While spring is the most awaited season of the year, it is also the time of the year when most homeowners go for a cleaning overhaul of their homes. After all, the weather is warm and sunny and is the right time to clean after all the winter storms. So as springtime gives you a reason to go for a hike or a picnic, it should also be a reminder that it is time to clean. Use our spring maintenance checklist and enjoy a clean and well-maintained home for the rest of the year.
Inspect the Outdoors
Winter can be tough, especially for your roof, chimney, gutters, and windows, so it is a good idea to inspect everything that is outdoors.
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Roof
To inspect the roof, you don’t have to climb up yourself, but you can spot troubles while being on the ground. Use a binocular or seek a professional’s help to locate shingles or cracks in your roof. In case there are any cracks or shingles, immediately go for a repair.
Chimneys
Inspect your chimneys for signs of water infiltration. Are there any cracks? Or vegetation? Or calcium deposits? If yes, you need repair and maintenance.
Exterior Walls
Regardless of what material your exterior walls are made up of, you need to inspect them as spring starts. Check for water stains, openings, cracks, and nests of ants and other critters that can find their way in your home.
Foundations
When inspecting the outdoors, make sure you examine the foundations of the house from top to bottom. Check for cracks as they can be a sign of danger.
Windows
Everyone wants their windows sparkling so they can welcome the warmer weather so clean your windows both from the inside and outside using a commercially available window cleaner. And if you don’t want to spend on one, make a DIY window cleaner using vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water.
Lawns
Your lawns need the most cleaning in springs. Make sure you clear all branches, debris, leaves and everything else from your lawns. In case there is dry and damaged grass, it is a good idea to mow your lawn. Also, check your lawn for sprinklers and pipes that you use to water your lawn. Take out all your lawn maintenance tools and equipment from the garage and prepare them for the season ahead.
Decks and Patios
Give your decks and patios a good sweep or a complete wash. If you have any furniture in your patio that you have stored due to winters, now is the time to take it out. Make sure you clean everything, including the furniture, garden fence and any other structures in your patio.
Grills
If your outdoor grills have remained unused during the winters, make sure you check the burners and gas connections, so you are ready for all the spring and summer outdoor barbeques.
Interior Maintenance
While interior maintenance is not a requirement, it is a good idea to get your entire home a fresh feeling with the start of spring. Let’s take a look at a few things that you need to maintain as the weather changes.
General Cleaning
Spring is the right time to clean areas of your home that are neglected throughout the year. Clean your windows, cabinets, closets, mattresses and carpets. You can do the same type of cleaning in each of your bedrooms, kitchen and living room and don’t forget the bathrooms, washing cabinets and the walls. You will be surprised to notice the difference in the appearance of the house post-cleaning.
Air Conditioners
You didn’t use the air conditioners during the winters, but now as you get closer to the warmer months, it is a good idea to change the filters and go for an annual service. This will improve the efficiency of your air conditioners that will reflect in your energy costs.
Attics, Basements and Other Crawl Spaces
Attics, basements and other crawl spaces are the least maintained areas in any house. Make sure you annually clean these areas, so they are free of insects and other critters.
