Life Prerequisites: Your Simple Home Maintenance Checklist for Summer

Whether you’re renting or you own your home, preventative maintenance is the best way to care for your space. Each season has its set of tasks, so take advantage of our summer checklist! Bonus: These five projects make for great study or work breaks, plus they’ll get you out into the fresh air. 

Powerwash Your Driveway, Steps, Deck, and Sidewalks

If you don’t have a pressure washer, they are usually inexpensive to rent for a few hours from your local home improvement store. Not only does pressure washing rid areas of mold and grime, it is so satisfying to be left with a like-new, shiny surface! 

Wash Windows and Screens

According to the experts at Bob Vila, even when the sun is shining, you may not get the maximum amount of natural light in your home if your windows are covered in a film of dirt, dust, splattered bugs, or water spots. Check out their tips for cleaning the insides, outsides, and screens of your windows. 

Clean Your Grill 

If your BBQ saw heavy use the past weekend, it’s probably time to clean it! For a gas grill, turn the heat on for about 15 minutes before scrubbing the grates with a grill brush. If you have a charcoal grill, a bucket of hot water filled with dish soap and a sponge will do the trick. Use this time to check for any cracks, holes, or debris in and around the grill!

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

This task should be on your list during each season, but campfires and grilling make this chore imperative during the summer. Take the time to replace batteries, test alarms, and brief your family on what to do if a detector starts to sound. 

Reverse Ceiling Fans 

Did you know that you should reverse the direction of your ceiling fans depending on the season? In warmer months, the fan should rotate counter-clockwise to push the air down, creating better circulation. Don’t forget to dust the blades while you’re at it!