Owning a home comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment. While some tasks may be seasonal, there are several crucial things every homeowner should do on a monthly basis to keep their home in top condition.
To help you keep on top of your home's maintenance, here's a comprehensive checklist of important things to do each month.
Clean the Furnace Filter
A clean furnace filter is essential for efficient heating and air circulation inside the home. Monthly checks and replacements, if necessary, prevent dust and debris buildup, ensuring your HVAC system works optimally. This not only improves air quality inside your home but also prolongs the life of your heating and cooling equipment.
Inspect Tub and Sink Drains for Debris
Clogged drains can lead to water damage and plumbing issues, which can become costly to fix in the long run. Regularly inspecting tub and sink drains for hair, soap scum, and other debris helps prevent blockages.
If there are debris or signs of clogging, use a drain snake or eco-friendly drain cleaner to unclog and ensure a smooth water flow.
Test Fire and Security Devices
Safety should always be a priority. Once a month, spend time to test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in working order. Additionally, test your home security system, if applicable, to guarantee your family's safety and protect your property.
If you have fire extinguishers at home, check the expiration date and confirm that they are ready to use in the event of an emergency.
Inspect Electrical Cords
Frayed or damaged electrical cords pose a significant fire hazard. As such, we advise conducting monthly inspections of cords for wear and tear, and immediate replacement if needed. Also ensure that cords are not pinched by furniture or tangled with other wires.
Clean the Garbage Disposal
A foul-smelling garbage disposal can quickly become a nuisance. There are easy ways to clean the garbage disposal. We advise grinding ice cubes then flushing it out with hot water and baking soda to keep the disposal clean. You can also use baking soda and vinegar to eliminate odors and prevent buildup.
Clean Humid Areas
Areas prone to high humidity, such as bathrooms and basements, are breeding grounds for mold and mildew, especially if you don't have appropriate ventilation. To help prevent mildew buildup, scrub the bathroom tile and grout with a cleaning product once a month.
