Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the warm weather and get some work done around the house. Help keep your home performing efficiently during the summer by adding these tasks to your home maintenance plan. |
Outdoor Home Maintenance
1. Power Wash Your Driveway and Sidewalks
A great place to start with summer home maintenance is to thoroughly inspect and clean your desk, patio and driveway. The key to cleaning these areas is to use a pressure washer. Before you start power washing, it’s a good idea to check these areas for any cracks and weeds. Once you have given everything a full inspection, wash away all the dirt, mold and grime that’s built up over the past year.
2. Wash Windows and Replace Window Screens
Washing your exterior windows won’t make much of a difference if you don’t wash your window screens, too. Remove your window screens and gently scrub them with hot, soapy water. If your screens are too filthy to be cleaned, you may want to replace them.
While you’re spending time examining your screens, you should also examine your windows and doors to ensure they seal tightly and function properly to conserve the cool air from your air conditioning. If your home isn’t equipped with central air, check out our tips for cooling your home without it.
3. Prevent Bug Breeding Grounds
Since warmer weather calls for more time spent outside, you’ll want to maintain a yard that isn’t swarming with insects. A quick spritz of outdoor bug spray around the perimeter of your house and yard will keep you relaxed in your yard, instead of running inside for cover. You can also caulk your windows and doors to help stop bugs and ants from infiltrating your home.
4. Beautify Your Yard
Make your yard look fresh from the grass to the trees. Start by removing all dead parts from trees or plants and doing some weeding. Laying mulch in your flower beds will help keep weeds away and let your plants retain moisture. This is also a great time to get your home and backyard ready for summer cookouts and pool parties with some new landscaping.
5. Prep Your Grill for Backyard BBQs
Clean and test your grill to make sure it’s ready for hamburger and hot dog season. If you have a gas grill, heat it up for about 20-30 minutes and then scrub the grates clean with a grill brush. For a charcoal grill, grab a bucket of hot, soapy water and clean with a sponge.
To ensure proper grill safety, check hoses for cracks, holes and blockages. Don’t forget to place your grill 10 feet or more away from any structures, railings or other flammable items before firing it up.
6. Stage Outdoor Furniture
Ditch the rusty old hand-me-down chairs and check out your local home goods store for some simple furniture to create a comfortable outdoor space you’ll want to spend time in.
Indoor Home Maintenance
1. Examine Your (Indoor) Hoses
First on the summer home maintenance checklist for your indoor spaces is to inspect the hoses to your washer, dehumidifier, dishwasher, icemaker, toilets and refrigerator for any signs of wear and tear, leaks or cracking. You should replace these hoses once every 3-5 years, but it is important to regularly check for any signs of leaking.
2. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Replace old batteries and check to ensure things are in working order with all smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and home timers.
3. Clean the Garbage Disposal and Dishwasher
This summer home maintenance tip isn’t necessarily a warm weather chore, but it is important to clean out your garbage disposal and dishwasher every once in a while. You can clean out your garbage disposal by flushing it with hot water and some dish soap. To clean your dishwasher, add 2 cups of vinegar to the bottom of the machine and run the machine on low wash. If your dishes are still coming out dirty, it may be time to replace the appliance.
13. Wipe Down and Clean Baseboards
Baseboards are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. It can be tough to muster up the energy to get on your hands and knees and clean the trim, but it is something you want to do at least once a year during a deep clean of your home to keep dust and dirt from building up. A damp cloth and a little patience is all you need to clean up the trim around your home.
Related Articles
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Exterior Spring Home Maintenance It's finally the season when everything springs into action again — including you. Now’s the time to roll up your sleeves and take care of the things you’ve neglected during the winter months. You’ll want to make sure ...Winter Maintenance checklist
It’s easy to forget, or ignore, the importance of preparing your house for winter. Staying cozy inside your home sounds a lot better than bundling up to brave the cold or checking off a to-do list. However, maintaining your home during the w inter ...LANDSCAPING
The Everton Homes warranty does not cover landscaping. It is your responsibility to carefully maintain the yard. Consult your CCR’s for specific community landscaping requirements. Backfill The area excavated for your home’s foundation was larger ...HARDWOOD FLOORS
In daily care of hardwood floors, preventive maintenance is the primary goal. Recommendations · Avoid wearing street shoes inside the house, especially high heels. · Remove dust and abrasive particles on a daily basis or as needed. · Use only ...WOOD TRIM (PAINTED OR STAINED)
Depending on temperature and humidity, expansion and contraction in wood trim is normal. Millwork is more vulnerable to shrinkage during the heating season and cooling season when air conditioners are used. Proper humidity levels must be maintained. ...