When buying a home, most people probably first think of financial responsibility. Don’t let yourself forget, however, about the time and labor that homeownership also requires. Just like regular oil changes for your car keep your engine happy and healthy, keeping up with regular home maintenance tasks will keep you from future headaches and wasted money. Home maintenance is the key to a healthy and safe home environment. Your household cleaning or home maintenance checklist does not have to be overwhelming in order to be effective.
Observe Your House
Observing is not figuring out. It is not analysis. Observing is a wonderment. It is open and receptive. It is true learning. Once you can observe potential problems around your home, then what? You can learn where to look and for what. Below are seven quick areas to observe.
- Bathroom Cabinet
The cabinet is being used regularly in our daily life, and get used a lot, that is why we should give good care to our bathroom maintenance. - Shelves
When is the last time you checked out your shelf’s stability?
Even so; they look stable but, there are precious things on them, that is why you should keep an eye on them. - Floors that are soft, unstable, or discolored near exterior doors; in bathrooms around toilets and tubs, cracking kitchen tiles.
- Cracks in walls, especially emanating from window and door corners.
- Discolored or peeling paint inside or out
- Basement or crawlspace water or sweating ductwork
- Water that collects or runs toward the house
Use all of your senses to observe. Look for texture and color changes. Look for cracks, water, bugs, and ants, etc. The eyes can spot much, but also pay attention to your feet. When walking, does the floor seem unstable or soft? Listen for noises or squeaks. Touch discolored areas to see if they are damp. Smell for musty odors. Does anyone start sneezing or have difficulty breathing or get a headache when in a certain area?
Check The Exterior
Inspecting the exterior of the house is an important part of all home maintenance plans. Look for signs of wear and tear and make the appropriate repairs. Check for decay or damage to the trimming around doors and windows. Repaint and repair home siding and trim that has become loose or where paint has begun to peel.
Check Windows And Wall
Both windows and walls can be a source of health problems if not well maintained. Inspecting and repairing both areas should be a part of a person’s spring and fall home maintenance checklist. Prevent drafts and excess moisture from entering the home by replacing or repairing any caulking around the home’s doors and windows. If windows are cracked they should be replaced or repaired
Control Dust
The dust has the potential to be a serious health hazard. Not only does it contain the skeletons and feces of dust mites, which cause allergies and aggravate asthma, but it may also carry chemicals that have come off items that have been in the home, such as lead and pesticides. When dusting, use a dampened cloth so that the dust will better adhere to the cloth. Items such as throw rugs should also be routinely washed.
Keep Floors Vacuumed
Carpets should be vacuumed no less than twice a week. The most effective vacuum cleaner is one that comes with a HEPA filter. Vacuuming will not only help to remove dust, but it will also remove pet dander, fur, dirt, and other contaminants that could sicken persons inside the home. When furniture and other objects. To help keep dirt levels and other harmful substances out of the house, remove shoes before entering. Shoes can track anything that has been stepped on into the home, such as dirt, feces, chemicals, and more.
Keep Moisture Under Control
Moisture intrusion and high moisture levels are the main drivers of mold growth in the interior of the home. The last thing we want is mold growing visibly, or worse yet, hidden from view in our home. In addition, moisture is also attractive to rodents and insects. To reduce these risks make any repairs to leaky sinks or pipes as quickly as possible. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to reduce humidity while cooking or showering. In absence of exhaust fans, open windows. leaking roofs should be repaired as quickly as possible.
Keep Home Air Filters Clean
Some people react to the subject of keeping home air filters clean. “Air filters? What air filters? I didn’t buy any air filters!” But if your home is equipped with a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, then you have air filters. And these need to be cleaned regularly in order for your HAVC to function effectively. Filters in portable air filters can help keep pollution out of the air. Dirty or clogged air filters can result in damage to air conditioning systems, or even in extreme cases, a breakdown or fire.
