Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Fall Cleaning Checklist

It’s Fall, if you want to get serious about your cleaning, here is a big list of helpful things to consider!



OUTSIDE:
  • Clean and store patio furniture and garden supplies.
  • Touch up paint on trim, railings and decks.
  • Check caulk around windows and doors.
  • Inspect external doors and garage doors.  Install weather-stripping around outside doors, if necessary.
  • Clean out garage of possible dirt accumulated over summer.  Organize to store summer items.
  • Wash exterior windows.
  • Drain and store garden hoses. Install insulating covers on exterior spigots.
  • Check gutters and downspouts. Clear of debris if necessary.
  • Have chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned if necessary.
INSIDE:
  • Clean from top to bottom.
    • Vacuum drapes and window treatments.
    • Clean window sills and window wells.
    • Vacuum baseboards and corners.
  • Clean upholstered furniture, move and vacuum beneath and behind it.
  • Wash interior windows.
  • Replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Turn mattresses front-to-back and end-to-end to equalize wear.
  • Launder or clean all bedding.
  • Schedule professional carpet cleaning early this month!  Warmer weather allows for open widows and faster drying.
  • Clean and organized kitchen cabinets, baking supplies, pans and equipment.
  • Clear kitchen counters of all appliances not being used regularly.
  • Pull refrigerator away from the wall, vacuum the condenser coils and clean underneath.
  • Wash light fixtures.
  • Clean or replace summer rugs, doormats with winter ones.
  • Clean or replace humidifier elements before you need to turn on the heat.
  • Inspect washer hoses for bulges, cracks or splits. Replace them every other year.
  • Check dryer exhaust tube and vent for built-up lint, or debris. Make sure the exterior vent door closes tightly when not in use.
  • Schedule fall furnace inspections now. Don't wait for the first cold night!
  • Buy a winter's supply of furnace filters. Change filters monthly for maximum energy savings.
  • Drain sediment from hot water heaters.

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