As the weather warms and blooms start appearing, it's the best time for spring home maintenance. Each spring, you need to do certain maintenance jobs to keep your home in good shape and help with curb appeal. When you complete spring home maintenance, including pest control, cleaning gutters, replacing HVAC filters and more, you also look for problems that you can repair before they become major projects.
Exterior Maintenance
During the spring, paying attention to the exterior of your home is crucial. Winter weather often takes a toll on your home, from the roof to the foundation. Spring home maintenance for the exterior of your home should include:
Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts
If your home's gutters and downspouts are clogged, it can lead to water damage and structural issues. As part of your spring home maintenance, remove debris and dirt from the gutters and downspouts. To make cleaning easier, you can install gutter guards. Also, ensure the downspouts are directed away from your home's foundation to prevent water from pooling around it.
Pest Prevention
Each spring, spray the outside of your home with bug spray to keep ants, roaches, termites, spiders and more away from your home. If you do not have pets that play in the yard, you can use something strong, such as Cypermethrin. If you have pets that play near the house, such as in a fenced backyard, Wondercide is safer.
Always read the instructions to see how long the pest control lasts and when it's safe to allow pets into treated areas – and, of course, for safety measures for yourself.
Clear Debris Near the House
Clean out flower beds near the house, including removing old mulch. It attracts pests and, in some cases, can mold. Trim shrubs and bushes to remove any dead branches. Remove all deadfall and leaves.
You might consider moving any shrubs that are closer than 2 feet to your home. They are a magnet for pests, including termites and ants.
Cleaning Decks and Patios
Pressure wash decks and patios. Inspect them for warped boards, cracked stone and other defects. If the stain on wooden decks and porches is faded, restain the wood. If it is peeling, scrape the deck, then restain it.
Also, give any deck or porch furniture left out during the winter a good cleaning so it's ready to use. Uncover the grill and check it for damage. Clean it to get it ready for spring cookouts.
Finally, spray the railings and the area under the deck with pest spray if you didn't do it when you sprayed the house.
Inspecting and Repairing Roof Damage
Inspect your roof for signs of damage caused by ice dams or winter storms. Look for missing or broken shingles, loose flashing, signs of water leakage, bent metal, loose screws and other damage. If you are not comfortable with crawling on your roof, you can hire a professional to check the roof for you.
Cleaning and Inspecting Windows and Screens
Winter weather can cause your windows and screens to look dull and dirty. Clean the interior and exterior of your window to allow more natural light to come in and to improve your home's appearance. Inspect the window frames and seals for damage or wear. Replace any damaged screens to keep bugs out of your home during warmer months.
Inspecting and Repairing Driveways and Walkways
When the temperature drops below freezing, the moisture in the ground freezes and can cause cracks and potholes in sidewalks and driveways. Repairing the issues can prevent them from becoming worse. Use asphalt filler to fill cracks or a concrete patching compound for cement sidewalks and driveways. If it's been a few years since you resealed your driveway, consider resealing it.
Inspecting and Maintaining Outdoor Lighting
Not only does proper lighting enhance the exterior of your home, but it also provides safety. Inspect all outdoor light fixtures, including pathway lights, porch lights, security lights and others for damage. Replace burnt bulbs and clean the fixtures to ensure the light can shine brightly. If you haven't upgraded to LED bulbs, consider making that upgrade.
Cleaning and Maintaining Siding
The siding on your home protects it from the elements. Clean it with a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush or a pressure washer on a low setting. Pay extra attention to shaded areas and north-facing walls that are more prone to mold and mildew growth. Inspect the siding for signs of damage, including rot, cracks, and warping. Replace or repair damaged siding as soon as possible.
Repairing Fences and Gates
The fences and gates around your home contribute to your home's curb appeal and may define boundaries and provide safety. Inspect your fence and gates and replace any damaged or loose boards, posts or hardware. Add a fresh coat of paint or stain to prolong the life of the fence and enhance the appearance.
Interior Maintenance
Interior spring home maintenance is just as important as exterior spring home maintenance. Checking plumbing fixtures, replacing HVAC air filters and pest prevention are just a few of the things you should do every spring.
Check and Replace HVAC Air Filters
Always check and replace HVAC air filters. Actually, while this is on the spring home maintenance list as a reminder, this should be done monthly. However, if your house doesn't get overly dusty and the filter manufacturer recommends it, you can change them every 60 or 90 days. Dirty filters reduce airflow and decrease air quality. They also cause your HVAC system to work harder and wear out faster.
Update Safety Features
Test all smoke and carbon detectors and fire extinguishers to ensure they are working properly. Check the date on fire extinguishers. If you haven't changed the batteries in your smoke detectors in over a year, consider replacing the batteries. You might also consider purchasing fire blankets for your home. They are reusable, and you won't have to worry about whether a fire extinguisher works or whether you have the correct extinguisher for the type of fire you have. Cleaning Carpets
Many people, especially those who don't have pets, rarely think of cleaning the carpets. However, over time, regardless of how many times you vacuum, dirt and dust build up in the carpet fibers. Clean the carpets at least every spring. It's better to do them twice yearly, but the spring cleaning should be mandatory.
Cleaning the Pantry and Refrigerator
Most people keep up with cleaning the fridge, pantry and kitchen cabinets. However, each spring, as part of spring home maintenance, you should give them all a deep clean. Look for damage to shelves and mouse droppings in cabinets and the pantry. Replace damaged shelving and cabinet doors.
When cleaning the fridge, remove every shelf and drawer and wash them well. Empty the ice maker and clean it with dish soap and water.
Checking Plumbing Fixtures
Check all plumbing fixtures, including under the sinks, for leaky faucets, pipes and water supply lines. Check toilet tanks to see if the water is slowly seeping past the rubber stopper. Not only do slow leaks waste water and cost you money, but they can cause mold and mildew to form and attract pests, including mice.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Indoor Spaces
Spring cleaning always seems like a task that will never get done. When you think of cleaning and decluttering the whole house, it's overwhelming. Instead, take it one room at a time. Start with the least-used rooms first. Declutter each room, then give it a deep clean.
Purge items you no longer need or use. You can donate or sell items in good condition. Throw out broken or unusable items. Once you have all of the clutter gone, dust, clean baseboards, ceiling fans, light fixtures, vacuum and wash floors and carpeting.
General Maintenance Tips
Some items on this list are included in spring cleaning. However, they should be done more frequently. These and other items that need more frequent attention include:
- Change HVAC filters, normally every 30 days.
- If you have a septic tank, use Roebic every six months. This works better than any of the powdered ones you have to use every 30 days.
- Start portable generators once every month and let them run for 20 minutes. If they have a battery, it will help keep the battery charged. If not, you know it will start when you need it.
- Beat and air out throw rugs every two to three months, even if you can vacuum them.
When looking for cleaning products, always check The Simple Riches Best Bargain Bin for deals!