August Home Maintenance
The dog days of summer have officially arrived, and it’s too hot to do much outside, so we’ll focus on prepping indoor areas for the start of fall. The last thing on anyone’s mind is home maintenance, but it must be done.
Here are a few tasks we recommend homeowners complete this month:
Kitchen Cleanup
Scrub Out the Microwave –
Six months of nuked canned chili isn’t appetizing to anyone. Clean the microwave the easy way by putting 2 cups of water + 2 tbsp of vinegar inside and warming it for a minute. The steam will make it easier to scrub off caked-on leftovers.
Deep Clean the Stovetop and Oven –
Remove guards and burner covers to give them a good scrub and polish to make your stovetop shine. Choose a cool day to use the self-clean setting on your oven – you’ll be using it to cook holiday meals soon enough.
Clean the Garbage Disposal –
If you’re standing near the sink and wondering what that smell is, your disposal may be the culprit. Ensure the disposal is safely disconnected and then eliminate residual food waste with a good scrub. If you have any citrus peels, send them through the disposal when you’re done for a lingering fresh scent.
General Maintenance
Deep Clean Your Carpets –
Shifting furniture to cover that spot that just won’t come out is a rookie move. Have your carpets cleaned before cooler weather hits – you’ll be amazed at how much dirt and debris is hiding in them.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Bulbs –
If you haven’t upgraded your lightbulbs to new, energy-saving ones there’s no time like the present. These bulbs also last longer, meaning less work for you, and save you money; what’s not to like?
Tighten and Lubricate Door Hinges –
While squeaking doors aren’t necessarily a problem, they’re definitely annoying. Grab some silicone spray lubricant and a screwdriver to take care of this problem.
Check the Basement
Inspect the Basement and Crawl Spaces for Moisture
You might not have been down here since you stowed away your holiday decorations, so it’s time to revisit crawl spaces and your basement. Suspicious moisture could indicate leaking pipes or water damage that could undermine your foundation.
Test and Reset Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in Outlets and Check Cords
Confused? Don’t be. Chances are, somewhere in your home, there is a plug or two that has little buttons labeled TEST and RESET in the center. These little buttons indicate that the plug offers ground fault protection, and allow you to asses the connection. To be certain your GFCI outlet is prepared to protect in the case of a fault, just plug something in and hit TEST. Whatever device or appliance you plugged in should not work if the GFCI outlet is working properly. More modern GFCI outlets also come with self-testing capabilities, checking themselves automatically and using indicator lights or even alarms to let you know if there is a problem with your outlet. If you discover by test or indicator that the GFCI outlet is not working, you should have an electrician replace your outlet as soon as possible to comply with Electrical Codes and keep your family protected.
Remove And Clean Shower Heads
Drip, drip, drip. Your shower heads are constantly handling spotting and sediment from water, so give them a good soak in a vinegar bath to remove hard water stains and gunk. Removing showerheads is usually as simple as turning a few screws, but consult the fixture manufacturer’s website for details if you get stuck.
Test And Change Detector Batteries
These important safety devices don’t do much if they aren’t charged and connected, so test both your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. Stock up on those AAs and get it done. Earplugs may be required!
Mend cracks and gaps in driveways and walkways
If you didn’t get to it earlier this year, this is your last chance to fix some of these gaps before the cold weather drives a wedge in things.
Like a regular health check-up, a home maintenance schedule is important for every house’s upkeep. Continuing to check on your exterior, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, security, and electrical systems will help prevent breakdowns, save money, and keep your home looking its best. If any of the jobs go beyond your skill level or lead to more involved repairs, consider hiring a professional to help.
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416-925-1111 service@homeserviceclub.com
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