Whether you’re a new homeowner or simply looking for additional homeowner resources, it can be intimidating to think about the various home maintenance tasks you have to keep up with. The great news is that many of these tasks don’t require much work and can be done with minimal experience.
Why Keep Up with Home Maintenance Tasks?
Maintaining your home, as well as creating and sticking to a schedule that works for you, is incredibly important for upkeeping the functionality and aesthetic of your home. Checking on your home’s interior, appliances, security, heating and cooling, electrical systems, and exterior on a regular basis will help keep it functioning and looking its best! With our home maintenance checklist, we hope you find that completing your monthly home maintenance tasks will help you keep your maintenance schedule on track, making your tasks easier to manage.
10 MONTHLY HOME MAINTENANCE TASKS TO KEEP UP WITH
1. Test Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors can wear out over time, so it’s important to check the batteries of your detectors and test them regularly to ensure the alarms are functioning properly.
2. Inspect Fire Extinguishers
Inspect fire extinguishers for physical damage, leakage, and clogged nozzles. This is important, especially if they’re stored in areas of your home where they may be more prone to rust and impact. Verify that your extinguishers’ pressure gauges are within operable ranges/positions, and also check to ensure they are full. Replace old or used extinguishers immediately.
3. Clean Garbage Disposal
Clean your disposal monthly to prevent buildup and odors. We recommend grinding up ice cubes and salt to loosen buildup, baking soda to deodorize, and citrus peels with cold tap water for freshening up your entire sink space.
4. Deep Clean Oven, Stove & Vent Hood
Deep clean your oven, stove & vent hood monthly to maintain a fresh-smelling kitchen and upkeep your appliances longer.
5. Deep Clean Refrigerator & Freezer
Deep clean your refrigerator and freezer to get rid of odors and prevent food buildup from any leaks or spillages. Also, be sure to check the dates of perishable items and dispose accordingly.
6. Deep Clean Microwave
Deep clean your microwave by using one of these two methods: vinegar or water with citrus oil. For the vinegar method, heat up a bowl of hot water and vinegar to create a steamy environment in your microwave. This will loosen any food buildup, making cleaning hassle-free. For the second method, combine water and citrus oil (we recommend lemon) and transfer to a spray bottle for easy use. Grab your citrus spray mixture, dampen a sponge, and you’re all set!
7. Unclog Drains
Unclog drains by pouring boiling hot water down the drain followed by a mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar, wait 5-10 minutes, and finish off by pouring more boiling water down the drain. This method should loosen any drain clogs and help remove it from your pipes.
8. Deep Clean Bathrooms & Cabinets
Deep clean your bathrooms and cabinets to help keep things tidy and prevent bacteria from piling up. Declutter cabinets and discard/replace items accordingly.
9. Dust Ceiling Fans & Air Returns
Lots of dust and debris can accumulate on ceiling fans and in air returns, so it’s important to dust them out to keep the air in your home fresh and clean.
10. Sanitize Switch Plate Covers
Switch plates are a common place for germs to accumulate because of their frequent use, so be sure to sanitize them to prevent bacteria buildup and keep them looking clean. When cleaning your switch plates, never directly spray cleaning products to the switch. Instead, remove the switch plate from the wall and clean/dry thoroughly before putting them back. If you notice discoloring in your switch plates, be sure to replace them!
Download your Home Maintenance Checklist Here: Home Maintenance Checklist
Note: This checklist is intended to be a comprehensive guide.