Spring Cleaning Checklist
Spring cleaning goes beyond tradition—it's a key time to care for and rejuvenate your home as winter fades away. Check out this spring cleaning checklist to get your home looking and feeling great. Tackling a few of these items could save you money on energy bills, increase the efficiency of your appliances and prevent damage to your home.
- Gutters and Roof Cleaning: To maintain your home's integrity, it's essential to clear gutters of leaves, debris and obstructions, ensuring proper water drainage away from the foundation. Additionally, inspecting your roof for damage is crucial to prevent water infiltration. While these tasks can be carried out as a DIY project, hiring a professional is also an excellent option for those seeking expert care and peace of mind.
- Clean and Replace Filters: Check and replace filters on your refrigerator, dishwasher and any other appliance with a filtration system. Clean filters improve efficiency and extend the lifespan of your appliances. In addition, replace or clean HVAC filters to improve air quality and the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, reducing energy bills.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs Near Home: Trimming branches that are too close to your house can prevent damage to the roof or siding and reduce the risk of pests entering your home. Learn how to trim trees and shrubs properly.
- Mulch Placement: Applying mulch in garden beds and around trees helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and enhance the appearance of your yard. Discover the benefits of mulching and how to do it right.
- Deep Clean Oven: A thorough cleaning of your oven removes grease and burnt food particles, improving its efficiency and preventing smoke or fire hazards during cooking. Learn how to clean your oven effectively.
- Power Washing: Power wash your home's exterior, deck and driveway to remove dirt, mold and mildew. This not only boosts curb appeal but also protects surfaces from long-term damage. Learn the power washing basics for homeowners.
- Grout Cleaning: Cleaning the grout between tiles can significantly brighten your home's bathrooms and kitchen, preventing mold and mildew buildup. Here’s a guide on how to clean grout properly.
- Clean Chimney: For the chimney, consider using a chimney sweep kit to remove soot and creosote buildup from the accessible parts. Always prioritize safety. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself or if it seems too risky, consult a professional. Understand why and how to get your furnace/chimney cleaned.
- Clean dryer vent: Regular cleaning of your dryer vent improves your dryer's efficiency and significantly reduces the risk of fire hazards. Tools like a screwdriver, vent cleaning brush, and microfiber cloth are essential. This task also emphasizes the importance of careful use of dryer sheets and proper lint trap maintenance for ongoing safety and performance. Clean your dryer vent in 5 simple steps.
Leveraging Your Capital Reserve Account for Significant Expenses
BlueHub SUN mortgages feature a unique component—a Capital Reserve Account designated for unexpected housing costs. This fund is specifically set aside to manage the surprises that homeownership might throw your way. For instance, if you discover the need for major replacements or repairs as you prepare your home for spring, such as new gutters, this account is designed to help absorb those costs, ensuring financial peace of mind.
If you don’t have a capital reserve account or are unsure, please contact us at 855.604. HOME or info@sunhomehelp.org with any questions.
