Get your house ready for warm weather with these tasks:
- Clean Rugs, Carpets, and Floors:
Vacuum rugs and carpets. Machine-wash or dry-clean area rugs, and shampoo wall-to-wall carpeting. Wash and wax floors.
- Clean Windows:
Remove dust, dirt, and cobwebs with a soft brush. Wash windows inside and out with a mild dilution of either ammonia or white vinegar in water; dry with a squeegee followed by a rag.
- Renew Mattresses and Cushions:
Vacuum mattresses and box springs. Rotate and flip mattresses before replacing them on the springs. Flip sofa and chair cushions.
- Clean Refrigerator and Freezer:
Unplug refrigerator; discard any items past their prime. Store food in a cooler, then wash fridge from top to bottom with warm, sudsy water. Add baking soda to solution to deodorize surfaces.
- Clean Shades and Curtains:
Take down window treatments. Dust slat blinds, and launder curtains and fabric shades: either hand-wash and lightly steam in place, or send to a dry cleaner.
- Sort through Wardrobes:
Separate clothes into piles: off-season, give away, dry cleaner, tailor. Wash and mend clothing before replacing in closet or storing.
- Perform a Safety Check:
Check smoke detector batteries frequently; replace every six months. Check batteries in carbon-monoxide detectors and flashlights; inspect pressure gauges on fire extinguishers.
- Replace Filters:
Vacuum and clean grates, coils, and condensers on furnaces, refrigerators, stoves, and air conditioners. Remove filters in furnaces and air conditioners, and either clean or replace them.
- Replace Storm Windows with Screens:
Remove storm windows; replace cracked panes, recaulk windows, and repaint the frames before storing. Before installing screens, repair holes with tweezers (or replace entire screen).
