December Home Maintenance
As the holidays approach, remember that there’s more to hospitality than cooking and decorating. You’ll also want to make sure your home is functional for your guests and any holiday activities, which may mean tackling that long-ignored to-do list. If you’re not sure where to start, here are 8 projects to help you get your home ready for hosting.
Boost Your Dishwasher
Cleaning your dishwasher will ensure it works effectively and efficiently. Start by using an old toothbrush to remove grime from the rubber seal. Then find the filter below the bottom spray arm and follow the dishwasher manufacturer’s instructions for removing it. To clean the filter, simply rinse it with hot water and use an old toothbrush to work out any gunk.
If your dishwasher looks dirty on the inside or has evidence of mineral buildup, give it a wash. Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with two cups of vinegar, place it on the upper rack and run the otherwise empty machine through a cycle without detergent. There’s no need to dilute the vinegar; the water from the dishwasher will take care of that for you.
Check The Temperature in Your Fridge
Before you stuff your fridge with the makings of your holiday meal (or leftovers), use a refrigerator thermometer to make sure it’s working properly. If you set the temperature lower but it’s hovering above the maximum temp of 40 degrees, try cleaning your condenser coils. Find the coils either at the bottom or in the back of the fridge. (On modern refrigerators, coils are usually located at the bottom behind a panel.) After removing the grill by hand, vacuum the coils to remove visible debris. You can also use a duster between the coils before replacing the panel.
Seal Your Natural Stone
Granite and marble can take a serious beating from wine, lemons, soaps and other acids. If you have stone counters, you’ll want to seal them once a year to ensure their longevity. November is a great time to do that. The process isn’t too laborious: Deep-clean and thoroughly dry the surface, then apply the sealant per the manufacturer’s instructions. (You may need two coats.) Buff the surface with a microfibre cloth. Once done, it’s best to wait about 24 hours before touching your counters.
Treat Your Wood
Now’s also a great time to treat your wood tables, which are vulnerable to wear from guests (especially those who don’t use a coaster for their cocktails). Using a wood-specific oil or wax can help to protect furniture surfaces from marks. Identify the type of wood you’re working with; the item’s product description should tell you, or you can search online for the colour and wood-grain pattern. Then find an oil appropriate for that surface. Clear the table of debris with a soft microfibre cloth, then rub the oil into the wood with an old T-shirt. After wiping away the excess oil, apply it again, then rub it away and allow the surface to dry.
Swap Out Your HVAC Filter
In general, you should be changing your filter about every three months. But if you plan to use your heat or air conditioning during a gathering, an additional swap will help ensure that clean air blows out while you have guests. It’s normally as easy as pulling out the old filter (usually a cardboard square or rectangle with a net in the middle) and replacing it with one the same size and type. You can purchase replacement filters online or from a home improvement store.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Along with replacing any flickering or dead bulbs in lamps and light fixtures, make sure all the bulbs in each room are the same warmth and style. Consider swapping cooler lights for warmer bulbs, which emit a yellowish glow vs. a sterile, uninviting cold blue. Look for bulbs with a temperature between 2700K and 3000K for the perfect warm light.
You don’t want to run around looking for lightbulbs that better suit the mood as your guests are pulling into the driveway — or, worse, realize how harsh the overhead lighting is over dinner once it’s already too late
Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Clean your garbage disposal to avoid pesky clogs and remove unpleasant smells. Toss a handful of ice cubes down the drain and turn on the disposal to remove food scraps stuck under the blades and sharpen them. Then, with the water running, drop a few small pieces of lemon peel down the disposal to neutralize odors and add a fresh scent to your kitchen.
Check Your Toilet.
It’s embarrassing to encounter a toilet issue at someone else’s house, so do your best to keep your guests from having one. One way to do that, is to check that your shut-off valve is in working shape, so people can turn off the water supply to the toilet if for some reason it starts to overflow. The valve should be easy to turn. If this is not the case, it could mean you have a faulty valve and should consider calling a plumbing professional to inspect it before guests arrive.
Beyond checking the valve, keep your toilet efficient and your drains clear by regularly cleaning with mild cleaners, avoiding flushing anything that’s not toilet paper and keeping a plunger nearby.
