As the second post in my fall cleaning series, I would like to present a list of room-by-room cleaning. Again, please approach this list as a guide, not a rule book. If you don't get to everything on the list, it's okay. Even checking one item off the list is better than checking no items off the list. And, don't forget about my spring room-by-room cleaning guide that ran on April 1.

Kitchen:
1. Scrub floors and counters. Have stone counter tops waxed if applicable.
2. Pull items off cabinet shelves, wipe down shelves, and replace contact paper if worn. Also wipe down cabinet doors and knobs. Inspect glassware and dining ware for chips and cracks, and replace as necessary.
3. Pull items out of drawers, wipe down the inside of the drawers, and replace contact paper or organization units if worn.
3. Clean refrigerator shelves, frame, and door with a mild detergent. Check expiration dates and dispose of any out-dated food.
4. If necessary, defrost freezer. Clean freezer shelves, frame, and door with a mild detergent. Check expiration dates and dispose of any out-dated food.
5. Deep clean oven, stove burners, and range hood.
6. Check expiration dates on all food in the pantry.
7. Wipe down thoroughly all small appliances.
8. Pull refrigerator out from wall and wash the floor under the unit. Carefully vacuum refrigerator coils per manufacturer's instructions and visually inspect water hose for ice maker on refrigerator. Wash front grill of refrigerator with mild detergent.
9. Polish or season cookware per manufacturer's instructions.

Bathroom:
1. Clean medicine chest. See this post for more detailed instructions.
2. Launder shower curtain and replace liner if mildewy.
3. Inspect grout, caulk, and seals on sink, shower, bathtub, and floors. Replace/repair as necessary.
4. Soak shower head for one to two hours in a zip-top bag filled with white vinegar. Attach zip-top bag to shower head with rubber band or binder clip. Flush with water afterward.
5. Toss expired makeup and toiletries.

Bedroom:
1. Flip your mattress if recommended by the manufacturer. Some mattresses, especially newer styles with pillow tops, actually discourage flipping mattresses, so be sure to follow your manufacturer's recommendations.
2. Wash mattress pad and bed skirt. Dry clean or launder comforter and pillow shams.
3. Wash light weather blankets and store in plastic until spring.
4. Swap out warmer weather clothing with cooler weather clothing in closet and drawers. Wipe down closet and dressers while clothes are in transition. Donate clothing that is ill-fitting, and repair clothing that needs tailoring work.
5. Polish and inspect all summer shoes and send those worth repairing out to a cobbler.
6. Polish and/or dust jewelry per manufacturer's instructions. Have damaged items professionally repaired. If applicable, have wedding band and ring steam cleaned at a jewelry store.

Dining room:
1. Polish wood legs on chairs and table. Inspect table top and repair as necessary.
2. Move furniture, vacuum or sweep where furniture had been placed, and dust the underside of chairs, table, and other dining room furniture.
3. Pull items out of sideboard drawers, wipe down the inside of the drawers, and replace organization units if worn.
4. Polish any silver that is on display.

Living rooms:
1. Move furniture, vacuum or sweep where furniture had been placed, and vacuum the underside of large furniture items with the help of a strong buddy.
2. Wash or dry clean furniture slip covers and steam clean upholstered furniture.
3. Polish wood legs on furniture and tables.
4. Pull items out of storage drawers and off shelves, wipe down the drawers/shelves, and replace organization units if worn.
5. Pull books off of shelves, dust with a clean, dry rag, dust bookshelves, and replace books.

Home office:
1. Move furniture, vacuum or sweep where furniture had been placed, and vacuum the underside of large furniture items.
2. Clear off desk and clean desk top with appropriate cleaner. Pull items out of drawers and off shelves, wipe down the drawers/shelves, and replace organization units if worn.
3. Wipe down telephone.

Computers and Electronics:
1. Clean each item per manufacturer's instructions.
2. Go through digital files and organize data. For suggestions on how to organize this information, go here.

Exterior spaces:
1. Sweep and wash porches and patios and prepare them for winter weather.
2. Replace mats at doorways as necessary.
3. Sweep cobwebs and nests out of corners of exterior walls, garage, and porches.
4. Clean outdoor furniture and store for the winter.
5. Clear branches, sticks, and leaves that already may have fallen into the yard. Trim plants and trees as needed.
6. Unhook garden hoses and drain water from them for winter storage. Check exterior water faucets and ensure that they are fully disengaged.
7. Inspect liquids and powders used for bug and weed maintenance and make sure none of the containers are leaking or past their expiration dates. Dispose of expired materials according to your local, county, and state laws.

Other:
1. Clean and store summer sports equipment and swim suits. Donate ill-fitting items to charity, repair valuable items, and replace items that have been destroyed.
2. Gather together and clean all pet toys, food bowls, and accouterments. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.

I spent a long time working on these lists, but I'm sure that I have inadvertently left off a valuable task. Please let us know of any additions to the two lists in the comments.