Cleaning the house is a normal part of the routine, but what about home maintenance? I’m not talking about changing light bulbs or clearing clogs in the toilet every once in a while. I’m talking about maintaining the parts of your home that you don’t usually think about.
If you neglect certain parts of your home, it can lead to serious problems in the long run. Whether it’s the water heater, the dryer, or the roof, some of these easily forgotten items need more attention than you’ve been giving them up to now. Take a look at this list to make sure you’re not overlooking anything that could waste a lot of time and money without proper maintenance.
1- clean brooms and dustbins well.
Brooms and garbage cans can get very dirty after a few uses, but most people just keep them in the closet until they need them again. However, this practice only gets dirt and germs to spread. The next time you finish sweeping, soak the broom in a detergent and water solution for an hour. Let it dry before using it again.
2- Sharpen the garbage disposal blades.
It’s important to keep your garbage disposal blades sharp if you want it to continue to properly dispose of the waste you throw into the disposal. The easiest way to keep the blades sharp is to put in an eggshell, turn on the faucet and run the disposal. If you need to freshen up a lingering odor, add a few lemon wedges as well.
3- Clean the dryer drain.
After drying the laundry, it’s normal to clean out the lint tray. But what about all the lint and dirt that gets trapped where the lint catcher can’t reach? If it builds up for too long, the dryer will start to overheat and can burn your clothes or even start a fire. To prevent this buildup, use a flat vacuum to remove clogs from the siphon and clean the dryer drain with a large brush. You can purchase these items as part of a dryer plumbing DIY kit.
4- Clean yellowed pillows.
While most people wash pillowcases fairly often, how often do you do it? It’s simple. Put the soiled pillow in the washing machine. Add detergent mixed with hydrogen peroxide and vinegar before starting the wash cycle.
5- inspect your shingles
The last thing you want to deal with is a problem with your roof. Whether it’s a small leak or a piece of roofing falling on the rest of the house, roof problems are very costly. The quickest way to avoid problems is to inspect the shingles. If they are missing or damaged, you should replace them as soon as possible. If you are not sure you have the knowledge to assess possible damage to the shingles, consult a professional. This will save you time and money in the long run.
6- air conditioning maintenance
Once summer is over, most people forget about their air conditioner until May. Next thing they know, it’s the hottest day in July and the air conditioner suddenly breaks down. This breakdown is probably due to a problem with the filters. If the filters in the unit are not kept clean, they can become clogged and cause the unit to fail. If you have an outdoor unit, you should make sure that no grass or weeds are growing in the openings. The most important tip is to change the filters regularly. Don’t wait until you’re sweating in the middle of summer to take care of your air conditioner.
7- heater maintenance
Have you ever checked your heater? It’s best to make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape before the winter season starts. Depending on the type of maintenance, you can save hundreds of euros and avoid hiring a professional. For example, the heater’s electronic filters can be inexpensively cleaned with a water jet. For more information, check out the 6 best tips for cleaning your heater.
8- clean your toilet drains thoroughly.
You probably clean your toilet regularly, but how often do you clean your toilet drains? Believe me, it’s about time you did.
9- check your smoke detectors.
This probably seems pretty obvious: of course you check smoke detectors regularly. All you have to do is reach out and push the button to make sure each smoke detector emits an audible signal, right? It doesn’t. It only tests that it can make a sound, which doesn’t necessarily mean it’s working properly. To really test it, light two or three matches, extinguish them and hold them under the detector so that smoke flies into it. If it does not activate the smoke detector isn’t working.
10 – Cleaning the refrigerator coils
It’s easy to forget to clean the refrigerator coils because you never see them. They’re behind or at the bottom of the appliance, so they fall into the “out of sight, out of mind” category. But when these coils are covered in pet hair, dirt and grease, they have to work harder to keep the fridge cool. And the more energy they consume, the higher the monthly bill. Fortunately, cleaning the coils is as simple as unplugging the refrigerator, using a vacuum hose to remove dirt and hair, and wiping off any remaining dirt with soap and water.
11- Cleaning a porcelain sink
Each type of sink requires a different type of cleaning. The next time you clean a porcelain sink, try a baking soda solution.
12- Cleaning Bathtub Dirt
If your bathtub is dirty, instead of buying expensive products at the store, you can also use nail polish remover.
13- Re-seal stone surfaces
Stone has gained popularity over the years and is now used for countertops in the kitchen or bathroom, as well as flooring throughout the home. But if you invest in stone surfaces, you should also go to the trouble of resealing it every year. To do this, buy the right type of sealer for your stone and apply it with a cloth. Once dry, use a dry towel to remove excess product. Be sure to read the product instructions to find out how many coats to apply and how long to dry.
