The days are getting longer, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and the snow is melting. The kids are playing baseball once again, and cookouts can’t be too far away. At last, after a long, gray winter, Spring is here.
It’s time to get out into the fresh air, stroll through town, or hike your favorite path. But when you get home, don’t forget to spare some time to freshen up the house.
Winters can be harsh on your home. Everything you do to keep the warmth in and the cold out leads to dirt and stale air being trapped in your home. But when Spring comes, and you throw open the windows to fresh air, there’s still more to do to enjoy your glorious summer.
Double-check all plumbing fixtures and connections for any issues, ensuring your home’s water systems are in good working order. If you did a good job preparing for winter, you should have turned off the supply lines to your outside spigots and opened them up to avoid the water freezing and the line cracking. Once the threat of a hard freeze has passed, it’s time to turn them on again. And don’t forget to check that the outdoor spigot is closed. Otherwise, you’re going to waste a lot of water.
Don’t overlook essential safety measures. Spring cleaning is a great time to test and replace smoke detector batteries. Otherwise, they’re likely to start that low-power warning chirp in the middle of the night sometime soon.
April showers might bring May flowers, but they can also cause water damage, flooding, erosion, and other headaches. One good way to ensure your house is prepared is to clean the roof and gutters of all the detritus that has built up over the winter.
If those showers do bring floods, then having your sump pumps fully functional is critical to peace of mind.
Before you switch on the air conditioning, remember to replace HVAC filters. Regularly changing filters ensures optimal performance, with experts recommending replacements every three months or more frequently in pet-friendly or construction-heavy environments.
Show some love to your household appliances with a round of deep cleaning. From descaling coffee makers to clearing mineral build-up in dishwashers, ensure your appliances are in top condition for the months ahead.
Swap out storm windows for screens to welcome the gentle breeze of Spring indoors. Enjoy the season’s refreshing air while ensuring your home remains protected and comfortable.
Winter is the worst for carpets. Slush, dirt, salt, and mud all seem to find their way into your home. Give your carpets a deep clean to rid them of winter’s remnants—salt, dirt, and lingering pine needles from holiday festivities. A refreshed carpet sets the stage for a brighter, cleaner home environment.
Bid farewell to winter grime with the satisfying blast of a pressure washer. From your house’s exterior to driveways and sidewalks, a thorough pressure washing session can transform dingy areas into glistening spaces, ready to embrace the sunnier days.
Make the most of your outdoor living space by reviving your patio furniture. If you stored it undercover, it’s time to pull it out of the shed and put the patio back together. Wipe it. Opt for seating arrangements that mirror indoor comfort, and choose materials built to withstand the elements for lasting appeal.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, Spring is the perfect time to stock up on gardening supplies. Prepare for a season of blooming beauty and fresh produce, from tools to soil and seeds.
Spruce up your outdoor space with spring-inspired decor, from welcoming wreaths to floral doormats. These simple additions can inject a dose of seasonal cheer and create an inviting atmosphere for guests.
Prepare for barbecue season by thoroughly cleaning your grill. Invest in a quality grill cleaning kit to remove built-up grease and grime, ensuring your outdoor cooking adventures start on the right foot. If you have a propane grill, now is the perfect time to ensure you’re not caught with an empty tank. If your grill system doesn’t have a meter, the hot water test is always reliable. Just pour a gallon or two of warm water over the tank, and then run your hand over the side of the tank from the top down. The tank will still feel warm to the touch where it’s empty, but the liquid propane will make the metal tank cool to the touch when you reach its level.
By tackling these spring maintenance tasks, you’ll revitalize your home and set the stage for a season of comfort, enjoyment, and relaxation. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the spirit of renewal, and get ready to welcome Spring with open arms.
A spring maintenance checklist to work through when preparing your home for the warmer weather.
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