Take a break from the news and start tackling these home spring maintenance tips & projects.
With the new Shelter in Place order in Colorado, we all have some time to do those projects we’ve been putting off. When possible, get the kids involved – it’s all about teamwork!
Eight spring projects to do while home due to Covid-19.
1. Clean the gutters.
Water doesn’t pass properly through clogged gutters. And that means more water gets near the foundation of your home causing damage and weakening. Clogged gutters and downspouts can also cause the wood trim at the eaves to rot, and that can invite unwanted critters into your attic space.
Clean and repair gutters and downspouts every spring before heavy rains begin, and then again late in fall after leaves have fallen.
2. Reseal exterior woodwork.
Wood decks, fences, railings, trellises, pergolas and other outdoor structures will last for decades without cracking or deteriorating if they’re stained or resealed every year or two.
Sealant plays a large role in protecting your woodwork from sun, moisture and mildew damage. Properly resealing all exterior woodwork will ensure that it looks its best. We recommend and sell Penofin Stain for your stain and resealing need.
Take this opportunity to also take care of any needed repairs before you re-stain or seal.
3. Organize your garage.
How long has it been since you could actually fit your car in the garage? Clearing out your garage is a perfect project. Get started by dividing your belongings into four groups: sell, donate, trash, and keep.
That will give you a better idea of how much storage you need, and what kind. Your goal is to get as much as you can off the garage floor and onto the walls and shelves!
4. Power wash your home’s exterior.
Spring is a great time to power wash your home’s exterior and windows. By removing years of stains and baked-in dirt power washing your home is the best way to get rid of mold, mildew and stains on siding, windows, driveways, decks, and fencing.
5. Re-caulk windows and doors.
Even if you caulked your doors and windows before winter, even the best caulk can harden, crack and shrink when it’s cold outside. So, carefully check your windows and doors, and replace as needed. Keeping the hot air out during the summer is just as important as keeping it in during the winter.
6. Clean the dryer vent.
Your dryer is less efficient with a lint-filled vent. Even if you clean the lint trap before every load of laundry, you’ll still get some lint in the vent hose, which builds up over time.
To clean the vent, just remove the vent hose from the back of the dryer and vacuum it out. Then, remove the vent cover on the outside of your home, and vacuum it from that side, too.
7. Check washing machine hoses.
Over time, washing machine hoses can crack, which can cause leaks. Sometimes, these inconspicuous leaks go on for weeks or months unnoticed, usually because the washer is pushed back into a corner. This can cause mold problems, water damage and more.
While you’ve got the dryer pulled out to clean the vent, pull out the washer, too. Check that the hoses are still flexible, and they show no signs of cracking. If they look worn or cracked, replace them.
8. Clean and organize.
Inside your home wipe down windows, walls, banisters, and floors, dust light fixtures and ceiling fans. Clean and organize bedroom closets. Donate what you no longer wear or want.
See what can be cleared away from countertops, entertainment centers and bathroom vanities. Organize and clean out the linen closet and kitchen pantry.
Don’t try to get all your spring cleaning done in one day. Focus on one room at a time – schedule different rooms for different days.
