Spring Cleaning Lists
Time for Spring Lists
I am a list maker – lists help me keep track of things, and they help me get things done. In the Spring, two lists are important to keeping a home in good repair: a list of maintenance tasks and a list of necessary repairs. Both will help keep your home the way you want it, and save money in the long run.
The maintenance list should include:
In the bathroom,
- clean accumulated crud in the drains. Remove the drain cover and clean out debris. If you don’t want to reach in with your fingers or use tweezers, a wet/dry vac can be used to suction out any debris. Follow this with a cleaning solution.
In the kitchen,
- place a bucket below the trap under the sinkand remove the trap to clean it with a brush and cleaning solution. Be sure to properly reassemble the pipes, to avoid leaks.
- Sweep or vacuum the refrigerator coils to increase the efficiency.
In the laundry room,
- clean the dryer vents to avoid fire risk.
Also, inside your home,
- check and change batteries in smoke detectors and garage door remote controls.
- change the furnacefilter and have the furnace professionally checked and serviced if needed. Have your air conditionerchecked to ensure the filter is clean and moving parts are in good shape, before hot weather sets in.
Check the roof for missing shingles or damage that should be repaired.
- Also clean out gutters to avoid damage – water could leak in and damage the roof, walls, or even foundation.
Walk the outside of your home and check the foundation for leaks or cracks.
- Clean leaves from around the walls or basement window wells.
Clean windowsand screens inside and out.
- Replace caulking around windows and doorsif needed.
Does your home’s exteriorneed cleaning or repainting?
- You can use a cleaning solution or power washer to remove accumulated dirt or mildew (pressure washer is not recommended for vinyl siding because it can cause damage).
Clean and reseal sidewalks and drivewayis needed.
- A pressure washer is ideal for removing dirt and grime from concrete surfaces.
Clean (powerwash) the patio or deck.
- Add fresh stain on the deck before the season begins. It will be ready to enjoy through the warm seasons!
Landscaping-
- trim trees and shrubs, and remove any dead foliage
- Edge the lawn Mulch the garden beds.
- Sod or reseed as needed, aerate, and treat for pests.
- Rake leaves and remove sticks and debris in the spring.
- Experts recommend mowing grass at 3 inches until summer.
Now you are ready to make a list of your major projects inside and out, to complete at your own pace through the rest of the year. Planning to declutter or reorganize? Have a big landscaping project? Want to rearrange the furniture? Changing out artwork or wall decorations? Having a list will help you keep on track, and you’ll have the satisfaction of checking them “done” when you finish!