You’re probably thinking about what to do with your house today, right? You need a little motivation. Well, this post has you covered! This is a monthly checklist of the most essential house maintenance tasks to help keep your home in good condition and running smoothly.
Clean faucets, showerheads, and aerators to remove mineral deposits
This is the first step in monthly maintenance that will prevent a lime buildup on your plumbing fixtures. To clean:
-Turn off the water supply under the sink, so only one fixture (e.g., drain) has running water; then hold soap at the base of the scrubbing brush.
-Scrub all surfaces thoroughly with warm, soapy water for about five minutes each until you remove all residue or dirt from inside pipes.
-Rinse well and turn the water back on.
-Repeat for each fixture or appliance that needs cleaning.
For a showerhead: Get in the tub and aim the head to spray directly at you, then clean with warm water and soap as directed above.
Doing this will ensure that your pipes and fixtures are clean.
Vacuum heat registers and heat vents
This task is a simple one. You just need to vacuum the pipes on your radiator for them to work properly; also, you should vacuum around any baseboards or window sills that have been dusty lately as well. This will help eliminate dust from building up over time.
You must clean the HVAC system monthly to maintain its performance. Vacuuming the dust out of these areas will keep them operating without problems. You can also use an air compressor with their vacuum cleaner or purchase a separate high-powered hose attachment for this purpose.
Repair any damages or prepare the home for the coming season
You may want to replace storm windows and doors before it gets cold. If you live in a very humid area, make sure that your window screens are clean so they can do their job better. You might also need to seal any cracks or holes around the house for insulation purposes.
This is one of those tasks where you should call professionals like Renewal by Andersen Windows because some problems will require an expert opinion. Remember to watch out for fire hazards like extension cords running across doorways! Spiders love getting into electrical sockets too, so don’t forget to check them regularly this time of year.
Inspect electrical cords for tears
The best way to avoid electrical trouble is to inspect the cords and replace those that show any signs of wear. You should also check all connections for dirt or rust, as these can cause a short circuit. If you do experience an electrical problem, don’t just throw up your hands – take action.
The first thing you should try is disconnecting the cord from its power source. Next, remove any objects in contact with the end of the cable, then plug it back into its power source and see if anything has changed. If not, unplug again and use rubber gloves, so you don’t get shocked while checking for other causes like loose wiring at either end of the cord or a faulty plug.
Clean the garbage disposal with ice cubes, hot water, and baking soda
A garbage disposal is a great way to make cooking and cleaning easier. But, over time, it can get clogged with food particles that you don’t want in your kitchen sink or drains. To keep the pipes clear, clean out the drain at least once every three months by dumping ice cubes down the drain, then follow with boiling water and baking soda.
Pour two cups of hot tap water into a pot on the stovetop, then add one tablespoon of baking soda and mix until dissolved. Next, pour this mixture down your kitchen drain while simultaneously pouring four gallons of cold water from another container into the same pipe to dilute any remaining acidity.
This will loosen debris stuck inside, so it goes through quickly—into an overflowable bucket below for easy cleanup.
Rake leaves and aerate the lawn
The last thing to do to spruce up your home is raking leaves and aerate your lawn. This will help the grass grow back after all of the aftermaths of winter snow and ice. All you need is a leaf blower, a bag of mulch or soil, and some water for plants.
Start on one side of your yard (or driveway) with either the leaf blower or garden hose, spraying water over it as you go so everything stays moist in these dry times. You’ll want to get rid of any brown-ish leaves first before going through the lawn again; make sure not to leave them just scattered around.
Lastly, use a shovel or hoe to turn up chunks from under the ground so air can circulate underneath, which helps flowers grow.
Check fireplace for damage and clean fireplace fuels
If your home has a fireplace, you’ll need to make sure it’s safe and functional. One way to do this is by removing any buildup of ashes or soot from the inside of the chimney using a long-handled brush or vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment.
According to Home Guides, another method is to use water on leftover ashes as they cool down after being burned to prevent them from becoming an obstruction later on. If there are creosote deposits that could be dangerous near anything combustible like curtains or furniture, consider calling for professional help. You should also inspect electrical cords for tears and clean out the fireplace grate before putting new fuel in place.
As an owner of a home, it is your responsibility to check the fireplace for damage and clean any fuels that may be clogging up the airflow. You can do this at least once per year. It only takes about fifteen minutes but can save you from a potential fire hazard!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this post has given you a monthly house maintenance checklist to help make sure that your home is in peak condition all year round. You can perform these tasks on the weekends or when you are more likely not busy. Ultimately, they will keep your home looking fresh, clean and beautiful.