Your home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make. Maintain the value of your property by completing some simple maintenance tasks. Here’s a list of important things you can do each month to keep the house in tip-top shape.
Soak Showerheads and Faucet Aerators
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Minerals and dirt can build up in your showerheads and faucets. Clean the aerators and showerheads regularly to keep these plumbing parts clean. If the water runs slow or lacks pressure, it may be time for cleaning. Take off the showerhead and aerators and soak the pieces in vinegar. If the showerhead is hard to remove, you can tie a plastic bag around it filled with cleaning solution.
Wash, Paint, and Repair Siding
Inspect your home’s siding every 30 days as well. Your home’s exterior walls may need a power washing to remove dirt and moss. Repair cracks or replace slats of vinyl siding. If you have wood siding, see if it’s time to schedule the addition of a new coat of exterior weatherproof paint.
Inspect and Replace Air Filters
You want to keep the air in your home circulating smoothly and free of dust. Check your heating and air conditioner filters once a month. Clogged filters make your HVAC system work harder, causing the system to become inefficient and more costly to run. Your HVAC professional will change filters during routine checkups. You may need to replace filters in between scheduled maintenance visits.
Clean the Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal can’t do a good job if it’s clogged with food. Also, rotting food can stink up your kitchen. Keep your disposal fresh by giving it a thorough cleaning every month. Lemon rinds can clean the impeller and add a fresh scent. Vinegar and baking soda are effective cleaners, too. Be sure to clean out any residue on the underside of the baffle.
Degrease Hood Range and Filters
It’s easy to see dirt on your countertops and in the sink. Each month, look under the stove’s hood to make sure the hood is clean. Grease can build up under your range hood and inside the filter, creating a fire hazard.
Remove the filter and soak and scrub it with a brush to dissolve any grease stuck in it. Mix boiling water, baking soda, and dish soap to get rid of stubborn dirt. Clean the inside and outside of the hood with the cleaning mixture. If you haven’t cleaned the hood all year, consider a professional cleaning service.
Test Fire Extinguishers and Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
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Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors can save your life. Inspect the fire extinguishers each month to ensure that they are charged and ready if you need to put out a fire. Test all of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to see if the batteries are still working.
Complete the tasks on this list each month to keep your home in good condition and help maintain the property’s value. Taking a small amount of time each month can help you prevent the need for larger repairs in the future.