February Maintenance Guide

2/8/2016 (Permalink)

February may be a shorter month than the others but it’s still a great time of year to get your home projects done. In fact, there are many projects that are perfect to do during the winter month of February. Despite snow or icy weather, balcony garden or backyard gardening is something to think about this month. You may not be able to dig in the dirt, but most regions host their annual home and garden shows now for the spring. (Read how to make the most of attending a show like this.) It’s also a great time of year to purchase seeds and supplies for your summer vegetable or fruit containers.

Inside the home you may be craving some change that is more in line with the upcoming season. Try a new color of paint for your walls or purchase new bed linens for a quick update. Budget friendly projects like spray painting tired old frames is another great way to insert a new interior design scheme without spending a lot of money. Organization is also a great project to focus on this month. Be realistic and start with one room or area at a time. When you reorganize you may find the need to do some minor repair work, so call in a handyman or contractor to fix up that area once and for all.

Here are some other great projects to get done this month.

• Host a Super Bowl party! We’ve got some great tips for setting up your TV room, fun party decorations and a few Super Bowl party don’ts.
• Treat your loved ones on Valentine’s Day. You don’t have to buy the standard box of chocolate or make expensive dinner reservations. Try giving your loved ones the gift of a healthy and safe home. Here are some great ideas to try this year.
• Perform a monthly smoke alarm test. Holding down the button tests the actual sound, but a more accurate test is to mimic the alarm’s ability to detect smoke. Read more about smoke alarms.
• Deep clean appliances. This is a great month to do some quick appliance maintenance like:
  • Washing machine: Clean rubber gaskets and seals with plain vinegar on a cloth. Do a clothes-free cycle with hot water, vinegar and baking soda. Leave washing machine door open for it to dry completely. Check connection points behind the machine to ensure the hoses are in good shape.
  • Dishwasher: Use plain vinegar on a dry cloth and wipe the edges of the machine that tend to stay dirty. Remove the filter and clean it to remove stuck on food. Sprinkle the inside with baking soda until you’re ready for your next load.
  • Refrigerator: Remove food and wipe down all surfaces with a mixture of warm water and vinegar. This is a great time to throw out old leftovers and check the expiration dates of condiments. The freezer can also get a quick clean. Use a vacuum to suck up small objects like coffee grounds. Empty ice bins and add a fresh box of baking soda to remove odors.
• Keep lawn clear of twigs, branches and other heavy objects. Don’t trample on frozen blades. Read these tips for winter lawn care.
• Maintain flower beds and prune shrubs as needed
• Get rid of heavy, wet snow on the roof and melt the ice on your sidewalk. Not sure what melting products to use? Here are some tips.