Spring cleaning is fully underway as the snow melts and the flowers begin to bloom. Read our monthly home maintenance and safety checklist to ensure you’re ready for March.
1. Hallways
Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Hold the test button down until you hear a loud siren. If you don’t hear anything, replace the battery. We also recommend replacing your CO detectors and smoke alarms once every decade.
2. Outside
Inspect roofing
Look for leaks and missing, damaged, or loose shingles. Ice dams that formed over the winter can damage your roof and lead to expensive repairs down the road.
Test your garage door
Make sure the auto-reverse feature works by placing an object underneath the garage door. If the door doesn’t reverse when it encounters the obstacle, it requires too much force and should be repaired.
If your garage door opener is getting up in age, consider a smart garage door opener for easier control.
Check exterior drainage
Look for leaves or vegetation and clear any debris to make sure water flows freely.
Get your air conditioning system serviced
This will ensure it’s working properly for the hot months to come.
Repair or replace damaged window screens
This will help protect your home from outside bugs and critters. Add door and window sensors for a little extra security.
Clean road salt from entrances
This is important to avoid damaging concrete, asphalt, and wood. Road salt can also damage pets’ feet, so be sure to keep your walkway clear once the snow and ice is gone.
3. Bedroom and Living Areas
Clean the fireplace
This helps prevent soot accumulation, which could fuel a chimney fire. It’s also smart to make sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand to keep near your fireplace.
Cover electrical outlets (H3)
Also ensure they’re not overloaded to prevent an electrical shortage or power outage. Outlet safety covers are also a good step to take when babyproofing your home or keeping curious little fingers away from danger.
Clean carpets (H3)
This will remove stains and prevent unhealthy accumulation of soil and dirt. This is also a good way to get ahead of spring allergies by removing pet hair and dander.
Dust baseboards
This prevents dust buildup and makes your home look fresh and clean. Touch up baseboards and doors with paint to prevent chipping and preserve the wood’s integrity. Invest in a robot vacuum cleaner to make the job easier.
Check caulking
Fix caulking on weather stripping and windows to prevent drafts or water from getting in your home. Add a water leak detector under your sink or the hot water heater to prevent pooling and other water damage.
Clean shelves
Reduce dust and dirt accumulation on bookshelves and cabinets.
4. Bathroom
Clean Showerheads
Remove showerheads and clean off sediment and mineral deposits so water flows freely.
5. Basement
Change furnace filters
This will keep airflow unobstructed. If the furnace is clogged, it has to work harder, which will cause it to wear out faster.
Flush hot water heater
Remove sediment so your water heater keeps performing at its best. Sediment buildup makes it harder for the heater to heat the same amount of water.
Vacuum your HVAC system
This will ensure it operates efficiently.
Clean the washing machine and dryer
This helps remove odors and keeps the machines running smoothly.
Purge junk from your laundry room
By doing this, you can prevent dust and lint from taking over the space.
6. Kitchen
Clean your garbage disposal
This prevents smells and bacteria.
Clean out the pantry
This stops bugs and other pests from coming into your house.
FAQ
What can I do to make my home safer year round?
It’s smart to keep your home electronics safe. Make it a habit to change your Wi-Fi password and account passwords online to protect from hackers.
We also recommend checking your fire and CO detectors once a month to prevent home fires and annoying false alarms.
How can I get ready for spring?
Spring cleaning, pest control, and gardening are all in your future. Check out our full Spring Safety Checklist to get the full story.
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