged gutters mean water sits against your fascia all winter, and I've repaired thousands in rot damage that started from one neglected fall. Check that downspouts dump water at least 6 feet from your foundation--frozen ground in winter can't absorb overflow.

**Inspect chimney caps and flashing before you use your fireplace.** We install chimney caps year-round, but November service calls spike because animals nested in open chimneys during fall and homeowners don't find it until they light their first fire. A $200 cap prevents a $3,000 chimney fire and keeps raccoons out of your attic.

**Check window and door caulking now while it's still workable.** Caulk needs temperatures above 40degF to cure properly, and gaps around windows account for serious heat loss. I had a customer last winter whose heating bill jumped $90/month because old caulk had cracked around their north-facing windows. A $6 tube and 30 minutes would've saved them hundreds.

**Walk your roof from the ground with binoculars.** Look for lifted shingles or missing granules--wind damage from fall storms shows up as bare spots. One customer ignored a few lifted shingles in November, then got ice damming in January that caused interior ceiling damage. A $400 repair became a $4,200 insurance claim.

Jeremy Yamaguchi · Answer

When November hits, freezing temperatures could be coming any day. So, you want to make sure to do things like winterize your pool if you haven't already, clean and store away all of your yard equipment, and clean and store away all of your outdoor furniture. These are all things that require winterizing, and November is often as late as you can go to do that. If you don't, you run the risk of damage.

Belle Florendo · Answer

We as professional cleaners and maintenance experts with Accurate Homes and Commercial Services recommend that you should prepare your place to be ready in winter months in November. Begin with the cleaning of your HVAC system change filters and have an expert service the system to guarantee the system operates efficiently during colder seasons. This does not only enhance the quality of air, but also prevents expensive breakdowns when the equipment is used at its peak. The other necessary activity is the gutter cleaning because the falling leaves and debris may lead to clogging of gutters which in turn causes water damage and ice damming during freezing seasons.

The second step would be to close all the window and door-related gaps to avoid drafts and save on heating expenses. Whether you have a fire-place or not, it should be swept and checked,--this will lead to a diminished risk of fires, and you have a chimney which works safely. Check on your roofs and see whether there are missing shingles or damages before snow or rain cause leaks and inspect your insulation in attics or crawl spaces to ensure that your energy is used efficiently. Lastly, have your carpets and upholstered furniture deep cleaned- damp air in the fall can collect dust and other allergens, and thus a deep cleaning will ensure your home is healthier. These are those that should be done now as they will make your house ready to take the worse seasons yet to come and will save you the inconvenience of having to pay high costs to repair your house at a later stage of the season.

Chelsey Christensen CWP · Answer

I've been working in the family water well business since I was young enough to get excited about job sites, and November is when I tell everyone in the Springfield area to flush and inspect their pressure tanks. Your pressure tank works harder when ground temperatures drop because cold water is denser and your pump cycles more frequently to maintain pressure. I've watched customers limp through winter with failing tanks only to have them burst in January when replacement crews are backed up for weeks.

**Drain your water softener brine tank and check for salt bridges.** A salt bridge is when humidity causes a hard crust to form in your tank while the salt below stays dry--your softener thinks it has salt but it's not actually softening anything. November's temperature swings between warm days and cold nights create perfect conditions for this. We've had customers call us panicking about suddenly having hard water stains on everything after Thanksgiving, and it's usually a salt bridge that formed in November that they didn't catch.

**If you have a well, check your wellhead seal and cap before the ground freezes.** I've seen too many wells get contaminated because a cracked wellhead let surface water seep in during November rains, then froze solid making repairs impossible until spring. One agricultural client lost an entire irrigation well this way--$15,000 to drill a replacement because a $200 wellhead seal wasn't checked before winter.

**Test your iron filter backwash cycle if you have one.** Cold weather thickens the iron sediment in your filter, and if the backwash isn't working properly, you'll wake up to rust-colored water and stained fixtures by December. It takes 10 minutes to run a manual backwash cycle in November, but waiting until it fails means no clear water until we can get parts shipped during holiday delays.

Wes True · Answer

Based on experience, I can say that November is the PERFECT TIME for home maintenance - the ground has not yet frozen, but winter is near enough to expose weak points.

The first thing I recommend to homeowners is to check their DOORS and WINDOWS for any warping, gaps, or cracks in the weatherstripping and caulking. A gap of 1/8 inch around a door leaks air as much as an open window, resulting in higher heating costs and cold drafts. Our clients also frequently ignore these until they see frost or condensation on the inside sills. It will save a lot of money if you replace worn seals now rather than waiting until winter.

Additionally, GARAGE DOOR SEALS, DRYER VENTS, and SUMP PUMPS should be checked - a worn gasket will allow freezing air to leak into the garage with any pest; and a clogged or leaky dryer vent can lead to fires. Still, I do not see people checking their sump pump until it is too late and their basement is flooding - the power-on test can absolutely prevent thousands of dollars in damage!

Jessi Batchelor · Answer

1-Base on my experience, the most requested service by our clients in November is a Kitchen deep cleaning, because this is the most used and busiest space during the holidays.
2-Another common request is to clean the filters and vents for better air quality. We tend to stay home longer during the winter and have many guests during this time.
3- I also notice that in November most of our clients place absorbent mats and trays at entryways to catch dirt, and water from shoes and boots. Cleaning these mats becomes really important for the rest of the year.
4- I recommend dryer vent cleaning because you will be using more heat and energy during the winter, and having a clean dryer vent will improve efficiency and save you money on your electric bill.
5- We also include gutter and downspout cleaning in every deep cleaning in November. By this time, most trees have already dropped their leaves. If you don't remove the leaves, they'll clog your gutters, leading to water damage, and costly repairs later in winter.
6- Inside out window cleaning is a must, you'll want sparkling windows for the holidays when natural light matters the most as you're hosting friends and family.

My name is Jessica Batchelor, Owner of Arionclean a Eco-Friendly residential cleaning company based on Miami. https://arionclean.com

Shaun Bettman · Answer

Hello,

This is Shaun Bettman. I am the CEO & Chief Mortgage Broker of Eden Emerald Mortgages. I work with a lot of homeowners and investors such as first-time buyers & seasoned property owners, so I know what things need attention to keep a property in top shape.

These are five things people need to clean or fix in November:

Clean downspouts and gutters

Fall is the time of year when the leaves begin to accumulate, especially if your home has trees close by. As well all know, water damage and leaks will lead to clogged gutters. November is the ideal time to get rid of them before the heavy rains or snow begin.

Service the heating system

As the weather turns colder, the last thing you want is for your heating system to experience any problems. Having it serviced in November means that you will never need to put up with breakdowns at the most inconvenient time and you can rest assured that your home will not become too cold and that your energy bills will not increase.

Check insulation

Insulation tends to deteriorate over time, resulting in drafts and higher heating bills. November is the best time to inspect insulation in your attic, windows & doors and seal any cracks to help increase the energy efficiency in the winter.

Vacuum and Steam Clean Carpets & Upholstery

With the holiday season approaching, carpet and upholstery cleaning ensure that your home is fresh and inviting to your guests. Cleaning before the busy months also helps to minimize the accumulation of dust and allergens, which helps with the air quality.

Inspect the roof

Fall winds and rain will do some damage to your roof, so it is better to check it in November to prevent any leaks and water damage before winter storms start. A fast check-up will keep you out of the more expensive fixes that will happen in the future.

Bennett Barrier · Answer

As the CEO of DFW Turf Solutions, I oversee artificial turf installations and property maintenance across Texas. This gives me a practical background in seasonal maintenance and preventive maintenance of property.

November is the time when the outdoors start becoming inactive and into their winter dormancy period. It is a good time to take care of those areas that naturally decay with moisture and cold, and here are a few of my recommendations.

1. Gutters should be cleared out of all the leaves and debris that will collect moisture and ice, and can damage your fascia boards and foundations.

2. Roofs need to be inspected for loose shingles or small leaks that can spread with freezing temperatures and cause damage and related water damage.

3. Now is the time to service air conditioning and heating systems or HVAC systems to keep them at peak performance and to avoid performance problems due to stress in the coldest weeks of winter.

4. Window and door seals must also be checked and replaced if cracked since drafts increase heating costs 15% to 20% and hasten the deterioration of heating units.

5. Irrigation and exterior sprinkler systems should also be drained and winterized as frozen water expands and bursts pipes, leading to costly repairs in early spring.

6. High traffic areas including carpets and flooring must be deep cleaned to remove sand and grit, which cause wear and moisture that hasten deterioration.

7. All decks, patios and outdoor furniture should be cleaned and treated to protect against rot, mildew and stains from winter precipitation.

This should be done in November for the purpose of preserving structural integrity and eliminating emergency repairs, as well as ensuring the efficiency of heating and maintenance systems during the winter months.

Alex Capozzolo · Answer

I advise my clients to take time to clean or fix things that will help keep their house running efficiently in the cold winter months.

-Change the furnace filter and periodically have it serviced by an HVAC professional to keep it running at its best.
-Clean out your rain gutters so that water doesn't accumulate against and damage your foundation. 
-Switch the direction of your ceiling fans so warm air is recirculated.

Lawrence Irby · Answer

Most winter problems I see with homes come from two things: clogged gutters and a failed furnace. Both are fixable in November. Get your HVAC serviced, seal the drafts, and clear the leaves from your gutters. You'll avoid the cold rooms and annoying leaks later. Since I started doing this myself, my house holds up better and there's way less stress when it's time to sell.

Professional cleaners and maintenance experts, what are 5-7 things you recommend people clean or fix in November? Why are these things important to do in November?

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Professional cleaners and maintenance experts, what are 5-7 things you recommend people clean or fix in November? Why are these things important to do in November?

100 Answers