The days are getting longer, temperatures are going up, and flowers and fresh leaves are starting to pop up — spring is just around the corner. Sure, you’ve heard of spring cleaning, but it’s also a great time to tackle some small tasks around the house. Read on for 9 ways to give your home some love this month.
1. Lawn Care
The first thing that a potential home buyer sees is typically your front lawn. Once the snow melts, you’ll probably need to take some steps to get your yard back into shape. Start your lawn work by raking away any leaves, branches, and clutter that was hidden under the snow all winter. Prune and trim your trees and shrubs and then haul away compost debris.
2. Clean Room By Room
Approaching your house room by room is the most effective way to deep clean it. Create cleaning checklists for each room to help you get organized and to remind you of the areas that need extra attention. Feel free to skip the areas that have been cleaned recently, and focus on the parts of your home that were largely neglected over the winter. Declutter and donate items you no longer need!
3. Test Smoke Alarms
Checking (and changing) the batteries in the smoke alarm is a good springtime habit. Most homes have a smoke alarm, but if you don’t check it with regularity, you can’t be sure it’s working. It is one of those out-of-sight, out-of-mind things, so here’s a reminder to put your home or business smoke alarm top of mind.
4. Clean Gutters
Grab a ladder, and check your gutters for debris. Remove as much as you can with your hands. Don’t forget to wear gloves! Remove any leftover gunk with a garden hose. Take off any nozzle and have a helper turn on the water when you’re ready. Shove the hose into the downspout to power out of gooseneck bends. Make sure your downspouts channel water at least five feet from the foundation walls.
5. Clean Out the Dryer Vent
A clogged dryer vent can be a fire hazard. To clean it, disconnect the vent from the back of the machine and use a dryer vent brush to remove lint. Outside your house, remove the dryer vent cover and use the brush to remove lint from the other end of the vent line. Make sure the vent cover flap moves freely.
6. Check Foundation Vents
A house with a crawl space has vents along the foundation walls. The vents provide air circulation that helps prevent excess moisture and mold growth, and they prevent critters from taking up residence underneath your home. The screens collect leaves and other debris from fall and winter. Spring is a great time to clean them out and check for damage. Clean the vents by hand or use a shop vacuum. Repair any damaged screens — critters can get through even the smallest holes.
7. Replace Filters
The Environmental Protection Agency states that most people are aware outdoor air pollution can have harmful effects on their health but fail to recognize the potential dangers of indoor air. Replace all filters including water, range hood, and air vent filters. You should replace these filters every 3-6 months depending on the type of filter you have.
8. Clean Faucets and Showerheads
Over time, calcium and hard water buildup can block faucets and showerheads, preventing maximum water flow and hampering water pressure. Wrap a vinegar-filled bag around the showerhead or faucet so that any place where water exits are completely submerged. Let them soak for an hour, then rinse with warm water. Scrub the faucet or showerhead with a toothbrush to clear up any stubborn residual.
9. Keep Allergens Away
Keep dust, mold, and pollen at bay by decluttering your home, checking pipes for leaks, and keeping the air clean. Start your spring cleaning with the highest spots and work your way down. This way, when you dust the top shelves or sweep cobwebs from ceiling corners, you can continue to catch dust as it settles on lower shelves or the floor. Save the floors for last.
