August 2021

The end of summer is fast approaching. Soon, the weather will change, bringing in a whole other list of chores to do around the house. Now is the perfect time to get ahead. The following lists what you can get done in a single weekend before the busy fall season. And for new homeowners, don’t wait to get started. This is important stuff!

Landscaping

Before the season is over, catch up on some much-needed maintenance around the yard. Check your trees for any branches that hang over the roof and cut them a few feet back. In a few months, all those leaves will fall onto the roof and into the gutters. Trim the hedges, mow the lawn, and pull weeds. Get rid of any leaf piles or debris that is lying around. If you had any landscaping projects in mind, like a new garden bed, now is the time to get them done. If you need help, you might consider calling someone like Peterborough Landscaper or another professional near you.

Deck Work

Skunks, raccoons, and other animals love to burrow under decks in the fall to escape the cold weather. Check if there are openings on the sides of your deck and block them off. If you can access the underside of the deck first, remove any debris that is lying in there and check the foundation for cracks. Chip off any rot that you find in the wood of the deck and replace broken planks with new ones. Mop the deck with a wood cleaner to finish the job. 

Attic Check-Up

While you may not go there very often, the attic is an important part of the house that requires maintenance. If you can, go into the attic and check the insulation for damage. Look out for signs of mold, moisture, and water damage. These would indicate that there is a leak in the roof. You should also look for animal droppings or burrow holes within the insulation. If you find any, contact a pest control company for help. The insulation in the attic should be clean, dry, and fluffy. 

While you are up there, check the roof vents for blockage and clean them out. Proper ventilation in the attic is key; it will keep the air in the attic dry and improve the air quality of the home overall. 

Showerheads & Drains

When is the last time you descaled your shower head? Remove your shower head carefully, then soak it in a bucket of vinegar or descaling solution. Let it soak overnight, or according to the descaling product’s instructions. Scrub the showerhead with a brush, rinse it off, then reattach it in the shower. Your shower will feel as good as new! 

One thing you can do while the showerhead is soaking is to unclog your drains and clean your faucets. To clean a drain, starting by pulling hair and debris out manually, then pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. Follow that by pouring a cup or so of baking soda and a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then pour another pot of boiling water down the drain. Repeat until water drains smoothly. 

Organize the Kitchen

Fall can be a very busy time of year, so get the kitchen clean and ready for what’s to come. Empty out the pantry and cupboards for a deep clean. Throw out everything that is expired and wipe the shelves clean. Put everything back in an organized fashion. You should also put loose items like flour, sugar, oats, pasta, beans, and lentils in solid containers. This will keep the cupboards tidy and help avoid a pest problem. 

Once you are done with the cupboards, pull out your oven and refrigerator and clean the floors beneath them. Lots of dust, grease, and debris accumulates there. Vacuum it all up, then mop the floors thoroughly. Finish the deep clean by wiping down the insides of the fridge and cleaning the inside of the oven. 

Filters, Fans, & AC

Last but not least, replace your HVAC filters to save on utility bills this fall. Having a dirty filter will make your HVAC system work a lot harder than it needs to. Then, check the exhaust duct of your dryer and empty out the lint that is inside of it. Disconnect the duct at both ends and vacuum it thoroughly. You should also clean out the fans in your bathrooms to improve air circulation. 

Finally, check up on your air conditioning system and clean the drain line. This should be cleaned every spring. If you forgot to do it, do it now to avoid blockage and mold. Clear out any clogs with a piece of wire, then pour in a cup of bleach to disinfect and deodorize.