As temperatures begin to rise and we transition from spring to summer, it’s a great time to check in on your home. Maintenance is a big part of being a homeowner, and the changing of the seasons is the perfect time to do it. Different areas of the home, indoors and outdoors, should be looked at regularly to ensure things are working the way they should be. This also helps you to prevent any potential future damages. ServiceMaster of Baltimore has put together a summer home maintenance checklist to help you keep your home, and its appliances, in the best condition.
Prevent Bugs and Pests
One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking about summer is spending more time outside. But with that comes bugs and pests. To help with this, you’ll want to purchase an outdoor bug spray, found at your local home improvement store. These can be sprayed around the perimeter of your house to prevent any of these unwanted bugs from getting inside your home, as well as in your yard. If this isn’t enough to stop bugs from getting inside, try resealing your windows and doors. Remember to take precautions when using these sprays, as they include strong, dangerous chemicals. Read the instructions on the bottle for the best way to use them if you have children or pets.
Clean Your Driveway and Pathways
Naturally, our driveways and pathways get ignored over the colder months, unless of course we’re clearing them of snow. And with all of the salt used to prevent ice during the winter, these areas will need some maintenance in the summer. Depending on how much dirt, mold, and grime has built up, you may want to use a pressure washer to really get in and clean the tougher areas. While you’re at it, you may even want to use the pressure washer on the exterior of your home, too. You can purchase or rent a pressure washer from your local home improvement store.
Perform Washing Machine Maintenance
When creating your summer home maintenance checklist, don’t forget to check on some indoor items. This includes your washing machine. These appliances can get a build up of mold over time, causing your laundry to smell. To prevent this, you’ll want to check the seal between the door opening and the drum for soil buildup, mold, or stains. If you find some, simply mix ¾ cups bleach with a gallon of warm water to rub the area with. After letting it sit for about 5 minutes, wipe it away with a clean cloth.
Check Indoor Hoses for Leaks
Many home appliances have hoses, and these can wear over time causing leaks. This would include appliances such as your washing machine, dishwasher, toilet, and refrigerator. While conducting your summer home maintenance, it’s a good idea to check their hoses for leaks or cracking. If you see any, you’ll want to replace them. Even if you don’t see any issues, these hoses should be replaced every three to five years.
Contact ServiceMaster of Baltimore Today
If you notice any mold or water issues that should be handled by a professional while conducting your summer home maintenance checklist, give us a call at 410-780-1700. Our certified technicians are on call, on time, ready to assess damages, and safely restore affected areas.