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.
- 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.
