February is the perfect month for Hoosiers to check off those indoor to-do lists – before the outdoors is too hard to resist.
When it comes to weather in Indiana, you never know what you’re going to get – especially in February. And while temperatures have been relatively mild, chances are we’re in for another cold spell or two. Which is why February is the perfect month to knock out some of those items on your indoor to-do list – while you still actually want to be indoors.
Here is a home maintenance and safety to-do list for this month. And remember, schedule your HVAC system tune-up now … before you actually need to run your air conditioner!
Deep-clean your refrigerator and freezer. Throw out all those old condiments and unidentifiable frozen globs of leftovers. Clean off the shelves, wipe down the bins, and disinfect using a white vinegar and baking soda solution (or your favorite – and safe – disinfectant).
Clean out your spices. Did you know that experts recommend cleaning out your spice cabinet twice a year? Not only do old spices lose their flavor, they can also get moldy or harbor bacteria. When in doubt, throw it out.
Wash bed linens. Dust mites cause allergies and mold, and they love bedspreads, comforters and pillow shams. Take a trip to the laundromat and get those linens clean in a heavy-duty washer, or take them to the dry cleaner if necessary.
Deep clean forgotten surfaces. Shampoo carpets and deep clean floors, window treatments, blinds, light fixtures and ceiling fans. And don’t forget door frames and base boards – all those surfaces that often go unnoticed during regular house cleanings.
Clean dryer lint. Clothes dryers are one of the main causes of household fires (because of the lint build-up). You should already be cleaning out your lint trap every time you do laundry. In addition, clean your exhaust duct once every two months.
Have your air ducts cleaned. Air duct systems have been known to contain as much as 4 inches of dust, debris, pollen, pet dander and fungi. So along with scheduling regular maintenance on your heating and cooling system (and changing your filters regularly), you should make sure your air ducts are circulating clean air. We can help you with that.
Test CO and smoke detectors. Check the batteries on all your alarms and replace them as necessary. And consider upgrading to smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure your family’s safety.
Clean out closets. As you transition from your winter to spring wardrobe, weed out all those items you haven’t worn in a year and give them away. Throw out old shoes and unmatched socks, and sort through all those cluttered drawers and containers in the bedroom.
Feeling overwhelmed? Remember, you don’t have to get everything done in one day. By taking just 30 minutes at a time to chip away at these chores, they’ll be done in no time. And when it comes to your air duct cleaning and HVAC maintenance, give us a call. We are happy to help.
