13 Home Maintenance projects
While many of us remain under mandatory stay-at-home orders to curb the spread of coronavirus, it's a good time to tackle some easy home maintenance projects that you've been putting off or neglecting.
Here are our recommendations for 13 important projects that can be accomplished quickly, with minimal tools and supplies that you may already have on hand.
Caulk — Scrape out any dried or crumbling caulk, and apply fresh caulk around sinks, bathtubs, showers, counter tops, windows and doors. Be sure the area is completely dry for proper adhesion and to prevent mold growth.
Vacuum — Remove dust buildup on HVAC air return vents, bathroom exhaust vents and refrigerator coils.
Dryer Vent — Use a vacuum cleaner or special snake type duster to thoroughly clean out dryer vent hoses once a year. Buildup of lint is a fire hazard, so this chore shouldn’t be neglected.
Roof — Now is a great time for socially distant exterior work such as roof inspections. Make sure to check for nail pops, loose shingles and damaged flashing that can let water sneak into the home.
Lubrication — Garage door wheels, tracks and hinges need plenty of lube to operate smoothly with all the wear and tear we put them through.
Pressure Wash — Spring is the perfect time for outdoor work like pressure washing your house, walkways and driveway.
Gutters — Remove winter leaves and other debris so rain from spring showers can flow freely away from the foundation of the house.
Repair Concrete Cracks — Use a steel brush or shop vacuum to clear out debris, and use concrete caulk or instant set filler to patch cracks.
Clean Drains — Use a plastic or velcro drain snake to remove hair, soap scum buildup or other blockages from any slow-draining sinks.
Garbage Disposal — Run the disposal while using hot water and baking soda to remove buildup and gunk. You can also sharpen the blades by packing it with ice and running water through it until the ice is crushed.
Drain the Water Heater — Rust and sediment buildup can shorten the life of your water heater. Close the shut-off valve, and unhook the gas or electrical source. Connect a hose and completely drain the water out a window or into a laundry tub or bath tub. Reconnect everything and it will be full and ready to use in about two hours.
Clean the Dishwasher Trap — Unscrew the basket trap that catches large particles of food, and completely empty it. Use baking soda and vinegar and run a cycle without dishes to deodorize and remove residue.
Seal Granite and Marble — Use a food grade sealant and wipe it across clean granite and marble counters. Sometimes it takes multiple applications, and it’s generally completely sealed when water beads on the surface.
