Home Maintenance Tasks to Do Right After Winter
You’ve been cooped up inside for months. Now, the cold is gone, and it’s time to get your house in order before spring arrives. But how do you prepare a home for warmer weather? The following tips will help you finish your winter cleaning with ease!
Table of Contents
Cleaning the exterior of your house:
Sweep the sidewalks and driveway:
Once the snow starts to melt, the dirt and other debris spread on the sidewalks during winter will create a muddy mess. Sweep away snow, ice, leaves, grass clippings, or other debris from your sidewalk before you walk in it or track it into your house.
Clean the gutters:
Your gutters will accumulate not only snow but also additional dirt and debris. It’s important to get them cleaned out before spring so that water flows properly off of your roof. Clogged gutters can lead to expensive problems for your home, including foundation damage or basement flooding if the problem isn’t addressed in time.
Wash the windows:
When winter starts to wane, it’s time to schedule a good window washdown. This is because, in springtime, a lot of pollen and dust is present in the air that can clog up your windows.
Clean any loose debris from storm windows and screens before you take them down for a thorough cleaning. It’s important to use mild detergent when washing them as you don’t want to damage the glass or create “rain spots.”
Pressure wash the exterior:
Once you’ve swept most of the debris away from your driveway, it’s time to pressure wash it. Using a high-pressure hose attachment, you can clean away built-up dirt and grime as well as provide a nice layer of sealant for your driveway. This is important because all the snow from the previous season might accumulate moisture and generate molds.
Cleaning the interior of your house:
Vacuum:
Vacuuming is one of the quickest and easiest ways to clean your house after winter. Be sure to vacuum all the floors, furniture, and surfaces in your home. Pay special attention to areas that may have been neglected over the colder months, such as corners, under furniture, and behind appliances.
Dust:
Dust is another common byproduct of winter weather. Dusting your entire house will help get rid of any allergens that may have built up over time. Use a dust cloth or a duster to get into all the nooks and crannies in your home -don’t forget about ceiling fans and high shelves!
Wash the curtains:
Depending on where you live, your curtains may have seen some heavy usage over the winter months. Wash your window coverings to get rid of any soap residue or dust that has accumulated during this time. Ensure you wash them in cold water with mild detergent to avoid damaging them. If you’re worried about fading, do not put your curtains in the dryer! Instead, hang them outside on a clothesline to air dry.
Clean out your refrigerator:
Ensure you clean out all the spoiled foods from your refrigerator after winter has passed. Use bleach water or vinegar to wipe down any spills that may have occurred during this time period. Also, check the expiration dates on your food- if anything is about to pass, it’s time to throw it out.
Clean the oven/stove:
Your oven also sees some heavy usage during the winter months. After you’ve cleaned out, all the perished or damaged foods in your refrigerator, wipe down your oven with mild soap and warm water. If you have any stains, try using an oven cleaner to clean them off before you put them away for spring!
Check the basement:
Before winter comes to a close and you start opening up all of your windows, be sure to check your basement and all other exterior entrances for cracks or holes. Use caulk to seal up any gaps that may have been created through the cold weather. Check your plumbing as well- you don’t want to be surprised by a burst pipe in the springtime!
Checking the plumbing:
If you’re in the process of getting your house cleaned and ready for spring, it’s a good idea to check your plumbing as well. Inspect all the pipes for any signs of cracking or freezing and make sure they are properly insulated. If you find any problems, address them quickly to avoid further damage. Additionally, be sure to run water through all of your taps and fixtures to ensure they are working properly -a little maintenance now can save you from costly repairs down the road. And if you do find any problems, don’t wait until it gets any worse; call for plumbing services right away!
Conclusion:
It’s important to clean all the dirt and debris that has built up over the colder months. This includes checking for any pests or critters, as well as making sure your plumbing is in working order. Uncovering what needs to be done now will allow you to enjoy a fresh-smelling home when spring rolls around!