Every person dreams of owning a home. However, it comes with several maintenance responsibilities to upkeep your home’s condition and quality.
You must undertake monthly home maintenance to prevent small concerns from growing into huge, expensive repairs. It also ensures that every aspect of your home is safe and comfortable to inhabit.
So, if you’re wondering where to get started, here’s your checklist!
1. Deep-clean the kitchen
The kitchen is the easiest to get dirty. While you might diligently clean the entire house, it’s pretty common to get your kitchen dirty in the most unsuspecting corners. From spilled food and beverages to oil stains, it’s difficult to keep up with it.
So, once a month, wipe every cabinet with a strong cleanser. Get to the most ignored corners.
Check for the expiry dates of all products. Dump the expired items and keep the soon-to-be expired ones in the front. Clean the dishwasher as recommended by the manufacturer. It’ll prevent leaks and clogs.
Inspect and freshen up the refrigerator. Get rid of dried and non-usable food. If necessary, replace the fridge water filters. If there’s a hose between the refrigerator and the wall for your ice machine, ensure it’s not pinched or pulled.
2. Pay attention to the doors and windows
Don’t just dust the doors and windows but also clean them with a suitable cleanser once a month. Inspect them for wear and tear and proper locking. Apply a layer of fresh paint if it looks worn out.
Close your doors and windows, switch off the fan/air conditioner, and check for air drafts using a candle. If the flame flickers, there’s a draft. Install weather stripping around the doors in that situation. Reapply caulk between the frames and glass panes to seal them.
Afterward, do the candle air draft test again. If the issue persists, connect with a reputable company for window replacement Richmond VA. Don’t delay the replacement or you’ll only lose your money in energy bills.
3. Clear up the humid zones
Statistics show that over 45 million buildings in the US have unhealthy amounts of mold. The most humid areas in your home are bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, laundry rooms, attics, and basements. These areas are highly prone to mold and mildew growth.
To prevent that, ensure the ventilators work effectively. Scrub the bathroom and kitchen tiles and clean all dirt and grime.
Check the pipes and fixtures for leak and discoloration signs. Reapply caulk around sinks, toilet bases, and bathtubs to prevent leaks.
Check for signs of damps and discoloration on the walls in the laundry room, basement, and attic. If there are signs, install a dehumidifier.
4. Keep up with gutters and downspouts
Gutters and downspouts effectively direct water and melted snow away from your home’s foundation. This prevents damps and leaks into your home.
Whether it’s been windy, rainy, or snowy the previous month or will be the next month, check your gutters and downspouts thoroughly. If there are leaves, twigs, branches, or nests in these areas, remove them immediately to avoid clogging.
5. Take care of the landscape
Trim shrubs, rake leaves, and aerate your lawn. If there are large trees in your yard, trim the branches creeping near your home. You must also eliminate branches with wasp nests.
Walk around the entire property outdoors. Check for pest and insect infestations, leaks, rots, and molds. Spot these issues earlier and fix them.
To prevent pest infestations, keep firewood far away from your home or garage.
6. Ensure all security measures are functional
Some security gadgets and supplies in your home are security cameras, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
Ensure cameras and detectors are all in functional condition by testing them. Replace batteries as recommended. Check the fire extinguisher works properly. Keep an eye on its expiry date.
Additionally, check all electrical cords for wear, especially if you have pets or pests entered your home recently.
7. Inspect the garage
If your garage door has safety features like auto-reverse functions, test it monthly by placing a wood block in its path. When the door contacts the object, it has to be automatically reversed.
8. Flush drains
Mix vinegar with baking soda and pour the mixture down drains and garbage disposal lines monthly. Then pour hot water into them. This will prevent clogs and eliminate odors. After a while, run a dish soap and cold water solution.
Conclusion
With these tips, your home will be in the best condition for years to come. So, get started and ensure a comfortable living environment today!
