With the worst winter weather slowly disappearing in the rearview mirror, many of us are gearing up for a traditional annual task: spring cleaning.
Research suggests that over three-quarters of Americans spring clean at least once per year. From de-cluttering to dusting to scrubbing, these tasks help improve the look and feel of our homes.
As the weather warms, it’s also a great opportunity to add some deep-cleaning tasks, professional inspections, and other home maintenance work to your list! This helps keep your investment in great shape.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at the essential spring home maintenance tasks for any homeowner.
Indoor Maintenance List
Inside your house, there are plenty of small tasks that can help keep every square inch looking its best. Start with the following:
Clear Vents, Filters, and Coils
In addition to changing your AC filter, which you should do once every 30-90 days, be sure to clear the vents, filters, and coils elsewhere in your home.
Vacuum the coils on the back of your refrigerator to keep it at peak performance. Clean your dryer vent and lint trap to lower your risk of accidental fires. Remove dust and debris from the vents and registers throughout your home in preparation for higher AC usage in the summer.
Ensure Your Safety
You should check the performance of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a month. If you haven’t, now is the time to do so! In addition, get a fresh start by replacing the batteries, which you should do once a year.
Check and Clean Faucets
Check your faucets for possible damage or leaks. Look at the spout as well as the pipes under your sinks to check for moisture. This is a good time to clean your faucets and showerheads.
Inspect the grout throughout your kitchen and bathrooms. Touch up any damaged areas.
Deep Clean
Spring is a great time to do a deep cleaning throughout your home. In addition to the basic washing and dusting, here are a few items to add:
- Wash curtains and drapes
- Dust the blades of ceiling fans
- Vacuum or clean upholstery
- Clean the carpets
- Clean your interior AC and furnace units
- De-grease cabinets
- Wash your walls
- Clean out and organize your pantry
- Wash your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer
These annual tasks can take a while, but the result is a fresher, cleaner home!
Outdoor Maintenance List
Next, head outside to give your home’s exterior some TLC. Here are some items you’ll want on your checklist:
Look for Damage
Check for any signs of damage outside of your home, especially now that severe winter storms have come to an end.
Start with your window screens. Look for punctures, rips, and other damage, all of which you should patch. If necessary, install new screens to keep insects at bay now that the weather is getting warmer.
This is also a good time to replace any damaged or degraded caulking around your windows, doors, vents, and other features of your home.
Glance over your paint and siding as well. If you need to replace damaged siding, do it before summer storms begin!
Check your driveway and walkways for damage, including cracks and potholes. This is especially important in areas with icy winters, as the cold can make damage more likely.
If you feel comfortable checking your roof, look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Inspect the chimney for damage as well. If you prefer, reach out to a roofing contractor instead.
Because you’ll likely be using your AC soon, make sure this home system is up to the task. Inspect your outdoor unit for damage and trim back any overgrown foliage around it. You’ll also want to clean the exterior, including the fins.
Do a Deep-Cleaning
Clear your gutters and downspouts. This can prevent water backups and pooling moisture that can impair your roof and siding.
Power wash your windows and siding. This is great for your home’s visual appeal, and it also helps protect your exterior from damage.
On your roof, make sure to clean any solar panels! Spring and summer boast the year’s peak total sunshine, and cleaner solar panels help you benefit from that. Make sure you’re using effective panel cleaning techniques.
If you have a swimming pool, remove the cover and start treating the water in it.
Get Professional Servicing
Though you can do most home upkeep on your own, part of your maintenance list should include reaching out to professionals. Here are a few appointments to schedule:
Roof Inspection
You should get a roof inspection once a year. Spring is a good time to do so, as your roofer can look for any damage after severe winter weather. Your contractor will check out the roof deck, surface materials, and interior spaces like the attic.
If you don’t feel comfortable climbing a ladder to do your own solar panel cleaning, this is also a good opportunity to reach out to a pro.
Air Conditioner Servicing
Before you start drawing on your air conditioner during the summer, have an expert do a spring tune-up. This allows you to catch small issues before they turn into major headaches that leave your home uncomfortable on scorching hot days! Your contractor will clean your system, check for wear and tear, and inspect the mechanical and electrical components.
Tree Inspection
Protect your home and landscaping by hiring a professional arborist to do an inspection. An arborist can check the health of your property’s trees, look for diseases or pest infestations, and help you deal with any structural issues or soil problems.
Septic Tank Inspection
Though you’ll only need to pump your septic tank every three to five years, experts recommend getting an inspection more often than that. Schedule an annual inspection to check the condition of the system’s pipes and to look for blockages or damage.
Get Started With Home Maintenance Today
Spring cleaning and home maintenance go hand in hand. If you’re trying to keep your home in great condition, investing your time and elbow grease in both can help. If you found this post useful, be sure to check out the other articles on our site!
Mark Thompson, a seasoned pest controller, is renowned for his expertise in keeping homes and businesses free from unwanted intruders. With a passion for environmental sustainability and a deep understanding of pest behavior, Mark has become a trusted authority in the industry.