NYC Fall Cleaning Checklist: Get Your Apartment Ready for Winter

Why fall cleaning matters in NYC apartments

Summer in the city means open windows, fans and street dust drifting in. When the heat comes on in the fall, that dust settles on radiators, sills and baseboards. Smaller apartments with fewer windows also hold onto it. A thorough clean in October or November makes the months indoors more comfortable.

Radiators and heating

Many NYC buildings use steam or hot-water radiators, and the dust that collects between fins can give off a burnt smell when the heat first turns on.

• Clean radiators before or soon after the heat comes on, while they're cool to the touch
• Use a vacuum brush attachment or a long, narrow radiator brush between fins
• Wipe radiator covers and the wall and floor behind them
• Clear items away from radiators and keep the area around them clear
• Dust and wipe vents if your building has forced air or PTAC units

Windows and sills

• Wipe sills and tracks, where street grit gathers over summer
• Clean interior glass so you get the most from shorter daylight hours
• Remove, clean and store window fans and screens if you take them down
• Dust blinds and wash or refresh curtains

Only clean the interior side of your windows. Exterior window cleaning in tall buildings is a job for building management, not a household task.

Kitchen

Holiday cooking season starts soon, so reset the kitchen now:

• Degrease the range hood, backsplash and stovetop
• Clean inside the oven and fridge, and toss expired items
• Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
• Clear out the pantry and check for crumbs that attract pests as it gets colder
• Clean the sink, faucet and drain area

Bathrooms

Closed windows and hot showers mean more humidity. Bathrooms without good ventilation are prone to buildup in winter.

• Scrub grout and caulk lines in the tub or shower
• Clean or replace the shower liner
• Dust the exhaust fan cover so it works properly
• Descale fixtures and showerheads

Closets and storage

Closet space is tight in most NYC apartments, so the seasonal swap is a good moment to clean:

• Store summer clothing and bring out coats, boots and sweaters
• Dust and wipe shelves and closet floors before putting items back
• Set up a spot by the door for wet boots and umbrellas
• Donate items you didn't use this year

Floors and entryways

• Vacuum and mop thoroughly, including under furniture and along baseboards
• Clean or rotate area rugs before more time is spent indoors
• Add a sturdy doormat to catch winter salt and slush
• Wipe baseboards in hallways and entryways

Preparing for colder weather

• Check that radiator valves and thermostats work, and report heating issues to your building
• Look for drafts around windows and doors
• Wash bedding and bring out heavier blankets
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

When a professional deep cleaning is worth booking

You can handle parts of this list yourself, but some tasks take hours in a typical apartment: baseboards, grout, radiators and kitchen buildup. A seasonal deep cleaning makes sense if:

• Your home hasn't been professionally cleaned in a few months
• You're hosting for Thanksgiving or the holidays
• Summer dust and grime have built up in kitchens and bathrooms
• You want a clean starting point before a recurring schedule

TidyLine's Deep Cleaning starts from $199 and covers baseboards, buildup in kitchens and bathrooms, and the detail work a routine visit skips. Inside-oven, inside-fridge and interior-window cleaning are available as extras. Not sure which service fits? Compare standard vs. deep cleaning. After a fall deep clean, recurring cleaning can keep things steady through winter.

See your price & book — choose your service, home size, extras, date and time. Your price is shown before you confirm.

Frequently asked questions