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The Spring Home Maintenance Checklist You Need Today

Don’t just spring clean… Get going on your spring home maintenance today!

Spring is in the air and that means that you’re probably thinking about spring cleaning.  Hold on though! You also need to be thinking about some key spring home maintenance items as well! Doing these 8 things at least once a year will save you time, money, and a big headache down the road.  The goal is to prevent things from going wrong or catching little problems early BEFORE they become major problems.

We created a handy check list of 8 spring maintenance items you should be checking every year.  As a matter of fact, you can probably get these done in one weekend and then you don’t have to worry!

 

1.  Check your gutters and down spouts

Gutters and down spouts get all clogged up over the winter with leaves and debris.  Get up on a ladder every spring and clear that gunk out.  It will save you leaks, breaks, pools of stagnant water and a big repair bill.

2.  Inspect your roof

Most roofs will last around 12-25+ years (depending on the material) IF, and only if they are inspected regularly and repaired.  While you’re up on the ladder cleaning your gutters and drain spouts, take a moment and climb up on your roof.  Look for loose roofing, pooled water, or curling shingles.

It can be very affordable to repair your roof regularly.  If your roof ends up leaking during those springtime showers, it can cost you thousands in damages PLUS the money to repair or get a new roof.

It’s a good idea to check your roof both in the spring and the fall. Just to be safe.

3.  Check seals on windows and doors

Check and repair any seals on window sills, door sills, and thresholds.  Look for damaged or peeling caulk, splinters, loose panes and gaps.  While you are at it, check and repair any screens – you’ll be glad to be able to open those windows and air out your home without bugs getting in!  Here is a handy guide for how to caulk your windows.

 

4. Give some love to your deck

Already planning the first BBQ of the season?  Better get that deck ready.  Just like your roof, you want to inspect it every spring.  Look for cracks, greying wood, loose joints and water seeping in.  Every 3-5 years you’ll want to stain and seal your deck to keep it from weathering.  A final step?  Give it a good pressure wash to get it ready for that backyard party!

5.  Filter out those dirty filters

Guys. HVAC filters get D.I.R.T.Y.  They collect dust, pollen, pet hair and dirt.  And then recirculate all those things back through your house if you don’t clean or replace them regularly.  This is something you’ll want to check several times a year.

 

6.  Don’t forget about your dryer and refrigerator

When doing spring home maintenance, don’t forget to check your dryer vent.  It gets clogged up and makes your dryer work that much harder.  Which makes your electricity bill go up.

And while you’re at it, check your refrigerator coils.  Chances are they need a good vacuum.  Not only are they really gross when they are covered in dust, they also make your fridge less efficient.

 

7.  Drain that water heater

Your water heater should be 100% drained a couple of times a year.  The reason?  All kinds of minerals and sediment build up in the bottom.  Which equals corrosion and water that doesn’t heat as fast as you’d like.

 

8.  Test your smoke detectors

This spring home maintenance item can literally save your life.  Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and put fresh batteries in.  While you’re at it why not make sure that your family knows what to do when an alarm goes off.  A household fire drill goes a long way.

Need a hand?

Check out our list of trusted vendors, contractors, supplier and all around handy types who can help you if you run into problems (or they can just take care of this stuff for you).  They’ll give you a hand with the whole spring home maintenance thing!

Spring Cleaning Tips

You are probably quarantined at home right now, and maybe looking for activities to do to be occupied during this period. Coincidentally is Spring cleaning season too, since you have more time available, it is an excellent opportunity for cleaning, decluttering, and organizing your home. 

Here are 5  tips that will help you with Spring Cleaning:

1. Get your tools and supplies in order

Having all your tools in one place will make all the process of spring cleaning more manageable, you will save time running from one place to another, looking for the sponge or the multi-purpose cleaner. Some of the items you might need are paper towels, mop, vacuum cleaner, window cleaner, and all-purpose cleaner.

Did you run out of disinfectants? Looking for natural disinfectants? Here is a simple recipe using natural ingredients that you are likely to have at home that can be very handy.

Ingredients: 

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup rubbing alcohol
  • 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil 
  • 1 squirt natural dish soap

Steps:

  1. Mix up all the ingredients into one spray bottle.  
  2. Shake it up before you use it and spray it onto the surface and wipe with a clean cloth. 

 

2. Make a do to list 

Focus in one space at a time, you can even separate your chores into different days of the week, for not feeling overwhelmed and pressured to finish everything in one day. You should prioritize the space that needs more attention.

 

  1. Monday: Kitchen – Clean the fridge, microwave, stove, and do a wipe-down of all the counters.
  2. Tuesday: Bathroom – Germs stay longer on a wet surface, so don’t forget to clean the taps, handles, knobs, mats, and the floor of the washroom.
  3. Wednesday: Bedroom – Wash your sheets, dust side tables, vacuum, and clear clutter.
  4. Thursday: Living Room – Dust and wash all mirrors, frames, and decorative items and vacuum all rugs and upholstery.
  5. Friday: Accessories – Organize your closet and clean your accessories from your watch, shoes to jewelry and sanitize them as much as possible before wearing them.

 

3.  Clean high-touch places where you often put on your hands

Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces is a step you should take, even if you aren’t leaving the house. Anytime items or people come in and out of your home, there is some possibility of exposure. It is essential that you take the time to clean these areas to get rid of any germs. Clean the door handles, stair rails, window sills, kitchen counters, toilets, and even your phone.

Every home is a little bit different, so think about the areas where your family and roommates spend the most time.

Here is our checklist of home maintenance you should be doing every spring 

 

4. Have fun while spring cleaning

You might not think cleaning is fun, but try to make the most out of it, get creative, put on your favorite playlist or listen to your favorite podcast, and get started with your chores. You can even set a timer for each playlist, so you know the amount of time it took to do each task. Play some spring cleaning games and set up a reward system whenever you achieve a goal. These will help things feel less tedious.  

5. Establish new routines

Now is an excellent time to establish new routines and cleaning habits. It won’t only be useful due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but because it will make the next spring cleaning way more manageable. Start with a simple routine, organizing your closet every week and cleaning your windows at least twice a month, try decluttering those clothes and accessories you no longer use and donate them if you can. This will help you to have your home beautiful and neat all year long.

Stay Home and Stay Safe!