Changing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors takes only a few minutes but is one chore that can mean the difference in life and death. Even a small kitchen or laundry room fire can cause much more damage than you can ever imagine and cost thousands of dollars to repair.
If you haven't been changing the filters in your heating and air conditioning system regularly, do it now. Clean filters reduce the wear and tear on your furnace and improve the quality of the air you are breathing.
Move Furniture and Clean Those Hard-to-Reach Spots
We're all guilty of cleaning only the most visible dirt and skipping the hard-to-reach spots, like floors under furniture or the ceiling fan. Maybe you've even forgotten that these things can get dirty. Trust us, they are dirty and it's time to get them clean.
Check or Replace Washing Machine Water Hoses
Washing machine hoses, especially rubber hoses, are a ticking time bomb that will one day rupture. And because the hoses are connected to a high-pressure water outlet when they rupture, there will be flooding that can ruin floors, walls, and cause hundreds of dollars in damage.
This is the time to check hoses for minor leaks that can become big ones and better still, replace rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses.
Clean Clothes Dryer Vents
Even if you have emptied your clothes dryer lint filter after every load, there is still a great deal of lint that has entered the dryer ducts. Hopefully, most of it has passed on through and exited the outdoor vent. But if the outdoor vent is blocked by shrubbery, winter snow, or lint that is damp with humidity, it's time to give everything a good cleaning.
If you are still using a flexible dryer hose that looks like aluminum foil, replace it today with a rigid metal vent pipe. Only you can help prevent house fires caused by dryer lint.
Drain Sediment From Water Heater Tank
Unless you have a tankless water heater, sediment can collect in the bottom of a water heater causing mechanical problems and even leaks. Every six months, an established water heater should have a partial draining. It's a simple process as long as you follow all the steps. Remember, electricity and water don't always mix well!
Empty Closets and Store Winter Clothes
As the seasons change, so does our wardrobe. Now is the perfect time to empty each clothes closet, give it a good cleaning, and sort winter clothes. We're sure you'll find things that you haven't worn in years and maybe don't even remember owning! These items should be sold, donated, or discarded. Clothes that you want to store until next year should be laundered or dry cleaned and stored away properly.
While the closet is empty, give it a good cleaning to ensure that no harmful pests that can ruin clothes are lurking.
Do Some Pest Control
After long months of cold weather, everyone is ready to get outside, including the insects, rodents, and other pests that have been snug inside. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, pest control is essential to keeping a clean home inside and outside.
Wash Interior Windows and Clean Window Treatments
Even if the weather is still iffy, you can get a head start by washing the inside of your windows and glass doors. Of course, some like to tackle window washing inside and outside at the same time to check for streaks. It really doesn't matter as long as you do it!
While you are cleaning the inside of the windows, don't overlook window treatments. Some curtains can be tossed in the washer but most drapery requires dry cleaning. Take the time to dust and clean blinds and shades and wipe
(Source: The Spruce)
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