June Home Maintenance Check list

o  Remove lint from dryer exhaust vent

o  Maintain yard growth

o  Check Grout in baths, kitchen, etc. Repair as needed

o  Check thermostat batteries

o  Check outdoor paint and touch up any areas that are needed

o  Clean garage

o  Inspect plumbing for leaks, clean aerators on faucets

o  Change furnace filters (check filters for frequency)

o  Test Carbon Monoxide and smoke detectors

o  Clean garbage Disposal

Ø  Remove lint from dryer exhaust vent

1.      Unplugging the dryer and turn off the gas valve (if applicable)

2.      Detach the vent hose from the dryer and the wall

3.      Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove loose lint

4.      For stubborn lint, consider using a long, flexible dryer vent brush to dislodge it, followed by vacuuming.

5.      Reattach the Vent hose to the dryer and the wall

Ø  Maintain yard growth

1.      Regularly mow your yard to promote healthy growth and prevent weeds from taking over

2.      Water your yard according to weather conditions. Watering in the morning allows the grass to dry evenly before night.

3.      Fertilize your yard. Test your soil to determine if fertilization is needed. Fertilize based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

4.      Control weeds by hand-pulling weeds when you see them.

Ø  Check grout in baths, kitchen, etc.

1.      Inspect for signs of damage like crumbing, discoloration or mold.

2.      Replace the grout, if necessary, by removing the old grout and adding new.

Ø  Check thermostat batteries

1.      Look for visual or functional cues indicating a low battery.

2.      Locate the battery compartment, usually found on the back.

3.      Check the battery type and replace if needed

Ø  Check outdoor paint and touch up any areas that are needed

1.      Look for common issues like peeling, cracking, chalking, blistering, fading and mildew

2.      Remove loose paint usually by scraping it off.

3.      Sand the affected area

4.      Apply primer to the area

5.      Repaint

Ø  Clean Garage

1.      Declutter by removing everything from the garage and getting rid of things you no longer need

2.      Clean the garage by dusting, sweeping etc.

3.      Organize by group of items and make a spot for the things you are keeping

Ø  Inspect plumbing for leaks, clean aerators on faucets

1.      Visual look for signs of rust, discoloration or dampness

2.      Water test by turning off all water usage and monitoring if water is moving.

3.      Listen for sounds of dripping or running water.

4.      Remove aerator from faucet

5.      Disassemble the aerator and soak with part in vinegar

6.      Scrub with a brush to remove debris and rinse thoroughly

7.      Reassemble aerator and reattach to the faucet

Ø  Change Furnace filters

1.      Cut the power to the furnace from your thermostat

2.      Find the service panel and open or slide the door

3.      Swap out the old filter with the new one

4.      Put service panel door back

5.      Restore power to the furnace

Ø  Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

1.      Find and press the Test button

2.      If the alarm sounds, it is working

3.      If the alarm does not sound, replace batteries

4.      Replace your detectors every 10 years

Ø  Clean garbage disposal

1.      Make sure garbage disposal is off before cleaning

2.      Clear any visible debris from the splash guard and surrounding area

3.      Run cold water and drop in a few handfuls of ice cubes and a cup of rock salt

4.      Turn on garbage disposal for a few seconds to grind the ice and salt, turn off

5.      Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup of white vinegar

6.      Let fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water and run the deposal then turn it off

7.      Use a brush or sponge with soapy water to clean the interior of the disposal

8.      Grind up some citrus peels to freshen the disposal

9.      Run cold water while grinding the citrus peels until all debris and cleaning solutions are flushed away.