Following a spring cleaning list of chores will help you avoid missing an important task and stay organized. Taking care of problems while they are small will ultimately save money and time.
Start Indoors, and Work Your Way Outdoors
Even before the weather is warm enough to take care of outdoor chores, you can get a head start on indoor spring cleaning. While there are always areas that need to be cleaned daily or weekly, some tasks only require seasonal cleaning or check-ups. Remember that battery-operated smoke detectors and CO detectors have a limited lifespan. If yours are more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to replace them. The switchover from winter to spring may be a good time to change the type of air filter in your HVAC system. Some filters are rated for maximum pollen removal, for example, which can be important if there is an allergy sufferer in your family. A good vacuum cleaner with plenty of attachments and extensions is essential for this task. 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. Cleaning is made easy with a brush kit that can be attached to a portable drill to scour out the interior of the vent. Followed by a simple vacuuming, your vents will be back in perfect working order. If you are still using a flexible dryer hose that looks like aluminum foil, replace it today with a rigid metal vent pipe to help prevent house fires caused by dryer lint. While the closet is empty, clean it well to ensure that no harmful pests that can ruin clothes are lurking. 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, clean window screens, and wipe down window sills. Leaving gutters and downspouts packed with leaves and pine straw not only looks messy, but it can also cause leaks, moisture and mildew problems, and rotting wood. Spring is the perfect time to get gutters sparkling clean.
Inspect exterior painted surfaces for flaking and missing paint. Walk the foundation of the home to look for cracks, settling, or insect activity. Check fences and decks for weakened or damaged areas. Inspect windows and doors for any broken seals and replace damaged caulk. Before you install window screens, give them a good cleaning and check for any holes that can let insects inside. Look around the yard and garden to determine any areas that need landscaping help. Rake leaves, pull out weeds, and add mulch. Inspect outdoor furnishings like flags and furniture for cleaning and replacement needs. Schedule a maintenance check-up for your HVAC system. You’ll be happy that it is running in top shape when the temperatures soar.
If you have stored batteries for cordless tools and your battery-operated lawnmower indoors for the winter, now is the time to move them back to the garage and plug them in to make sure they function. For sand-set pavers, use detergent and a stiff brush to perform the cleaning. After cleaning, inspect the joints between bricks and pack them with additional paver sand, if necessary. While you’re cleaning in the garage, take a moment to check on your garage door to make sure it is opening smoothly and is well-maintained.
