September Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist

As summer comes to a close, your home deserves some special attention to prepare for colder temperatures to come. September home maintenance is all about wrapping up the warm and welcoming fall.

In many areas of the country, September brings rain and severe storms with it. So your home maintenance for the month may include cleaning out the gutters, restocking your emergency supplies, and installing storm windows.

Follow through on this list to ensure the most important safety and maintenance tasks don’t fall through the cracks in September.

Greasy doesn’t even begin to cover it when it comes to this major appliance. Your range hood funnels odors and smoke out of your home, and a dirty fan isn’t just unsightly—it’s dangerous. Wipe it down and ensure it’s functional to avoid fire hazards in the kitchen. Plus, a clean kitchen can help improve your home's air quality.¹

Pro tip: go easy on yourself by putting a bowl of water in the microwave and warming it for about a minute. The steam will make it easier to scrub off all those caked-on leftovers. Make things really sparkle by adding a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice to the bowl of water.

Cooler mornings mean even more reliance on a steaming cup of joe, but whether you use pods or filters to brew your coffee, now is a good time to make sure you're getting the cleanest—and tastiest—cup. 

For drip coffee makers

1. Fill the reservoir with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water.
2. Start a brewing cycle.
3. Stop it about half way through the cycle and let the solution soak in the reservoir and carafe for about an hour.
4. Finish the brewing cycle and then flush the coffee pot with water to rinse away the vinegar residue.

For Keurig or pod coffee makers

1. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning before you start.
2. Wipe down all outside surfaces, scrub limescale with a toothbrush and a solution of vinegar and water, if needed.
3. Scrub all removable parts.
4. Flush the machine with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water.
5. Use a large mug to capture the solution.
6. Repeat until the machine asks you to add more water.
7. Let the coffee maker sit for at least 30 minutes.
8. Rinse the reservoir to get rid of all vinegar residue. 
9. Flush the machine one more time with plain water. 

You may store cleaning products in here, but the cabinet under your sink may be anything but squeaky clean. Toss any expired products, old sponges or rags, and wipe down the area to prevent mold. We also recommend checking the pipes for any leaks or clogs while you're there.

If your fridge has been sounding the alarm every time you open it, it’s probably time to give those hinges a little lubrication.

For many across the country, September is the beginning of hurricane season. For others, wildfires may still be a threat left over from summer. Whatever natural disasters your home is prone to, it's smart to be prepared for anything. Sit down with your family and create an evacuation plan and gather supplies into an emergency kit for your home.

Check out our emergency kit guide to learn how to assemble one in your home.

Got kids? Then you know the drill. It’s essential to keep outlets covered and safe from little fingers.

Chestnut roasting season may be a couple of months away, but it's never too early to clean out the fireplace. If you have a fireplace in your home, find a professional chimney sweep service for cleaning and inspection. A clean hearth and fireplace can reduce fire hazards in your home and keep the air clean inside.

Here are some more fireplace safety tips.

One look and you’ll understand that you should have done this months ago. Yuck. Give your blinds a good swipe, and you’ll be able to see clearly. At least for now.

Keep the cold out (and the heat in) by making sure your weather stripping hasn’t slipped out of place around windows and doors. Replace any worn caulking that leaves gaps, or you’ll find the wind whistling through more than you might like this season.

If you need to replace your doors, we've researched the best doors for better security.

Look up and you’ll find you’ve neglected to clean much of your living space simply because it was out of sight. Give lights, fans, and vents a good dusting before you start circulating heat and spreading dust mites.

Did you know this was a thing? This is a thing.

Once the weather starts to cool, change the direction your fan spins to circulate heat in winter. Refer to the manufacturer’s directions if you’re not sure how to do this on your model.

Don't wait for fall and winter to check your heating system. Check with professionals in your area for an annual inspection between seasons. They'll help you with any current cooling issues your home faces and help you prepare for the cold months to come.

As the temperatures drop, say goodbye to pool supplies, beach towels, and flip-flops and hello to coats and boots and see if you can dig up a pair of mittens.

While uncovering your fall and winter gear, sort out the old and unused items to cut down on the clutter. Create "keep, donate, or trash" piles to stay organized.

Mildew, hard-water buildup, and age can deteriorate the caulking around your tub, so be ready to replace it to keep things looking fresh and safely sealed.

Accidents happen in and out of the bathroom. Add a grippy mat to your bathtub and replace that rug that slides everywhere to prevent falls in your bathroom.

If your home has stairs, dust off the handrail. It's hard to make your grand entrance with dust all over your hands.

We recommend testing all your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every month. Give them fresh batteries and don't be afraid to replace them with newer, smarter models that can alert you to danger when you aren't home.

If you live in a place that drops below freezing in the winter, you need to turn your outside water off and winterize your irrigation system. Get on it. Pronto.

At some point this month, you’ll probably crank that AC for the last time. Power it down and cover it to protect the unit from the winter elements.

If you’ve got them, install ‘em. Lock in those storm windows before the first big nor’easter hits.

It’s tempting to leave all that mess for another time, but your lawn will suffer under the weight of that muck. Remove leaves and mulch from your yard and dispose of it at your local green-waste facility.

Many plants, and especially trees, should be pruned in the fall—so tackle unruly branches and shape shrubs before the first frost.

This is your last chance to spot problems before the snow starts flying, so take a good look and fasten any loose shingles.

Before the leaves start shedding, dig up your trusty leaf blower and rake. If you have a lawnmower, conduct any seasonal maintenance before putting it away like removing the fuel and other components.

Before summer's completely gone, put another healthy dose of fertilizer on your lawn. Your grass will wake up in the spring and thank you.

Clear the last of the debris from those gutters to make them ready for runoff from approaching storms. Clogged gutters in the winter can result in ice dams that’ll damage the exterior of your home.

Your hoses will last longer if you care for and store them properly along with your other garden tools. Just don’t forget to drain the water first. Or get a nice, icy cold surprise when you wind them up. Either way—your choice.

Walk around the perimeter of your home and give any unsightly spots a touch-up. It’ll be your last chance to put on a good face before the holidays.

If you’re afraid you’ll fail to get a handle on your fall tasks, schedule one per week on your calendar so September doesn’t get away from you.

• 7 Safety Tips for an Injury-Free Labor Day
• October Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist
• August Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist
• Best Fire Safety Emergency Kits
• How to Do Your Own Water Heater Maintenance

1. California Air Resources Board, "Indoor Air Pollution from Cooking," Accessed August 31, 2022.