Now that the long winter is over, it’s time to prep your home for spring. These are tasks you want to complete before it gets too hot outside to work. You’ll want to complete all the tasks in the spring so that you have the summer to spend with your friends and family, enjoying everything your home has to offer.
INDOOR MAINTENANCE
⬜ Clean the interior and exterior of the washing machine. Don’t forget the seal between the door opening & drum. Wipe the area with a vinegar and warm water solution. Let it sit for a few minutes then wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth. Allow the rest to air dry.
⬜ Clean your garbage disposal unit and the dishwasher.
⬜ Place a coarse doormat at the exterior door, and a softer, nicer one inside.
⬜ Update and fill your first aid kit.
⬜ Always know where your house’s main water shut off is located, just in case, there is a water emergency. If it has seized up, try to turn it left and right and close all the way.
⬜ Clean off any rust and muck, then spray lubricant over the surface.
⬜ Wipe down chair rails, window casings, the tops of wall-mounted cabinets, lighting fixtures, and all baseboards.
⬜ Wash or dry-clean fabric draperies.
⬜ Wipe down all wood, metal, or vinyl blinds.
⬜ Vacuum all upholstered furniture and mattresses.
⬜ Shampoo all the carpeting in your home.
⬜ Apply a vinegar and water spray solution to mold and mildew, then scrub it away. Be sure to use gloves and a face mask just in case it’s the more harmful type.
⬜ Inspect & re-caulk around the sink, and around the shower and bath. Check the caulking above baseboards too.
⬜ Clean and reverse all ceiling fans to a counterclockwise movement to cool your rooms.
⬜ Add new washers to sink faucets if they’re looking. If they’re too far gone they may need entirely new faucets.
⬜ If you haven’t already installed carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your home, do so now. Check batteries twice a year.
⬜ Check your hot water pressure tank valve by placing a bowl underneath the valve. Turn the valve with a wrench to prevent burning yourself. If water pours out, the valve is working just fine. But if it’s blocked, it could explode. Wear gloves to prevent burns.
⬜ Have your air conditioning unit inspected. Get the vacuum blower fan checked. Clean and replace all filters.
⬜ Inspect your attic and basement spaces. Look for dampness, cracks, insects, and critters.
OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE
⬜ Sweep all sidewalks, driveways, patios, and balconies to remove all leaves and debris. Inspect all exterior walking spaces. Repair cracked, or splintered wood. If it’s faded, then clean & stain. If water soaks in, reseal it. Hose down all surfaces, and remove any moss or weeds.
⬜ Wash and fix your outdoor furniture. Paint, if needed. Set it up.
⬜ Turn up the heat on your BBQ grill and close the life for half an hour. After that time, allow it to cool, then clean it with your grill brush. Wipe the exterior and drip pans, empty charcoal the grill and wipe down the ash. Allow it to dry before your next cookout.
⬜ Check the inside and outside of your chimney joints between bricks or stones and see if any are damaged or have fallen out. Also check for greenery or calcium-like residue. This may indicate water. damage Use a clear, impermeable or water-resistant sealant to repair the chimney.
⬜ Examine the foundation for masonry cracks and hire an expert to fix them.
⬜ Remove all leaves and debris from your house’s gutters and downspouts. Check to see if gutters need repairs or replacements.
⬜ Replace any damaged shingles as required. This is so the roof will last longer and not need to be completely replaced as quickly.
⬜ Clean and organize your garage. Declutter and toss out or donate any old toys, tools, or objects that you haven’t used in the past year.
⬜ Power wash the garage floor and add a coat of sealant if required.
⬜ Oil your garage door and check to see that the garage mechanics are working properly.
⬜ Power wash and fix all the cracks in the driveway. Consider resurfacing if necessary.
⬜ Clean your house’s siding with a power washer or a garden hose based. If there are damaged areas on your house siding, repair by the piece. Re-stain or repaint if required. If there are insect infestations then you may need to clean and spray first, before commencing repairs.
⬜ Inspect and secure fences. If some posts are loose, dig around the base in approximately a three and a half foot space, then fill with concrete.
⬜ Repair or replace gate latches, particularly if they’re rusted.
⬜ Repaint wooden windows and trim.
⬜ Clean all window and door screens and then install them in their places.
⬜ Ensure your air conditioning unit is clean, and that permanent a/c is level and secure in all windows or frames.
⬜ Add a layer of mulch or rock to your landscaping to keep weeds down, and the moisture level up.
⬜ Freshen your garden by planting new plants, seeds, and flowers.
⬜ Sharpen or replace your mower blades. If your lawn mower is older than 5 years then it may be time for service.
⬜ Build a compost container for organic plants wastes. The ideal spot is at least 20 feet from your house’s foundation.
⬜ Prepare a rain barrel to collect water for your garden.
⬜ Clean, disinfect, and maintain your hot tub. Fill it with water and give it a go.
⬜ Repair spigots if they’re leaking in your hot tub, or on your hose bibs.
⬜ Add or repair exterior lighting systems. Check all outlets and cords.
⬜ Set up an outdoor clothesline to help save money on electrical bills and to avoid heating your home with the dryer in a hot summer.
⬜ Empty your pool, and clean and scrub the interior. Fill it with fresh water and treatments, then hop in and enjoy!
