It’s that time of year again.
A new season can bring a boost of energy. And as spring and warmer weather emerges, many homeowners see this as an opportunity to freshen up their home and tackle their ever growing to-do list. Your home is likely your most valuable asset, so it only makes sense to keep it in tip-top shape.
Ready for some spring cleaning!? Here are a few tips to not only freshen up and organize your space, but also protect your investment.
1. Clean Your Dryer Duct
Some people never think to clean their dryer ducts, but a clogged duct is a leading cause of dryer fires. According to Consumer Reports, about 25% of dryer fires are due to a buildup of lint. Cleaning your dryer’s lint screen isn’t all the cleaning that your dryer needs, so make sure you clean your dryer ducts at least once a year, either yourself or hire a dryer duct cleaning service.
2. Give the House a Fresh Coat of Paint
A new coat of paint can make a room appear cleaner by covering marks and stains. This might be the perfect time to re-paint soiled walls, or perhaps touch up your baseboards. But don’t limit paint jobs to the interior. Improve your curb appeal by painting your front door or perhaps your shutters.
3. Fix Broken Items
Nothing in a house lasts forever. So even if you don’t have any major home repair projects, you might need to address a few smaller issues. Maybe a broken light switch, a wobbly door handle, or a cracked tile. Create a priority list of home repairs to complete this spring, either yourself or with the help of a contractor.
4. Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal
Your home’s interior isn’t the only thing that contributes to your property value. According to the National Association of Realtors, “homes with high curb appeal can sell for 7% more than similar homes.” But even if you don’t have plans to sell, sprucing up your curb appeal adds to the attractiveness of your home. Don’t think you have to spend a lot on expensive landscaping either. Simple things like adding fresh mulch, pulling weeds or power washing your driveway can make a huge difference.
5. Test Your Fire Alarm
When was the last time you tested your home’s smoke alarm? Ideally, you should test it at least once a month, and replace your batteries once or twice a year (pro tip: consider doing it when the time changes!). If you can’t remember the last time you checked the batteries, add smoke alarm maintenance to your spring to-do list.
6. Clean Gutters
Over the fall and winter, it’s not uncommon for heavy rain and wind to cause leaves and other debris to clog your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause roof damage, which can lead to leaks, mold, and mildew. Ideally, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year, in the fall and in the spring. To be safe, though, don’t attempt to clean gutters yourself unless you have the right equipment and experience.
7. Reseal Caulk
Caulk around ceramic tile and shower tiles can crack or split over time. Using caulk to reseal these areas improves the appearance of tiles and also fills gaps and prevents water from seeping in between tiles. This helps prevent mold and mildew. Go through your house and inspect your tile, especially the tile in the bathroom and kitchen. Next, fill any gaps between the tile with caulk. You can also use caulk to close gaps along crown molding and baseboards.
8. Service Your HVAC System
Springtime is also a great time to service your HVAC system. This can ensure your system remains in good working condition as hotter days approach. An HVAC service company can clean your AC unit, inspect the unit, clean your return vents, and recommend additional maintenance as necessary.
9. Schedule a Pest Inspection
Longer days and warmer temperatures aren’t the only things that emerge in spring. Spring can also bring some unwanted visitors, mainly pests. Whether you’ve had an issue with termites, ants, spiders, or other pests in the past—or you simply want to head off problems—now’s the time to schedule a pest control treatment.
10. Declutter
Clothes, toys, furniture, and other stuff can clutter your garage and closets. Springtime is the perfect time to declutter and get rid of anything you’re not using, or anything that’s taking up too much valuable space. As a general rule of thumb, if you haven’t used something in about two or three years, it’s probably safe to throw away or donate. So go through your closets, drawers, and cabinets and see what you can get rid of. Eliminating clutter can free up space, improve your mood, and make your home feel more comfortable.