Effective monthly home maintenance requires time and dedication and might seem tedious. Being a responsible homeowner implies more than just timely paying utility bills and cleaning the house regularly.
However, staying on top of house maintenance allows you to identify any uprising issues in your home early on, prevent costly repairs and emergencies, and even save money on heating costs. Furthermore, staying consistent with performing your household chores can also help you extend the life expectancy of your home’s essential systems and appliances.
As a homeowner, you already know that some home maintenance tasks need to be taken care of seasonally, while others will require your attention on a more regular basis. In this article, you will find a handy home maintenance checklist of monthly tasks you should be doing to keep your home in tip-top shape. Check the list below and make sure you stay on track of the most crucial home maintenance tasks at all times!
Checking the Roof
Once a month, you should inspect roofing material and check for any visible damage. If there are any issues with your roof, you will want to address them right away, as simple roof repairs might turn into more serious problems if left unattended.
For instance, if you notice that your roof is leaking in the attic, the problem might be something as simple as a leaky gutter or a hole in the roofing material. Therefore, timely addressing the issue will help you avoid water damage in your home. Leaving it unattended can later turn this minor issue into a much more serious problem.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Flooring
Cleaning and maintaining your flooring is another important task you should take care of regularly. You should maintain the flooring throughout the entire house according to the needs of the materials used. For example, you can use a cup of apple cider or white vinegar diluted in a gallon of hot water for cleaning vinyl plank flooring. You can also opt for special floor care products and water when it comes to hardwood floors.
Cleaning the entire house means going through your bathroom, kitchen, and even garage floor as well. Buildup on the floor can be slippery and dangerous, and with time it can turn into a tough-to-remove stain that can ruin your floor’s look, but more importantly, it will pose a safety hazard.
Cleaning Air Ducts
Cleaning your air ducts every month will help you prevent dust buildup and mold development. In order to effectively clean your air ducts, you should vacuum the area prior to the cleaning session. This will help you avoid dust flying around the room and landing on your furniture.
After vacuuming, you can attach your air duct brush to the end of a vacuum hose and use it to clean the inside of the ducts. Make sure you have used a brush with stiff bristles and that you can easily reach all areas of your ducts. Once you are done with the cleaning session, turn on your cooling or heating system in order to circulate the air through the ducts once more.
This can also be a good time to take a look at your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they’re working properly.
Inspecting the Drainage System
Another important task on the home maintenance checklist that needs to be performed regularly is inspecting your drainage system. You should ensure that there are no clogs in your drains and that your gutters are not overflowing.
It is best to do this after heavy rainfall, as this will allow you to determine whether there are any areas where water is pooling or if there are any other issues with your drainage system.
Checking the Water Heater
Checking your water heater once a month will help you prevent potential water damage and other water supply issues in your home. In order to do so, you should turn it on and let it run for a few minutes before turning it off. This will allow you to determine whether your water heater is running efficiently and whether there are any leaks.
If you notice any red flags, such as a foul odor or loud sounds, it is best to contact a professional who can further inspect your water heater and fix the problem.
Checking the Wiring and Plumbing
One of the most critical monthly maintenance tasks you should be doing in your home is checking whether your wiring and plumbing are in good condition. Start by inspecting the electrical outlets and switches in your home. If you notice any cracks or loose wires, it is best to contact an electrician who can replace broken outlets and switches and check your home’s electrical system for any potential problems.
You should then proceed to check the piping for any signs of corrosion and discoloration, as well as leaks. Not all parts of your house’s piping system are visible, but you can also look for any water stains on your ceilings or walls, as these might be indicative of a hidden leak. If you notice any potential hazards, it is best to contact a licensed plumber right away – burst pipes can be very challenging to tackle on your own.
Cleaning the Windows and Doors
In addition to these routine tasks, you will also want to clean your windows and doors once a month. Cleaning the glass of your windows and doors periodically will help keep them free from grime and dirt, which will improve the overall appearance of your house and keep it in top condition for a longer time. You can wipe your windows with a simple solution of equal parts baking soda and vinegar, using a microfibre cloth.
When cleaning your doors and windows, it’s a good idea to check the hardware and weather stripping as well. If you notice any loose screws, broken seals, or other issues, you should repair or replace the affected parts or damaged window screens right away. This will help you avoid further damage, such as mold growth and wood rot.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many monthly home maintenance tasks you need to check in order to keep your home in excellent condition. The above checklist will serve as a reminder of all the things you need to tackle regularly, along with some handy maintenance tips that will help you prevent any problems from happening in your home.
If any issues do arise, always remember to contact licensed professionals for assistance. They will be able to fix any issues you might have and help you avoid expensive repairs and costly emergencies. Good luck!