Home sweet home! There's nothing quite like the feeling of walking through your front door and knowing that you're in a space that's all yours. But with great homeownership comes great responsibility, and it's important to keep up with regular maintenance tasks to ensure your home stays in top shape.
From cleaning gutters to clearing out your fridge, our exterior cleaners at Amalgam have compiled a list of 8 essential jobs that will help keep your house looking and functioning at its best. Don't worry - these tasks are easy enough for anyone to tackle, even if you're not exactly Mr./Ms. Fix-It!
Change air filters
The air filters in your home are responsible for keeping the air you breathe clean and free of dust, pollen, and other allergens. It's important to change them regularly - at least every three months - to ensure they're doing their job effectively. Luckily, changing a filter is an easy DIY task that requires no special skills or tools. Simply locate the filter (usually found near the furnace or in a vent), remove it from its housing (be sure to note which direction it was facing!), dispose of the old one properly, and replace with a new filter of the same size. By making regular air filter changes part of your home maintenance routine, you'll be helping both your wallet and your health!
If you would like to read more about keeping your home clean read our 5 ways to get your house spring ready article.
Clean the gutters Cleaning your gutters is one of the most important home maintenance tasks you can do. Your gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your roof and foundation. Over time, debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt can accumulate in your gutters, preventing them from functioning properly. This buildup can also lead to clogs that cause water to overflow onto your roof or seep into your basement. By regularly having your gutters cleaned at least twice per year - ideally once in spring and once in fall - you'll avoid costly repairs caused by water damage while ensuring proper drainage for years to come.
To learn more about how often you should have your gutters cleaned then read our complete guide to having your gutters cleaned.
Power wash the exterior
The exterior of our homes is constantly exposed to the elements, which can cause dirt, grime and other debris to accumulate over time. This not only looks unsightly but can also cause damage if left unchecked for long periods. Power washing your home's exterior is an essential part of home maintenance that cannot be overlooked. Power washing involves using a high-pressure water spray to remove dirt and grime from surfaces such as siding, decks, patios and driveways. Not only does it look better after power washing, but this process also helps prevent mould growth that could lead to expensive repairs down the road.. With proper preparation and equipment usage coupled with attention paid towards safety while working around electricity lines or maintaining balance on slippery surfaces; power washing can restore your home’s beauty while preventing costly damages caused by neglecting its cleanliness!
Read more about how pressure washing can get your patio looking great here.
Inspect caulking and weather-stripping
Caulking and weather-stripping are essential components in keeping your home energy-efficient. They help to seal any gaps or leaks that could be allowing air to escape from your house, making it harder for heating or cooling systems to maintain a comfortable temperature. Over time, caulking can crack due to exposure to sunlight, heat, and other elements.
Start by examining the exterior of doors and windows for any visible damage or deterioration around the edges. Check for cracks, peeling paint, or missing pieces of caulk. If there are gaps between window frames and walls or door frames and thresholds, you might need new weather-stripping. Next, move inside your home and check all interior doors leading outside as well as those with threshold strips that separate carpeted areas from hard floors like wood or tile. Look for signs of wear such as frayed edges on the stripping material. By regularly inspecting these areas in your home annually not only helps keep unwanted drafts out but also saves money on utility bills caused by increased HVAC usage!
Test your smoke detectors
One of the most important things you can do for your home's safety is to test your smoke detectors regularly. These devices are designed to alert you in case of a fire, and they can save lives if they're working properly. To begin, locate all the smoke detectors in your home. Most homes have at least one on each level, but some may have more depending on the size and layout of the house. Next, press the "test" button on each smoke detector. You should hear a loud beep or alarm sound. If you don't hear anything, it could mean that the battery needs to be replaced or that there's another issue with the detector. If you find any issues with your smoke detectors during testing, address them immediately. Replace batteries as needed and contact a professional if there are bigger problems. It's recommended that you test your smoke detectors once a week to ensure that they're functioning correctly. This simple task takes just minutes but can make a big difference in keeping your home safe from fires.
Test your carbon monoxide detectors
Ensuring the safety of your household is a top priority, and this includes protecting them from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odourless and colourless gas that can be deadly if undetected. This is why it's important to have functioning carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Testing your carbon monoxide detectors should be done monthly to ensure they are working properly. Most detectors have a test button that you can press to check if the alarm sounds off as expected. You should also make sure that the batteries are replaced at least twice a year or when needed - low battery signals should never be ignored! It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and on every level of your home for maximum protection. If you don't already have one installed, consider getting a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector for added convenience. Remember that these simple steps can help protect you and your loved ones from harm caused by exposure to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas!
Clean out your fridge
Cleaning out your fridge is one of the essential home maintenance tasks that are often overlooked. Over time, food and drinks tend to accumulate in the back of the fridge which can lead to unpleasant odours and bacteria growth. To start cleaning your fridge, remove all items including shelves and drawers. Take this opportunity to throw away any expired or spoiled food. You'll be amazed at how much extra space you'll have once you've cleared everything out! Next, use a mild detergent solution or vinegar diluted with water to wipe down all surfaces including shelves, walls and drawers. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they may leave residue behind which can contaminate your food. Make sure to also clean any containers or bottles before putting them back into the fridge. This will help prevent cross-contamination between different foods. Consider placing an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb any lingering odours. This will keep your refrigerator smelling fresh between cleanings. By regularly cleaning out your fridge, you not only create more space for fresh groceries but also maintain a healthy environment for storing food!
Clean your windows
Clean windows are a significant part of home maintenance. Not only do they make your house look good, but also ensure that you have an unobstructed view of the outdoors. Here are some tips for cleaning your windows effectively. Having a professional window cleaning company clean your windows regularly means you can relax and enjoy your clean windows worry-free. At Amalgam we use a top of the range Pure Water system, also known as “Reach and Wash” or “water-fed pole”. Compared to the traditional bucket and squeegee method, the pure water system uses a carbon extendable pole which has a fixed soft brush on its head. Purified water leaves a beautiful streak-free finish as it dries, cleaning your windows to a high shine, which is difficult to achieve on your own. Learn more about the benefits of professional window cleaning here.
If you would like to talk to us about any of our exterior cleaning services in Poole and Bournemouth then feel free to get in touch with us today.