A July Home Maintenance To-Do List
Sharon Monticello
Sharon Monticello is native to one of California's most picturesque areas— Petaluma, nestled in the heart of wine country, has been home to Sharon's...
Sharon Monticello is native to one of California's most picturesque areas— Petaluma, nestled in the heart of wine country, has been home to Sharon's...
Hello, July!
Now that Summer is in full swing, it’s the best time to tackle a list of home maintenance chores before you pack up and head out for your much-awaited (and well-deserved!) Summer vacation with the fam!
Yes, yes. We know how life gets busy when you’re getting ready for an epic trip, so we’ve kept the to-do list concise and fuss-free! From your back porch to the basement, doing quick and easy home maintenance in July will keep your house in good shape for the rest of the season– even if you’re not AT HOME during most of it.
Check out our list below and get started.
Check all your Locks and Deadbolts
Most will agree that Summer is a popular time for break-ins, which may be due to people being away from their homes most of the season. That said, make it difficult for these potential burglars to break in by checking all your locks and deadbolts. Ensure they are all secure and working properly. Check locks on every window, door, and any other access to your home, and get your garage and outbuildings secure locks, too.
Clean your Windows from Inside and Out
Keep that Summer sunshine streaming through your homes by giving your windows a quick rinse with glass cleaner or a vinegar solution, then squeegee them dry or wipe with a clean microfiber cloth! If you’re trying to avoid using a ladder outside, you can reach the exterior windows with a window-washing hose or telescoping window washer.
Inspect and Drain your Water Heater
It’s easy to neglect your water heater, especially if it’s hidden in a closet or garage.
If you didn’t already know, draining your water heater at least once a year can extend its life and keep it running efficiently. However, if it’s been years since you’ve last done it, you may want to hire a professional plumber for advice on what to do, as it may do more harm than good.
Don’t forget to check the water lines and fittings on the water heater for leaks, too.
Spiff Up the Kitchen
The kitchen is the quickest to get dirty no matter the season, so spiffing it up before you head out for vacation is essential.
Throw away expired food and tame that mess in the fridge. Wipe down the shelves and refrigerator crisper to keep your fruit and veggies fresh all summer. Clean the fridge coils while you’re at it by vacuuming them for a more energy-efficient appliance.
Also, your oven and other appliances– your coffee pot, toaster oven, blender, and anything else that sits on your kitchen counter– need some lovin’, too, so be sure to include them on your kitchen cleaning rampage.
Freshen Up your Furniture
If you’ve got pets and children at home, your furniture is most likely due for deep cleaning. Take advantage of the warm weather by freshening your furniture, fur, stains, and all. To remove the fur and fluff, use a lint roller. For everything else, a quick vacuum and wipe down with a damp cloth will have your furniture looking good as new in no time.
Check the Porch Lights
Your outdoors need a little touch-up, too, so if you’ve got glass light fixtures that are easily removed, bring them inside and wash them in a dishpan of warm water with gentle soap. However, if your fixtures must stay in place, turn the power off and carefully wipe the exteriors with a damp microfiber cloth; dry with a soft cloth. When finished, change lightbulbs as needed.
Do a Bathroom Inspection
In the Summer months, conserving water is essential. And while it’s normal for condensation to collect on toilets and pipes, puddling or dripping is a sign of trouble. Check for leaks around sinks and toilets– we all know that nobody wants to come home to water damage due to an unattended leak! If you have more time left, consider deep cleaning your bathtub or shower space to remove grime, mildew, and hard water stains.
Keep Your Air in Check
It’s time to test those smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and keep your air clean! It only takes a few minutes to press the test button on each detector in your house to check if the batteries still have juice. Regular maintenance of your smoke detectors can save your family’s life in an emergency. While you’re at it, swap out your dirty old filter for a clean one, like pollen and dust from Spring cleaning may be trapped in your HVAC filters. In just a few steps, you can improve the air quality in your home this season!
Primp Your Plants
Keep your plants healthy throughout the Summer season! Primp your plants by pulling out visible dead foliage from spring bulbs to maintain a tidy garden. You can also control weeds and add moisture to your garden’s soil by adding a layer of mulch. They need TLC while you’re away, too, you know.
