With spring already here, it’s time to start preparing your home and garden for the warmer weather. The changing of the seasons is the perfect opportunity for deep cleaning and maintenance tasks around the house. Here are some key things you can do to get your home ready for spring:
Replace Your Air Filters
Most air filters should be cleaned or replaced every three months. Changing out your air filters with the turn of each season is a great way to stay on track. You want your home to feel fresh and clean in the spring, and replacing the filters in your HVAC system ensures that you maintain good air quality. New filters are especially important if you or someone in your household experiences seasonal allergies.
Clean the Dryer Vent
Even if you clean the lint trap in your dryer after each use, lint and dust can accumulate in the dryer vent. At least twice per year, you should thoroughly clean out the dryer vent to reduce your risk of a fire. First, unplug your dryer’s power cord or turn off the gas or propane valve. Then, pull out the dryer vent pipe and remove the lint with a brush or vacuum. If your dryer runs on gas and you’re not sure how to safely disconnect the vent, contact a professional for assistance.
Check Your Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms should be tested monthly. If you’re not already testing the alarms regularly, you can add it to your spring cleaning task list. Test all of the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home, and replace any dead batteries immediately. Batteries typically have to be replaced every six months.
Organize the Pantry and Fridge
If you haven’t deep cleaned your kitchen in a while, you should reorganize your pantry and refrigerator as you prepare for spring. You might have old leftovers, expired condiments, or spoiled produce in your fridge. Take everything out of your refrigerator, wipe down the shelves and drawers, and dispose of food that has gone bad. Do the same with your kitchen cabinets to ensure your pantry is organized and has as much open space as possible.
Clean Out the Gutters
Removing leaves, dirt, and debris from your gutters is essential after a long winter. Clogged gutters prevent rainwater from draining properly, which can result in water damage to your home. Use a sturdy ladder to reach the gutters, and remove the debris with a plastic scoop or shovel. Then, flush the gutters and downspouts with your garden hose. If you’re not comfortable cleaning the gutters yourself, you can hire a professional to do the job.
Wipe Down Window Screens
You’re probably excited to open your windows for some fresh air after months of cold winter weather. The screens may have accumulated dirt, dust, or bacteria throughout the winter, though. To prevent this grime from entering your home, you can remove the screens and wipe them down with soapy water. You should also check for tears or holes in the window screens. If necessary, replace damaged screens to prevent bugs from making their way into your home when your windows are open.
Wash Outdoor Furniture
Your patio furniture may need some cleaning before the spring, especially if the items were sitting in a dusty garage or basement. You could rinse off the furniture with your garden hose or wipe it down with a rag. To prevent damage to the furniture, use gentle dish soap or a cleaner specifically designed for patio furniture. Now is also a great time to sweep and hose down your deck, patio, or walkways.
Order Flowers in Advance
Planning your gardening projects in advance will help you achieve the best possible results in the spring and summer. Consider what flowers you want to bloom in your garden throughout the year, and shop online or at your local garden center for the bulbs and seeds. This ensures you have plenty of time to prepare your garden, and it allows you to get the best quality seeds before they sell out. If you don’t plan to garden outdoors, you could invest in some houseplants or start an indoor herb garden to bring some greenery into your home.
Clear Debris From the Lawn and Garden
When your yard is free of snow, it’s time to start cleaning up the area. Gather up leaves and sticks with a rake, and dispose of the debris in yard refuse bags. Prune overgrown or dead trees and shrubs to make room for your spring landscaping, and pull up weeds that have grown in the garden beds. Clean up the borders of your garden beds by removing weeds and washing away dirt and grime.
Check for Hibernating Pests
As you clean up your lawn and garden, look closely for hibernating pests. Garden pests can destroy your plants and wreak havoc on your landscaping. Removing them before the spring is the best way to prevent an infestation. You might see small white larvae on your perennial plants, or you may notice trails of slime that indicate a slug infestation.
BOTTOM LINE
The beginning of spring is the perfect time to deep clean, reorganize, and perform routine maintenance around your house. A clean, fresh home and garden is an excellent way to welcome the spring weather. If you start your springtime preparations at the end of winter, you’ll be ready to enjoy the outdoors as soon as the warm weather hits.
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