Spring has sprung! Now’s the Time to Spruce Up Your Home

Spring has arrived, and as the days grow longer and warmer, it’s the perfect time to tackle essential home maintenance tasks. Homeowners should take advantage of this season to ensure their homes are in top shape for the summer months and beyond.

From periodic maintenance to deep cleaning, taking care of your home pays massive dividends both in reliability and comfort. Here are a few ways you can improve your living space this spring.

OUTDOOR PROJECTS

Make the driveway sparkle

Remove dirt, grime, and mold that has accumulated over the winter months by power washing your driveway, walkways, and house exterior. Most hardware stores offer power washers for rent. All you need to do is hook it up to a water source, check out the safety instructions, and make your exterior surfaces look like new.

Clean out the gutters 

Gutters play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from your home’s foundation. Throughout the fall and winter months, leaves, twigs, and debris can accumulate in the gutters, causing blockages and preventing proper water flow. Cleaning your gutters in the spring is essential to prevent water damage, mold, and foundation issues. Grab a ladder, a pair of gloves, and a garden trowel to remove the debris, then flush the gutters with a hose to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Freshen up the landscape 

Spring is the perfect time to prepare your garden and yard for the growing season. Begin by raking up leftover leaves, twigs, and debris. Prune any dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs and apply some fresh mulch to flower beds to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Check your lawn for any bare or patchy areas and reseed or fertilize as needed.

Give your outdoor living space some TLC 

Give your outdoor furniture a brand-new look by cleaning, painting, or staining it. For metal or plastic furniture, consider spray-painting it with a color designed for outdoor use to give it a fresh style. Inspect decking for any loose or rotten boards and repair or replace them as needed. Check your grill for signs of wear and tear and give it a good deep cleaning to get ready for the first BBQ of the season.

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INDOOR PROJECTS

Tidy up storage space

Take the time to clean, organize, and declutter garage and storage space. Now is the time to check for safety issues and make your storage areas more usable. Dispose of any hazardous materials properly, and consider installing shelves or pegboards to keep tools, equipment, and storage boxes organized.

Give baseboards and windows some love

Spring cleaning isn’t complete without giving your baseboards some attention. Use a vacuum cleaner attachment or a soft brush to remove dust and debris, then wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild detergent to make them look like new.

Clean windows let in more natural light and can make your home feel more inviting. Use a window cleaner and a squeegee to remove dirt and grime, both inside and out. Don’t forget to clean window sills and tracks to ensure smooth operation.

Test smoke detectors and other emergency equipment

Regularly testing and maintaining your smoke alarms is essential for your family’s safety. Replace the batteries in your alarms and test them to ensure they are functioning correctly. Remember to also check the expiration date on each alarm, as they generally have a lifespan of 8-10 years. If your home has fire extinguishers, check the expiration date. Disposable, single-use extinguishers should be replaced every 10 years.

Replace Filters

Spring is an excellent time to replace the filters in your HVAC system, as well as any other filters around your home, such as those in your refrigerator, range hood, or air purifiers. Regularly changing filters can improve air quality and extend the life of your appliances.

Clean Out the Dryer Vent

Lint buildup in your dryer vent can pose a fire hazard and reduce the efficiency of your appliance. Remove the lint from the vent using a vent brush or vacuum attachment, and check the exterior vent for any debris.

Clear the Clutter

Spring is synonymous with fresh starts, making it the perfect time to declutter your living space. One great way to get rid of clutter is to follow the one-year rule: If you haven’t used or worn an item in the past year, consider donating or disposing of it. Chances are, if you haven’t needed it in the last 12 months, you won’t need it in the future.

Doing a thorough spring cleaning takes some planning. Hopefully, these projects give you some ideas for things you can do to make your home cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable. Your home will thank you, and so will your future self!