5 Tasks Every Homeowner Should Do in November

#1 Wash Bed Pillows

You love your trusty, old, perfectly-snugged-to-your-head pillow. But guess whats also snug against your head? Fungus — 4 to 16 species to be precise. Gross!

With fall being the height of guest season, youll want your pillows fresh, too. Pop them in the washing machine and dryer for an all-over clean feeling. (But check manufacturer advice, too. Some pillows shouldnt be washed, but replaced instead.)

#2 Clean the Mattress, Too

Sleeping soundly gets even better when you know youre lying on a clean and fresh mattress. The yuck factor: Skin cells and sweat get into the mattress, then dust mites show up for a dinner party featuring those tasty skin cell morsels.

Youll want your mattress to be at its freshest. Its easy to do: Vacuum it and then wipe it down with a cloth dampened with an upholstery shampoo. But be sure to let it dry; otherwise, youre inviting mold. Also, be sure to rotate it 180 degrees to help keep it lump-free.

(Another option: If youve got a flippable mattress, go ahead and flip it. That, too, can help kill the yucky mites.)

#3 Insulate Windows

Bone-chilling drafts seriously detract from the cozy vibe you want. Keep it cozy by hanging drapes as close to your windows as possible to help you keep the heat inside.

You can even add clear Velcro strips or dots to the back of the drape and attach to fasteners on the wall to help insulate. Be sure to cross one drape over the other when you close up for the night. Insulating shades can do the trick, too.

#4 Trim Tree Branches

The last thing you need is a winter storm loosing the wrath of that mighty tree whose branches are angling over your roof. Long limbs invite pests to explore your roof and allow excess water to seep into cracks in the roof or siding.

Keep limbs and branches at least 3 feet from the house. Plus its easier to trim branches after leaves have fallen. (If its an evergreen, well, sorry about that. Itll be a prickly job, but the bonus is youll have greenery for the holidays!)

Related: 7 Dirty Places Your Guests See, But (Shock!) You Dont!

#5 Get a Chimney Sweep to Inspect the Fireplace

Its time to dust off and sweep the chimney! Best to hire someone who knows wood-burning fireplaces. A professional chimney sweep will ensure your wood-burning fireplace burns more efficiently and will help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter. So, yeah, its pretty important. 

Tip: If you dont already have a chimney cap, this is also the time to add one to stop wild outdoor critters from crawling down it — and (yikes!) into your house.