Spring is more than just a time to tidy up—it’s a smart time to check in on your home’s condition. Doing a few tasks now can help prevent damage, improve safety and save you money later on.
Here’s this year’s spring checklist. It has indoor and outdoor tasks and includes easy how-to videos so you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
- Deep Clean Big Appliances
Your large household appliances work hard every day. Giving them a seasonal deep clean helps them last longer and perform better.
- Refrigerator: Move your fridge away from the wall and dust off the coils (for energy efficiency and to extend its lifespan), wipe door seals and clean out drawers. Here's a quick tutorial on cleaning refrigerator coils.
- Oven: Scrub away grease and burnt food to keep your oven safe and efficient. This natural oven cleaning method uses baking soda and vinegar.
- Dishwasher: Clear out the filter and run a cleaning cycle to remove soap scum and food debris. This video shows how to clean your dishwasher.
- Washing Machine: Don’t forget to clean the detergent drawer and run a hot cycle. Here’s how to clean a front-load washer.
- Dryer: Lint in the vent hose can be a fire hazard. This dryer vent cleaning guide walks you through it safely. You can also wash your lint trap with hot and soapy water once a month!
- Replace or Clean Filters and Vents
Replacing or cleaning dirty filters improves air quality, energy efficiency and even safety.
- HVAC Filters: Most filters should be replaced every 3 months. This quick video shows how to do it yourself.
- Refrigerator Water Filter: Keeps your drinking water clean.
- Range Hood Filters: These trap grease while you cook. Learn how to clean them the right way. It’s not easy if you haven’t done it in a while but well worth it.
- Clean and Protect the Home Exterior
Winter weather can leave behind grime and wear. A little attention outside goes a long way.
- Gutters: Clear out leaves and debris to prevent water damage. Check out this step-by-step gutter cleaning video or find a local professional to take care of this for you.
- Trim Trees & Shrubs: Keeping branches away from your siding or roof can help prevent moisture and pest problems. See how to prune shrubs safely.
- Power Wash Decks, Siding and Walkways: This helps prevent mold and keeps things looking sharp. Watch how to pressure wash your house properly.
- Protect Against Water Damage and Mold
Clean these spots to protect your home from mold, mildew and long-term damage.
- Tile Grout: Bathrooms and kitchens can build up grime fast. Try this easy homemade grout cleaner.
- Caulk Around Sinks & Tubs: Replace cracked caulk to keep water out of walls. Watch this video to learn how to caulk with a caulk gun.
- Basement or Crawlspace Check: Look for signs of moisture or pests and seal any small openings.
- Shower Curtain & Bath Mats: Give them a good wash—most plastic or vinyl shower liners are machine washable —or replace if needed.
- Prep Fire Safety Systems
Spring is a great time to review your fire prevention tools and make sure everything works properly.
- Smoke Detectors: Test batteries and replace them if it’s been over 6 months.
- Dryer Vent: (Yes, again—it’s that important!) See this vent cleaning video again here.
- Chimney: If you use a fireplace, clean it before next winter. Here’s a chimney cleaning how-to or contact a local professional to help.
Leveraging Your Capital Reserve Account for Significant Expenses
Some BlueHub SUN mortgages feature a special 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. Watch this video to learn more.
