{"id":313961,"date":"2024-05-20T13:11:51","date_gmt":"2024-05-20T17:11:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/?p=313961"},"modified":"2024-05-20T13:18:43","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T17:18:43","slug":"spring-cleaning-for-homeowners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/spring-cleaning-for-homeowners\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Cleaning for Homeowners: Tips for a Fresh Start"},"content":{"rendered":"

Get ready for warmer weather and all the fun that goes with it by giving your home a good spring cleaning. Sprucing up your interior and exterior puts you on the right path for summer relaxation (who wants to tend to costly repairs when you could be enjoying yourself on vacation?) and entertaining family and friends (4th of July party, anyone?).<\/p>\n

Whether you live in a small condo or sprawling property, you probably have some chores that need tending to now that winter\u2019s over. So, use our spring cleaning guide to ensure you haven\u2019t overlooked any necessary steps to getting your house in good shape for a new season.<\/p>\n

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Here are some tips you can follow this spring for a fresh start in the coming months.<\/p>\n

Clean Dryer Vent<\/p>\n

Clean your dryer vent once a year to keep your machine working optimally and reduce the risk of fire. The dryer\u2019s vent differs from its lint trap, which you should clean after each use. The vent is located on the back of the dryer and is a thick, flexible aluminum hose connecting to the wall. To clean the dryer vent, move the dryer away from the wall, disconnect the vent from the machine and the wall, remove any lint inside the vent hose, and use a vacuum to clean the holes that connect to the hose.<\/p>\n

Drain Water Heater<\/p>\n

Water heaters are often tucked away, so they\u2019re easy to overlook. But, if you give this appliance a little attention during springtime, it\u2019ll extend the heater\u2019s life. Draining your water heater reduces sediment that can accumulate due to minerals in the water. When you drain your heater and then refill it, you can minimize the time it takes for your water to get hot. Draining also protects against breakdowns. But, before you perform this important spring-cleaning task, let your water cool completely and disconnect any energy source.<\/p>\n

Clean Gutters<\/p>\n

Giving your gutters a good cleaning is essential during wintertime when built-up debris can cause a dam that makes rain, snow, and ice pool, threatening your home\u2019s structural integrity. So, if you didn\u2019t perform this critical chore last winter, attend to it this spring. In addition to cleaning leaves, branches, and dirt from your gutters, point all downspouts away from your home\u2019s foundation.<\/p>\n

Deep Clean Bathrooms<\/p>\n

Bathrooms are breeding grounds for mold and mildew, so give them a deep clean every spring (and ideally several times a season). Scrub your floors, counters, toilets, and shower walls and glass enclosures. Wipe down the bathroom\u2019s walls, baseboards, windows, and light fixtures. Wash and change shower curtains, and clean shower heads with water and vinegar<\/a> to break down mineral buildup.<\/p>\n

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Change Air Filters<\/p>\n

Regularly changing your air filters helps keep allergens out of your home. Depending on your air conditioning unit, you may need to change your air filters every six months or even more frequently. But at the least, you should tend to this necessary task every spring. We suggest you switch your filters before seasonal breezes kick in and pollen and other bothersome airborne particles start to spread.<\/p>\n

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms<\/p>\n

If you didn\u2019t test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms during winter, do it now. Change the batteries in all your alarms and then check their functionality using the \u2018test\u2019 button. Additionally, look at the alarm’s expiration date (every smoke and carbon monoxide detector has one) and replace it if it expires in the next six months.<\/p>\n

Deep Clean Floors and Carpets<\/p>\n

Some carpets require professional cleaning every 12-18 months to maintain their warranty, so don\u2019t let this critical milestone slip by. Before you clean your carpets, however, test an area for colorfastness. Then, vacuum, treat individual stains, and use a carpet cleaning machine to do a deep clean. You can freshen up hardwood and other solid-surface flooring with a mop or appropriate cleaning machine.<\/p>\n

A good spring cleaning offers the most short and long-term benefits when you go from room to room, inspecting, repairing, and freshening everything in and out of sight. In addition to the tips mentioned above, consider doing a deep clean on the following:<\/p>\n