Seasonal cleaning can feel overwhelming. Especially if you ever come across videos and articles talking about all the random little places you should clean around your home that you never thought of before. To keep things easy, here are five of our favorite (easy!) home maintenance things you can do that don’t take much time or effort, but can make a big difference around your home:
Clean the Top of Your Fridge
If you don’t remember the last time you cleaned the top of your fridge, it might be worth taking this time to give it a good scrub! Over time, dust, grease, and grime can collect on top of your refrigerator. If you keep things on top of your fridge, they’re probably dusty, too. To make things easier to see and reach, we recommend using a step ladder or a stool—just be careful! Standard surface cleaners are usually safe for the exterior of your fridge, but it’s always a good idea to read the cleaner bottle to make sure it won’t damage your fridge’s finish.
Dust the Blinds and Ceiling Fans
Not only does dust collect on your blinds and ceiling fans, but so does pollen! During the spring, pollen builds on things around your home, creating a layer of yellow powder that can drive anyone with allergies crazy. When it comes to your blinds, it’s better to start by wiping your blinds down with a microfiber cloth. Don’t use water or cleaner when you first wipe them down because moisture can make the dust smear and spread worse. If they still look dirty after this initial dry wipe, you could try using a vacuum cleaner attachment to suck up any remaining dust and pollen.
As for your ceiling fans, we have a nifty little trick that keeps you from accidentally knocking all that dust down into the room below! Instead of a cloth on your fan blades, try using an old pillowcase. Just slip the pillowcase over each fan blade and slowly remove, using the pillowcase to wipe and pull the dust into it, rather than onto the floor underneath.
Check Your CO and Smoke Detectors
It can be easy to forget to check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Over time, your detectors can expire. Smoke detectors can last up to 10 years, and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced about every 5-7 years. Have you seen food that says it’s “best by” a certain date? Your CO and smoke detectors are not like that. Their expiration dates aren’t a suggestion. Those little devices are meant to protect your family, and they are far less likely to do their job past their expiration dates.
It’s also a good idea to test your smoke and CO detectors to make sure they’re working. While you’re at it, change the batteries! Over time, the batteries in your detectors can die, and the detectors won’t be able to detect potential dangers. If you schedule a maintenance visit with Morris-Jenkins and you have batteries available, your tech will happily replace your detector batteries for you!
Get a Water Heater Flush
Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater. Without flushing your tank periodically (the frequency depends on the mineral content of your water) this sediment can continue collecting and can become hard to remove. If you have hard water, it may eventually clog the drain valve with minerals. Depending on the type of water heater you have, it can also lead to uneven heating, burnt out lower heating elements, or leaks. Our plumbers are experts at water heaters! Whenever it’s convenient for you, schedule a water heater flush with us. Your plumber will not only flush your tank but will also make sure everything is in good shape!
Schedule a System Renovation
System renovations help keep your air conditioner and furnace happy and healthy so they can keep your family comfy at home year-round. It’s best to get your maintenance done earlier in the season before the hottest or coldest weather of the year so you can be confident your system will be up to the challenge. If you’re a Priority Advantage® Member, your system renovations are free with your membership!
Looking for More Ideas?
We’ve put together a helpful checklist of things around your home that might need attention. If you’re feeling in the seasonal cleaning spirit, now’s the best time to make sure your home is looking its best!
- Clear window wells of debris
- Remove dead plants and weeds from your yard
- Clean your window screens
- Organize your attic and/or garage
- Clean your garbage disposal
- Redo bathroom grout and caulking where necessary
- Inspect your fire extinguisher
