Home maintenance is something best done all year round, so that every part of your home is in its best condition each day – not just during spring cleaning season! It can be hard to keep track of what tasks to do and when they each need to be done. Thanks to our friends at HGTV.com, here’s a handy checklist broken out by time-frame to help keep it all organized.
Weekly:
- Each week, stay on top of regular cleaning activities like mopping, dusting, vacuuming and cleaning the floors. These tasks can be
easy to fall behind on but staying in a routine will not only help you accomplish them each week, but will keep your living space nicer over a longer period of time. - Clean your faucets – and make sure to do so according to manufacturer’s descriptions to give them the care they need.
Monthly:
- If you live in a warmer region that where
air conditioners are used year-round, replace the filters to maximize your unit’s functionality. This will help ensure the air you’re breathing is clean and can help alleviate high energy bills by making the appliance more efficient. - If you have a
garbage disposal , clean out the blades each month by putting several ice cubes down the drain and turning it on to chop them up. This dislodges anything that could be caught in the disposal. For a fresh scent, put a half of a lemon in at the same time!
Semi-Annually:
- Hire a professional to flush out your air-conditioner’s primary
drainage line. Doing so can prevent blockages in the system as well as water damage to your home. - When it comes to avoiding water damage, give your gutters some attention on a semi-annual basis. Check around the outside of your home to make sure gutters are cleared and that
downspouts are pointing down and away from the building.
Annually:
- Have your carpet professionally cleaned. If you have young children at home that may play on your carpet, this can be especially important.
- Check for caulking – on the exterior. Many think of caulking as an indoor tile item only but it can also be found outside your home. Take the time to check for deteriorated, old caulk around vents, faucets, pipes and outlets. Caulking is essential for keeping moisture out of your home, and thus, keeping larger issues like mildew and rotting wood at bay.
