Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your home in excellent condition and ensuring a comfortable living environment for everyone. To help you stay on top of maintenance tasks, here’s a monthly checklist to guide you through important upkeep responsibilities:
Inspect Safety Equipment: Check the expiration dates on first aid kits, emergency supplies, and any other safety equipment you may have in your home.
Inspect Outdoor Spaces: Check outdoor areas such as balconies, patios, and gardens for any signs of damage, wear, or needed maintenance. Check for debris or obstructions in gutters and downspouts. Trim bushes and trees away from the house to prevent damage to siding and roofing.
Clean Garbage Disposal: Run ice cubes through the garbage disposal to sharpen the blades and follow with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to eliminate odors.
Clean Air Vents and Filters: Remove dust and debris from air vents and clean or replace air filters in HVAC systems to maintain air quality and efficiency.
Inspect Plumbing Fixtures: Check for any leaks or drips in sinks, faucets, toilets, and showerheads. Promptly report any issues to maintenance for repairs or call a plumber to fix. Ensure dishwasher and washing machine hoses are in good condition and free from leaks. Remove and clean the filter in your range hood to remove grease and maintain proper ventilation.
Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Similar to smoke detectors, test carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly and replace batteries if necessary.
Inspect Smoke Detectors: Test smoke detectors by pressing the test button. Replace batteries if needed and ensure that each detector is functioning properly.
Check Fire Extinguishers: Inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they are easily accessible, have not expired, and are in good working condition.
Press the “test” and “reset” buttons on ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets to ensure they’re functioning correctly. GFCI outlets are typically found in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoor areas.
Completing these maintenance tasks regularly can help prevent costly repairs and ensure your home remains in excellent condition.