Did you know that Winter is a good time to do those preventative home maintenance tasks that are indoors?
To help you get started, I have a list of preventative maintenance that can be done during the cold winter months.
· Clean or replace stove hood vent filter - This is a good time of the year to clean the vent filter above your stove. You should do this more often if you cook on your stove regularly. Take down the filter, and wash it with hot, soapy water. If you would rather just replace it, that’s a good option as well.
· Replace furnace filters – this is often overlooked, but very important for energy efficiency. General rule of thumb is every 90 days, but that can vary depending on the filter size and environment. I live on a gravel road, and have a lot more dust, so I change mine more frequently.
· Deep clean appliances - Winter is a good time to deep clean all of your indoor appliances. You can find how to DIY clean these appliances online. You can do them all in one weekend. Deep cleaning your appliances will ensure that they live a long life and function properly. Don’t forget the washer and dryer, and it may be a good time to hire a professional to get those dryer vents cleaned. Be sure to vacuum underneath and behind them and move them to do so if you can.
· Test sump pump – Now is the time to take a look at your sump pump! Don’t wait until the snow starts to melt and more rain starts to fall, and you find out it’s not working because you have a basement that is flooded!
· Deep clean all switch plate covers, knobs, handles, etc. - We all know about the emphasis on germs in light of Covid-19. Winter months can be very germy, with everyone indoors coughing and sneezing, and of course it is the height of flu season. To keep germs from spreading, take some Clorox wipes and clean all of your heavily touched surfaces. Railings, appliance handles, knobs, keyboards, dresser handles, remote controls, thermostat, kitchen cupboards, switch plate covers, etc. If you have white switch plates, they will eventually show the dirt and grime from being touched often and could use a good cleaning.
· Inspect and clean bathroom ceiling vents/fans. Your bathroom ceiling fans suck up the air in the room. During operation, the fans pull in all the dust in the air. Eventually, the fan will collect enough dust to slow it down. Simply remove the fan cover and wipe down the blades. This is also a hot spot for mold to collect, so a good wipe down will protect against that as well. It may be time to replace those dated and tired bathroom fans.
· Inspect toilets for worn-out valves and flappers - Do you have a toilet that seems to run on forever, and you need to jiggle the handle just right? The flapper may need to be replaced. You will save water by replacing it. It’s wise to keep an eye on your water bill for usage – a sharp increase (especially in the winter) is your first clue you have are wasting water.
· Clean and inspect your garbage disposal – there are several natural cleaners and tips you can find online to get this job done. If you are continuously pushing reset, your food isn’t grinding up, and you see leaks coming from the unit it might be time for a new one. The average life of a garbage disposal is about 12 years, so maybe it’s time to replace yours?
· Dust the tops of ceiling fans and other hard to reach places- Ceiling fans collect a lot of dust and need to be cleaned off at least once a year. Winter is a great time to grab your ladder and clean those areas. While you are up there, check to see if you need to replace any lightbulbs.
· Shampoo carpets - Getting your carpets cleaned is a great way to keep them in shape. This will remove the crumbs, dirt, and allergens, and any unfriendly germs that might be living there.
· Vents – take your vacuum and be sure to vacuum out the floor and wall vents. It’s amazing the dust and dirt that collect there over time.
This should keep you busy for most of the winter!
While this list is extensive, is there anything that I’ve overlooked that you would like to share?
What tips would you like to share that you’ve found helps to keep your home in tip top shape? Feel free to share in the comments below!
If you need some help with some of these maintenance items, don’t hesitate to reach out – call CHS and call it done!
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