As the summer sunshine leaves us for another year and we approach autumn and winter, you'll want to ensure your home is ready for the months ahead. There's plenty that can be done inside and out, from tidying away garden furniture, deep-cleaning your carpets and washing bedding to checking home security, decluttering drawers and fixing draughty windows. Kickstart your winter to-do list today with our 30 ideas...

During the summer, when doors have been left open and we've been in the garden more, extra dirt will most likely have been brought inside. A lightweight steam cleaning mop will not only clean and shine but sanitise every type of floor – from carpets, tiles and vinyl to wooden and sealed laminate – helping to keep germs and bacteria at bay. This handy gadget uses no chemicals or detergents, just tap water, and removes ground in dirt in a flash. 

Items that are handled regularly, such as remotes and games console controllers, can make perfect environments for bacteria to spread. In the fight against coronavirus, it's important to clean as well as disinfect. Disinfectant specialists Zoflora advise 'To best clean your remotes, add two capfuls of Zoflora into an 800ml trigger spray bottle containing water. Spray the solution onto a dry cloth and wipe over your devices to disinfect. Do not spray directly onto electrical items.'

As the seasons change there's no doubt the oven will get used more often to cook up some heart-warming winter dishes. Make sure it's ready for use with a good scrub to make it sparkle again. Not only will this improve its appearance, but it will also rid any whiffs and smoking while cooking from baked in grease and grime.

As opportunities for outdoor laundry drying become less make sure the tumble dryer is ready for use. Wipe down the exterior and stock up on dryer sheets. Lint build-up can become a hazard so renew or clean any filters, then disconnect the vent pipe, clean and replace. Run the dryer empty for a few minutes to loosen embedded lint then vacuum inside the drum to remove any last remaining fibres. 

If you're going to be cleaning around your home, you'll want to ensure your laundry space is ready for action. Give cupboards and surfaces a scrub down and be sure you're stocked up with cleaning essentials. You could also have a go at making your own. Diluted vinegar is fabulous for tackling tricky cleaning jobs, while bicarbonate of soda works wonders for getting rid of smells. ​

Give windows a thorough wash inside and out, taking care to clean out the seals and locking functions, too. You'll be surprised how much dirt and grime can find its way into the nooks and crannies. Be sure to fill any gaps or holes, so that draughts are eliminated – nobody wants chilly windows during the cold season. Also, give wooden frames a touch up of paint, to ensure they're protected from the elements and looking fresh and clean.

Give your hallway and entranceways a thorough clean by scrubbing the floors and thresholds. Lay down a coir mat at each doorway to ensure that muddy shoes and paws don't trample into the house during the winter season. And leave shoes at the door, to keep potentially harmful microbes away from your main living space.

As the evenings draw in it's time to turn on lights more often. Make sure you won't get caught in the dark by giving each light, lamp and socket a quick 'MOT' with good clean, dust. Then inspect and test each bulb to replace if necessary. Why not go for a new look altogether with a lampshade update to make your decorating scheme cosy for autumn and winter?

With the winter season comes celebrations for Christmas and New Year's Eve, which undoubtedly brings guests, although it may be more limited this year. Ensure your bathrooms are presentable for your select 'bubble' by giving everything a thorough clean. It's always good to have a deep-clean with each season. Refresh grout, tackle limescale and rid glass of water stains. If you have the time, touch up any paintwork and repair chipped and damaged tiles.

As the weather is changing, there is no need for those shorts, sandals and T-shirts so box up and declutter your home and summer wardrobe in readiness for next year. Invest in vacuum-pack bags that you can cram full and store underneath your bed or pop in the loft. Or why not buy a few chests that you can incorporate into your home décor? That way, if you have an impromptu holiday you'll have all the attire you need!

Avoid a home appliance fail and get your kettle and coffee machines working properly by giving them a deep clean and descaling. If you live in a hard water area, you'll find you need to do this more regularly compared to those in a soft water area, but it's advisable to do it often anyway. It'll prolong the life of your appliances and produce better tasting drinks too.

As summer turns to autumn, you'll find you won't use your outdoor items as much. So give bicycles, barbeque equipment, garden tables and chairs a wash down and store them away for the winter months.

Ahead of winter, give your kitchen cabinets a thorough clean. It's definitely a job for a Sunday as it could take you all day if you want to do it properly. Tackling one cupboard at a time, remove all the items and scrub the doors and shelving. When the shelves and insides of the cupboards are dry, put back the contents. But before you do, see what you can sell or donate to charity.

While the warm weather is still with us, make use of the sunshine, just like grandma used to do, and wash the linens around your home. Make a day of it and get your curtains, nettings and tablecloths all washed and hung out to dry. A sunny afternoon will have everything aired in no time, allowing you to iron, fold and get everything stored away by the evening.

Once you've cleaned, packed and stored away summer linens, it's time to bring down the warmer blankets and throws from the attic. Give them a good airing or refresh with a dry-clean and then layer-up beds, sofas and armchairs ready for cosy nights to come. 

Whilst you're waiting for the duvet and pillows to dry, give the bare mattresses a clean down, too. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the surface and leave for a couple of hours, then vacuum off. This will remove any smells, draw out sweat and clear away mites and dust. If you can turn over the mattress then do so. And now's also a good time to clean and vacuum underneath the bed. 

Busy homes naturally bring spills, stains and wear and tear to a family sofa, but with the right care a settee can stand the test of time. If you can remove the covers, give them a proper wash – ensuring you follow the manufacturer's instructions – to get them looking good as new. If you can't remove them, give the sofa a spot clean and a thorough vacuum. Not forgetting to check under the cushions first; you might find a pound or two!​

While you're redecorating, it's also a good time to get organised, have a sort out and throw away things you don't need. Get three boxes – one for selling, one for charity and one for the rubbish – and place items you no longer want in one of the three. You may wish to sell some items on eBay or save them for a spring boot sale, while you can donate the rest to charity. If anything is broken or very old and tired, then just throw it away. And be sure to recycle; don't just send it to landfill!

Remove ground-in dirt and grime from carpets and rugs in no time at all when you use a professional-quality carpet cleaner at home. Go for a model that will wash the carpet, neutralise odours and leave a fresh fragrance. It's best to do this job in the morning as you'll need to leave the carpet for several hours to allow it to properly dry. 

If you have the space inside your house, set up an area for recycling, as now that the winter weather is coming, you won't want to go outside so much. IKEA stocks a range of inexpensive stackable bins that you could store in an adjoining garage or the laundry.

A job that most people try to avoid, but is nonetheless important. Spend an afternoon clearing out old paperwork and sorting household files. If you have a home office then make space for folders that you can dedicate to certain utilities. Shred or burn anything you throw away so to limit any security risks, and seriously think about going paperless. Lots of providers offer discount or savings if you choose not to receive a traditional paper bill.

For fast, streak-free window cleaning give a window vac a whirl. Ideal for both cleaning windows and dealing with condensation, handy cordless models guarantee a streak-free shine. It's best to clean windows on an overcast day as too much sun will cause the windows to dry too quickly, resulting in even more streaks!

READ MORE: 20 secrets of a Covid-free home