With summer in full swing, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and tackle that to-do list. From cleaning out the garage to checking your smoke detectors, there’s plenty to do to keep your home in tip-top shape.
Task #1: Tune up your A/C
Make sure your air conditioner is primed and ready to go before the dog days of summer arrive. Replace filters, clean the condenser coils and check the coolant lines to ensure your a/c keeps you cool all season long.
Task #2: Check your home’s smoke detectors
Check to ensure your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in complete working order.
Task #3: Clean your grill
If you haven’t done a deep clean on your gas or charcoal grill, do it now, before the grilling season heats up! For gas grills, turn the heat up on high to let it burn off any food residue. Once it cools, use a grill brush to scrape clean. Don’t forget to give the dip pans a thorough cleaning and wipe off the grill’s exterior.
Task #4: Clean your deck and porches
Now that the pollen has mostly come and gone, it’s time to make your outdoor living spaces shine! Rid your deck of grime and pollen by mixing one part bleach with three parts water in a pressurized pump sprayer. Vacuum, dust or wipe down all outdoor furniture, too.
If you haven’t already cleaned off and sealed your deck in the spring, don’t forget that very important maintenance task this time around! You’ll know you need to seal your deck if you place water on it and it soaks in instead of beading up.
Task #5: Check on pool safety features
As the weather heats up and pool season is upon us, check to see if your pool’s safety features are in full working order. Make sure the pool fence is secure, checking locks as well. If you have a pool alarm do a quick check to make sure it’s still functioning properly and go ahead and inspect your safety net, too.
Task #6: Clean your washing machine
A washing machine is something that homeowners routinely forget to clean. Take the time now to perform a deep clean on your washing machine, especially if you have a high-efficiency machine, as those tend to develop dirt and sludge after many uses. Don’t forget to thoroughly clean the rubber seal between the door and drum, as that tends to be grime’s favorite resting place in HE washers. Use a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to tackle mold and mildew build-up in your washer.
Other summer maintenance tasks to complete
- Wash your windows
- Mulch your flower beds
- Have your chimney cleaned
- Inspect trees on your property
- Pressure wash driveway and walkway
- Trim overgrown shrubs and flowering plants
- Check all exterior lights
