Homeowner Maintenance Tips
It's that time of year when homeowners start thinking about spring cleaning. Often, they have no idea where to start. The task can seem overwhelming before it even gets started. There is an easier way to tackle spring cleaning. Having a homeowner maintenance checklist can make spring cleaning seem more manageable, especially when it's divided room by room.
For example, you probably won't be sweeping out the fireplace when you're cleaning the bathroom. A checklist for each room will make it easier for you to remember all the household maintenance chores you need to keep up with, both inside and out in the yard.
Spring Cleaning Checklist for Home Maintenance
The first thing is to list the cleaning supplies you'll need. It'll save time when you're shopping for them at the store. It can include.
- Paper towels
- Dusting products and cloths
- A broom
- Furnace and even vacuum filters
- Mop
- Storage boxes/containers
Once you've gathered the cleaning supplies you'll need, it's time to create a homeowner maintenance checklist for each room. Here are a few examples.
Closets
- Wash, fold, and store winter clothes
- Wipe down closet shelves
- Bring spring and summer clothes out of storage
- Donate or throw away shoes and clothes that you no longer wear
Kitchen
- Toss out expired spices, along with frozen and canned food
- Defrost/clean fridge and freezer
- Dust and clean all surfaces, including tops of cabinets and inside drawers
- Clean all appliances
- Empty "junk drawer"
- Clean pantry and trashcan area
Bathrooms
- Throw out old/expired makeup, personal care products, and take medications to an approved drop-off site.
- Clean all mirrors.
- Wipe down all surfaces, including the vanity.
- Scrub the shower and tub, including the grout.
- Clean all faucets, including showerheads
- Scrub and disinfect the toilet, including the base
- Replace the old shower curtain
Laundry Room
- Organize all laundry supplies
- Clean the lint trap and vent on your dryer
- Clean the washing machine, inside and out - there are cleaners designed specifically for washing machines
- Toss out and replace old laundry baskets
Bedrooms
- Donate any clothing that you no longer wear
- Organize closets - storage bins can help
- Wash all bedding, including mattress pads and bed skirts
- Flip the mattress- if it's not a pillow top
- Dust all bedroom furniture - front, back, sides, top, and bottom
- Clean and sanitize all kids toys - donate ones no longer used and organize the rest
- Wash all stuffed/plush toys
Living/Family Room
- Wash all pillows, blankets, and cushion/armrest covers
- Clean/vacuum draperies
- Dust ceiling fans
- Polish all furniture
- Vacuum couch and chairs
- Dust lamps, including the shades
- Sanitize all remotes
- Clean all electronic devices, including all components of a home theater system
- Shampoo all area rugs and carpets
Office
- Dust all furniture including the desk and bookshelves
- Organize any files, recycle paperwork that is not necessary
- Sanitize all computer surfaces, including the mouse and keyboard
Dining Room
- Dust all furniture
- Clean china and polish silverware
- Vacuum chair cushions
- Clean any light fixtures
All Rooms
There are some spring cleaning chores that apply to all rooms, this includes,
- Wipe down walls
- Clean baseboards
- Sweep, mop, vacuum all floor surfaces
- Shampoo all carpeting
- Clean vents
- Replace filters
- Clean windows, including curtains and blinds
- Dust window sills and curtain rods
- Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Clean doorknobs and light switches
- Dust all pictures and other displayed items
When you're spring cleaning it only makes sense to tackle the garage and outdoor area. It is part of homeowner maintenance, and a checklist will make the task seem more manageable.
Garage
- Declutter and organize
- Clean windows, floors, and walls
- Install storage containers if needed to stay organized
- Replace garage door opener batteries
- Clean garage door and frame
Outside
- Clean out the gutters
- Wash windows
- Power spray dirt, grime, and mildew off the home
- Trim trees and bushes
- Mow and edge lawn
- Spray off driveway and sidewalks
Once you have a spring cleaning checklist, keeping up with your home maintenance chores won't seem so daunting. The most important thing to remember is to have the right cleaning supplies before you get started.
For more spring cleaning and home maintenance tips, please visit Porch.com.