If you’re like millions of Americans who are staying at home right now, then it’s a great time to finally tackle some of those home projects you’ve been putting off. Making small repairs, being vigilant about home maintenance, and doing a deep clean of your home are great projects to tackle in the coming weeks. Here’s a list of some spring home projects that can keep you busy and potentially even reduce your bills.
Clean the fridge
This is an excellent time to take stock of what’s in your fridge and to use up your perishables. Take everything out of your refrigerator and wipe down all surfaces. Defrost your freezer if you have any ice build-up and use frozen foods that are nearing their expiration dates. In addition, vacuum the coils on the back of your refrigerator. When the coils are coated with dust or dirt they don’t operate as efficiently. You’ll save money on your energy costs and wear and tear on your refrigerator when you clean the coils regularly.
Clean the gutters
Spring is here, so this is the perfect time to get out the ladder and clean the gutters. Dirt, leaves, and other debris can clog up gutters over the winter. When gutters are clogged, water cannot pass through properly. This can ultimately result in water damage near your foundation. Spend a sunny afternoon completing this task and you’ll be good to go for the coming rainy season.
Prep your AC
Warm weather will be here soon. Is your air conditioner ready? Now is the time to get your AC ready for the spring and summer months. Change the AC filter and check hoses and connections for leaks. Clean the coils like you would on your fridge. You should also make sure that the drain pans are able to drain freely.
Clean the windows
There are very few people who enjoy washing the windows, but what a difference it can make! Windows can become very dirty and grimy over the winter months. Use a store-bought or a DIY window cleaner to remove build-up and make those glass surfaces shine. If you left the screens on over the winter, remove them and clean them with a mild cleanser. Let them air dry before putting them back.
Clean up the yard
There’s nothing like some fresh air to feel invigorated. Set aside some time to get outside and clean up your yard in preparation for spring and summer. Remove branches and leaves that have built up during the fall and winter months. Make sure your faucets and sprinkler systems are working. Clean and sharpen your garden tools and get your lawn mower ready.
Get everyone involved
With many kids home from school, now is a great time to enlist your family in your cleaning efforts. Create a list of all cleaning jobs and chores and assign them to family members. Even the youngest kids can get in on the action with age-appropriate chores. Younger kids can learn how to tidy their rooms, while older children can learn how to load the dishwasher or take out the trash. Teens can do laundry and help with cleaning kitchens and bathrooms.
