Put Spring Into Your Home!

© Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

INDOORS

SAFETY
• Wear eye protection and work gloves if possibly needed.
• Test smoke alarms and replace batteries.
• Change air filters including those in the kitchen range hood. Clean air vents.
• Check the charge on the kitchen fire extinguisher. Recharge or replace if needed.
• Move the laundry dryer and clean the vent. Also move the washer and clean under both the washer and dryer units.
• After a winter of use, have the chimney flue cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep.
• Turn in all expired or needless medicines. Many chain pharmacies have permanent take back locations. Search for “drug disposal” on Google Maps for locations to confirm.

REPAIR
• Move from room to room with a household toolbox and tighten all loose screws and bolts.
• Spray canned water-displacement lubricants on creaking door hinges, locks, etc.

CLEAN
• Clean out the pantry and toss anything that has expired.
• Remove debris and clean sliding glass door tracks.
• Dust ceiling fan blades and change rotation direction. The breeze should push down from the fan in the summer and up in the winter (this pushes warm air down the walls).
• Wipe down baseboards.
• Wipe off window blinds. Use wood cleaner and a sponge. Wrap cleaning cloths (or tiny soft socks) around kitchen tongs and tie off with rubber bands to speed the work along.
• Use a lint roller on lampshades or anything else that can’t go into the washer.
• Caulk and paint as needed if a newer house has settled slightly over the winter.
• Wash or replace animal beds.
• Install new shower curtain or liners. Clean shower heads.
• Steam clean mirrors, countertops, sinks and tubs.
• Steam clean toys.
• Steam clean floors. Polish hardwood floors.
• Wash or dry-clean drapes. After a winter of candles, fireplaces and whatnot, they trapped smoke and smells.

ORGANIZE
• Donate or throw away old clothes and shoes.
• Pack up and store winter clothes. Wash clothes first and consider a vacuum-system to save storage space. Dust and wipe closet shelves while empty.
• Wash and hang spring clothes.

OUTDOORS

HOUSE
• Examine roof shingles for any missing or damaged over the winter. Replace as needed.
• Clean out gutters – especially if live oak trees are nearby. If the downspout is blocked, use a household drum auger to clear the path and then follow with a sprayer hose.
• Check for cracks and gaps in the caulk around windows.
• Check seals around windows and doors.
• Check foundation for cracks and exposed tension ends.
• Check the exterior paint for any exposed wood. Paint wherever the wood is exposed before the rains start.
• Wash exterior windows. For high windows, look for an outdoor spray cleaner bottle that attaches to a garden hose.
• Remove flying insect nests* (wasps, dirt dobbers) before they settle in for the summer. Use wasp and hornet killer with at least an 18’ spray. Consider the foaming version.
* However, call a bee keeper for honey bee nests. A professional can easily move them to a safe location.

LAWN
• Weed and fertilize the lawn. Use a spreader or liquid.
• Add grass seeds.
• Check firewood for pests. Ensure firewood is at least 2 feet from the home and 18 inches off the ground.
• Check the sprinkler system and replace broken heads.
• Sharpen lawnmower blades and other tools (shovel, chainsaw, hedge clippers, etc.).
• Check all lawn equipment batteries. Do a complete drain and recharge. Replace those that won’t hold a proper charge.
• Check garden hoses for dry rot. If damaged, spring for a top-of-the-line hose. Save money in the long run by having quality hoses that last multiple years rather than one season.
• Enclose and spread colored mulch over muddy areas.

PATIO
• Clean the grill.
• Power wash outdoor furniture.
• Repair or replace any broken boards on decks.
• Level any dislodged tiles or flagstones.
• Inspect concrete for cracks. Fill cracks with crack filler or silicone caulk.
• Power wash and seal concrete.

AIR CONDITIONER
• Inspect the outside unit for weather or pest damage.
• Turn off power to the unit and remove leaves and debris from inside the unit. Then, turn power back on and test.
• Trim back any foliage that has or will grow near the unit.
• Gently rinse the A/C coil fins with water to remove dirt.
• If available, use a straightener on the coil fins.


I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock
REALTOR
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com
markhancockrealty@gmail.com

#DFWmark #community #DIY #tips #HoneyDoList #repair #lawn #AirConditioner #patio #organize #clean

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