Spring is just around the corner! Now is the time to be thinking about what house and yard maintenance tasks need to be done for the season. Take a look at these areas and prep by purchasing any materials or parts necessary for the job. Then, when warmer weather hits, you’ll be set to GO!
We know you keep your house meticulously clean. But in every home, there are areas which only need bi-annual attention. These are the areas to focus on in spring cleaning, working from high to low. First, do a thorough cleaning of fixtures, such as light covers, ceiling fans, window blinds and shades, duct-work cover louvers and the top of door and window trim. If you have draperies, take them down and have them professionally cleaned. You would be amazed at how much dust collects in these areas! Next, vacuum all upholstered furniture and bed mattresses. Finally, tackle baseboards, floors and carpeting. You can dust the baseboards with a dryer sheet to help repel dust. In the bathrooms and kitchen, you might want to wash the walls, if there is grease residue or mildewed areas. In the bathroom, check that the caulking and tile grout are intact and have no cracks or breaks which could allow water infiltration.
As the weather warms, you will notice higher humidity levels in your basement area. Be sure to have a dehumidifier set up to control this. Also, check your basement foundation walls for cracks at the base and water seepage and look at any exposed framing for evidence of termite activity (furrows or mud tunnels). If you notice any bulging of your basement foundation, call in a professional ASAP.
Check for signs of water leaks here as well. If your beams are exposed, look for darker areas that you don’t recall. Often, when water enters through a damaged roof, it will travels along the beams, so where you see the dark spot may not necessarily be where the leak is. Another thing to check in the attic is for critter infestations. These could be termites, mice, spiders, wasps, bats, or any number of pests. A final thing to check in the attic is for the presence of mold, which could indicate water infiltration. Mold will develop if humidity from your bathroom fan vents into the attic. Always be sure your vent leads to the outside, not to the attic area.
Is anything leaking? Examine hoses to your dishwasher, wash machine, hot water heater and ice maker – if there are cracks or bulges, replace them. In addition, examine the base of toilets and the water heater to be sure there is no wetness there. Toilets have a wax seal at the base to prevent leakage, but over time these seals deteriorate and need replaced. Water heaters can develop internal rust, which may cause leakage. It’s far better to notice this when it’s a small leak than to miss it and have a flooded basement.
As with other hoses, check these as well. Also, be sure that the unit is open to free-flowing air on all sides, and gently vacuum out any dust or debris that may have gotten into the tines (take care, as they are very fragile). Also check the drain pan for good drainage and no obstructions. If you see any issues, such as leaks or bent tines, be sure to call a professional in for repair.
If you follow these maintenance steps, your house interior will be in top shape for the Spring.
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