Spring Home Maintenance Checklist – Now from Nationwide
Take advantage of mild spring weather by starting your annual spring cleaning early. With this checklist, we’ve made it easier for you to prepare your home for April rains and summer storms. (1)
Wipe down outdoor furniture
You can help your outdoor furniture last longer by cleaning it after a long winter. First, spray with a garden hose on the strongest setting to remove dust and dirt. Then mix a quarter cup of dishwashing soap in an appropriately sized bucket of water and wipe down the furniture with a sponge or cloth. Finally, rinse it again with water from your garden hose. You should clean your outdoor furniture once or twice a year. (2)
Clean the grill
It’s always a good idea to clean your grill at the end of the grilling season, but if you skip that, you can prep it with a spring cleaning. You’ll need to start by preheating your grill to burn off any stuck-on food or grease from last year. Once the grill has preheated for about 30 minutes with the lid closed, you can scrub all the grates with a wire brush and warm, soapy water. When all the dirt is removed, turn off the gas and let the grill cool completely. Next, remove the grates and soak them in warm, soapy water for about 30 minutes while you vacuum the interior of the grill, which is now exposed. After soaking the grates, scrub them with a wire brush and rinse them. To finish, spray with a suitable grill surface cleaner, wait a few minutes, then wipe with a clean, dry cloth. (3)
Power wash your home
Power washing your home can restore the beauty of its exterior. It can also help remove mold and mildew that can settle on the surface. Start using pressure washer cleaner in smooth, overlapping motions under low pressure. Use a rotating brush or utility brush to remove stubborn dirt and grime. Allow the solution to soak for 5 to 10 minutes, then set the washer to low pressure to rinse out the detergent. (4)
Repainting the house from the outside
Whether you’re repainting your home to get it ready to sell or repairing damage to protect it from the elements, there are a few things to know before you get started. Make sure to repair cracks in the exterior of your home. Remove peeling paint and power wash the exterior to start with a clean slate. You’ll need a drop cloth, tape, rags, and paint to get started. You may need a ladder or step ladder to reach higher places, but always be safe and get help. Plan for a few days of good weather, as extreme heat, cold, humidity and rain can negatively affect the work and how the paint dries. Start at the top and work down to ensure an even, drip-free finish. (5)
Exterior decoration paint
If you want an original look for your home, you will also need to paint the trim. First, you’ll need to prepare and tape the edges of your existing pieces. When you start painting, work from top to bottom so the paint doesn’t drip. It is recommended to paint several coats to hide any cracks or holes appearing in the pieces. (6)
Cleaning gutters
Winter storms can fill uncovered gutters with leaves, sticks and other debris, causing clogs and potential water leaks. To prevent this from happening, you should clean your gutters at least once a year. First, grab a sturdy ladder and place it on a flat, stable surface. It’s a wise precaution to get help when you’re using a taller ladder. Use a small plastic scoop to scoop up the gunk that has collected in the gutter. Once the bulk of the debris is removed, grab a garden hose and rinse the gutters clean. (7)
Lawn mowers
It is recommended that the grass be cut to a height of 3 or 4 inches in warm weather seasons. It would be best to aim to cut less than a third of the height of the grass each time you mow. So, if your grass is about 5 to 6 inches tall, it is safe to take off 1 to 1 1/2 inches. If you continually mow your lawn too short, it can cause long-term damage and make your lawn more susceptible to drought, disease, and pests. Depending on the growth rate of your grass, it is recommended to mow your lawn at least once a week. (8)
After you’ve followed all of these home maintenance tips to get your home in great condition for the warm weather seasons, be sure to go the extra mile to protect it with home insurance.
sources:
(1) “Home Maintenance Checklist: 15 Things to Do in Spring,” https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/home-improvement/spring-home-maintenance-checklist/?gm-vt=1 (March 13, 2021).
(2) “How to Clean Outdoor Furniture, According to Experts” https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-clean-outdoor-furniture (May 24, 2022).
(3) “How to Clean Your BBQ Grill,” https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/food-drink/how-to/a26737/how-to-clean-bbq-grill/ (May 12, 2022).
(4) “Pressure Washing Vinyl,” https://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/stories/172-How-to-Clean-Siding-With-a-Power-Washer.html (accessed March 30, 2023).
(5) “Everything You Need to Know About Exterior House Painting,” https://mywallworks.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-exterior-house-painting/ (accessed March 30, 2023).
(6) “Guide to Painting Exterior Trim,” https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/guide-to-exterior-trim-paint/#how-to-paint-exterior-trim (May 3, 2022).
(7) “The Best Way to Clean Your Gutters to Help Prevent Ice Dams and Other Problems,” https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/the-right-way-to-clean-your-gutters/ (January 13, 2023).
(8) “The Importance of Mowing and Trimming for a Healthy Lawn” https://otolawn.com/blogs/lawn-care-101/the-importance-of-mowing-and-trimming-for-a-healthy-lawn (accessed March 30 2023).
Disclaimer:
The information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial, or any other type of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to ensure that the information is accurate, but it may be out of date or even inaccurate in some parts. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance, its affiliates and their employees make no warranty regarding the information or guarantee results, and assume no liability with respect to the information provided. Nationwide, Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2023 Nationwide
