By July, summer is in full swing with its warmer temperatures and endless sunshine. It’s what makes July the perfect time for so many things – vacation, barbecuing, and of course, home maintenance.
We don’t want to take you away from your relaxation time. That’s why we put together this list of super quick summer home maintenance tips! You can finish improving the value and safety of your home in record time, so you can get back to more important matters – like chilling on Independence Day.
#1 – Check your appliance hoses
If you haven’t heard or don’t know, braided metal hoses are essential to preventing water damage. They’re more durable than regular rubber hoses and last longer, making them necessary on all water appliances. (Braided metal hoses are especially important on any second-floor washing machines.)
Check to make sure your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, and any other water appliance has a braided metal hose and also check for signs of deterioration. Though these hoses last incredibly long – experts say between five to eight years – you want to confirm they’re in good shape. If they’re not, replace them immediately!
#2 – Clean and reorganize your freezer and refrigerator
When was the last time you gave your refrigerator and freezer a bath? We’re not judging, but if you’re noticing an interesting smell or there’s quite a few mystery food containers, it’s time to give these appliances a good scrub. Use hot, soapy water to scrub and then rinse with clean water. If your refrigerator smells a bit rancid, consider using a bleach and water solution.
Make sure to take all the food out of the refrigerator or freezer and place it in a cooler as you clean. (Food shouldn’t be out for more than an hour.) Also, check the expiration dates on the jars, boxes, and bottles. You may be surprised by how many expired last month or even last year.
#3 – Clean your rugs
One of the most overlooked summer maintenance tips is to have your rugs cleaned. This important task can help keep your indoor environment healthy as deep cleaning your rugs can prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. It can also keep allergens at bay.
Experts suggest cleaning your rugs approximately every 12 to 18 months, and it’s a good idea to clean them on a day with low humidity. (They’ll dry faster.) Don’t forget to open your windows, too!
There’s also different ways to clean different types of rugs, so do some research before you begin or call a professional.
#4 – Wash your trash cans
Who needs “spring cleaning” when there’s summer scrubbing? Your trash cans are yet another part of your home that needs to be washed. This is especially important in the hot temperatures of summer where things can get a bit…smelly. Washing your trash cans can also help to keep pests, such as racoons, mice, and bears, from digging into your garbage.
(If this happens frequently, consider bear-proofing your cans.)
#5 – Clean your pool toys
While your pool toys enjoy a nice chlorine bath regularly, one of the most important summer maintenance tips is to really clean them. This helps to prevent mold and bacteria growth. You can use a mixture with equal parts white vinegar and water or use a ¼ cup of baking soda with a quart of warm water.
If you do see mold or mildew on the exterior, you may want to use bleach for disinfectant. No matter what, remember to always rinse your rafts and tubes and inflatable flamingos with clean water before throwing them back into the pool.
#6 – Check humidity levels
Summer heat usually brings summer storms, and those can create dangerous conditions in your home, including mold and mildew. You definitely want to keep an eye on the humidity levels in your home, which the CDC suggests should be under 60%.
To keep your humidity levels at normal range (30% to 50%), run your air conditioning, which reduces the water vapor in the air. Also, increase airflow by running fans. If your home routinely sees high humidity levels, you may want to consider installing or using a dehumidifier.
Routinely check the “wet” areas of your home for mold and mildew, and if you do spot any, call a mold professional immediately.
#7 – Reevaluate and test your home evacuation plan
Home fires happen more often than you (probably) think – as many as 346,800 a year – but home fires aren’t the only reason to evacuate your home. Severe weather and wildfires occur frequently in many parts of the U.S., so it’s always a good idea to update and practice your home evacuation plan. This will help you create muscle memory, which can take over during a real evacuation, so you can get out safely.
Remember to always have two exits out of every room – usually a window and a door.
Extra credit!
Of course, July home maintenance isn’t just limited to these seven tips. You may wish to spend time upgrading your curb appeal and improving the health of the exterior of your home by power washing it. You can also ensure your home is in tip top shape by visually inspecting your roof. If you’re seeing a lot of storms, you may need to clean out your gutters and downspouts.
Also, don’t forget to sit back and relax during the summer months. After you complete these summer maintenance tips, you’ll definitely have earned it.
Join the neighborhood!
When you download the vipHomeLink home management app, you join a neighborhood of homeowners who enjoy a simplified homeownership experience. You can organize, maintain, and improve your home right from the palm of your hand! You’ll receive reminders to your phone when it’s time to complete certain tasks or schedule home maintenance services, saving you from costly repairs.
(You may even get to meet Callie, Mrs. Weitzman’s golden lab, who lives right up the road!)
Join the neighborhood today! Download the vipHomeLink app now:
