Do those first warm days of spring get you itching to sweep out winter’s cobweb’s? Or do they elicit a groan as you survey the dirty lawn furniture and stuffed garage? Here’s a quick checklist of some recommended home maintenance and cleaning tasks.

 

*Wash windows and repair screens.

*Vacuum dusty drapes and window treatments, send dirtier drapes to the cleaners.

*Defrost the freezer and dust the refrigerator coils.

*Remove grime and grease buildup on kitchen exhaust fan.

*Clean attic and basement, giving away or discarding unwanted items and clothing.

*Shampoo carpets and rugs.

*Dust corners and ceilings.

*Wash baseboards, doorjams, window sills, doors and walls.

*Wipe ceiling fans.

*Clean oven.

*Wipe refrigerator clean.

*Clean out office files.

 

*Check attic fan.

*Inspect caulking around tubs, showers and sinks; replace if deteriorating.

*Reseal grout on tile floors.

*Test ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. (A GFCI outlet has a ‘test’ and a ‘reset’ button. Pressing the ‘test’ button will trip the circuit. Pressing the ‘reset’ button will restore the circuit. If pressing the test button does not work, then replace the GFCI outlet. If the outlet does pop when you press the ‘test’ button, but the outlet still has power, the outlet is mis-wired and it should be fixed immediately.)

*Tighten garbage disposal drain, connection and fasteners.

*Change furnace filters.

*Change batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

*Lubricate door hinges and hardware.

*Update first-aid and emergency kits.

*Replace leaky faucet washers.

*Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-saving lighting.

 

*Clean and de-clutter your garage and shed.

*Wash outdoor furniture.

*Clean your grill and check for dead insects clogging the gas line.

*Pressure-wash decks.

*Pressure-wash siding.

*Scrub porch ceilings and walls.

*Clean umbrellas and awnings.

*Clean light-fixture covers.

 

*Inspect and repair or replace damaged roof shingles.

*Check around vents, skylights and chimneys for water leaks.

*Inspect and reseal roof flashing if necessary.

*Pressure-wash driveway and walkway.

*Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts.

*If you have a chimney, have it inspected and, if necessary, cleaned.

*Check the oil and air filter on your lawn-mower. (If it runs poorly, take it in for a tune up and have the blade sharpened.)

*Trim branches and shrubs that touch your home. (They provide a pathway for bugs or excess moisture to enter your home.)

*Inspect the exterior surfaces of your house.

*Touch up and areas that need paint.

*Reseal deck.

*Seal drafty doors and windows.