Now that it’s November, it’s time to get your home winter-ready. Doing maintenance now can prevent costly repairs and ensure your home remains cozy and safe throughout the colder months. These tips cover essential tasks to tackle this month, ensuring that you are well-prepared for whatever winter has in-store this year.
Inspect Heating Systems
Check your furnace or heating system to ensure it’s in good working order. Replace furnace filters if you haven’t recently. Routine check-ups of your heating system may also be wise before it starts to get cold.
Tip: Clean around vents and remove dust with our Microfiber Dusting Mitt or Microfiber Duster.
Check All Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Replace batteries and ensure all detectors are fully functioning. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate inside your smoke detector, leading to false alerts. Especially during the holiday cooking season, it is essential to have a detector that functions properly.
Tip: Use our Flexible Microfiber Duster to wipe down the detectors, making it easy to reach those difficult ceiling spots.
Clean Your Fireplace
Fireplaces are used the most during winter, so it may be wise to have yours cleaned before the season begins. Fireplace cleaning is usually DIY-friendly, but chimney sweeping should be left to professionals.
Clean Your Oven
It is important to deep clean your oven to prepare for holiday cooking and baking. Some ovens have a self-cleaning function that incinerates food left inside the oven.
Tip: If not using the self-cleaning option, use vinegar and baking soda paste in order to get rid of tough stains in your oven. Scrub with our Big Job Kitchen Brush, which is ideal for scrubbing tough, stuck-on spots on kitchen appliances, dishware, and more.
Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture
Clean and store outdoor furniture to protect it from winter weather.
Tip: Mix liquid soap with warm water in a bucket and use our Small Scrub Brush to clean furniture surfaces. Rinse and let dry before covering and storing in a shed, garage, or basement to protect from the elements.
Clean Your Dryer Vent
Cleaning your dryer vent is crucial for safety and efficiency, especially as you get ready for winter when you'll be washing heavier clothes. Lint buildup in the vent can lead to longer drying times and can be a fire hazard.
Now you are officially ready for winter! With these tips you can prevent hazards and ensure a safe home this upcoming season.