I have picked up some of my best tips from the handymen I work with. For example, did you know that when the individual parts of plantation shutters start to fall from gravity, there is a simple way to tighten them and make them as good as new.
So, what are some of the other tips they offer for home maintenance? Here is a collection of some to keep your home in tip-top shape.
Clean the lint out - Your dryer produces lint that can be highly flammable. So, you want to make sure that you aren't just doing the standard removal of lint form the trap but that you are periodically doing a more thorough cleaning of the dryer and the vents. In the Naples area there are companies whose focus solely on cleaning the dryer ducts but don't forget about the inside of your dryer.
Keep faucets clean - Aerators are part of every faucet in the house. They can sometimes become built up with crud that can slow your water flow down. Preventative cleaning can help keep water floor strong and steady. I have seen people think they need to change out fixtures when it may have been as simple cleaning fix.
Don't forget the door - How often do you do a thorough cleaning of your oven? If you are doing that, great. If you aren't it would be a good idea to add that to your spring cleaning list. But, don't forget to also clean between the glass door plans. If you are like me, you may not realize that you can pretty easily get to this space.
Maintain your mattress - It would amaze people what comes off your body on a regular basis. Imagine what may be left on your mattresses even if you have mattress protectors on. Taking time to wipe up, vacuum and even air out your mattress once in a while is a great thing to do to not only extend the life of the mattress but also to keep it sanitary.
Washers need washing - Even though the dishwasher and clothes washers purpose is to clean, don't forget that they need cleaning too. Clean out crevices and do a thorough sanitization to keep them clean and cleaning.
Spray the soffits - This is one i certainly never considered. Out of sight, out of mind for me. Blow out debris from your soffit vents to allow them to serve their purpose of allowing airflow from the attic/roof space. It may even help save on cooling costs in the summer and avoid moisture.
Wipe the weepers - I experienced this one first hand in a recent inspection where moisture was found below the windows. Weep holes can go unnoticed because they are a small part of windows. But they can become clogged and create moisture build up where it doesn't belong. To avoid that, keep them clean by power washing or blowing them out with air.
Spoil those coils - When was the last time you pulled out your refrigerator and cleaned? I can tell you, I can't remember when I did. But remember there are coils in the back and those coils can become covered with build-up that makes your fridge work harder to stay cool. Spoil those coils and keep them clean.
Pamper your pillows - Most people take the time to wash the sheets, but don't forget those pillows. You will want to periodically throw them in the washer as well to give them a nice refresh. I don't chose to air dry them after for longer wear.
Close the gaps - Looking around the house inside and outside to make sure no caps are letting cool air out and warm air in (or the opposite for our Northern friends). Check around doors, outlets and other spaces and take action to fill in gaps as needed to keep your home running efficiently.
Don't forget the filters - Often, people will remember to change AC filters on a regular basis, but don't forget about other places you may have filters. To let them keep doing their job of filtering, they need to be maintained. A common one overlooked is the one over your range/cooktop.
Upkeep the upholstery - Fabric absorbs scents and dirt. As the mother of teenagers, I cringe when I see their stinky socks up on the couch. To combat that, you could use baking soda or have a formal upholstery cleaning. If you need a recommended vendor, let me know and I am happy to share some options.
Save those springs - That heavy coil looking part of your garage system that sits just above the door opening isn't made to last forever. And, when it goes, it makes it near impossible to get things in and out of the garage until you get it replaced. To help prolong the life, keep it lubed up. Be sure to use the right kind of lubricant... some make it worse by attracting and collecting dirt.
Gage the garage. - While you are looking at the springs, you may also want to do a check to make sure the garage door is working property and opens as it is supposed to but also closes when it is supposed to (and stops closing when needed).
What other tricks have you picked up over the years?
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