A balmy summer can do a number on your home both inside and out. Heat can cause surfaces to contract, increasing the chances of cracking. Humidity will increase the growth of mildew, mold and bacteria. Protect your home before those cold winter months arrive!!
Protect your deck, patio or porch
Sweep away the summer dust look for signs of holes, cracks or chipping paint. Use wood putty or stone filler to repair any surface damage. Sand away chipping or cracked paint or stain, then repaint the surface before the wet season starts.
Repair your driveway
Fill any cracks in your paved driveway to prevent winter rain from eroding the surface further. Depending on the type of surface and the desired look, use cement, epoxy filler, liquid cement filler, asphalt filler or concrete crack sealant.
Clean your kitchen sink and garbage disposal
Humidity and sun will increase bacteria population in your kitchen sink. Pour garbage disposal cleaner down the drain to remove small clogs and disinfect the drain. To remove any food stains or rust in your sink, use bleach or calcium, lime and rust cleaner.
Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Summer humidity will add bacteria, mold and mildew to your dusty household air filter. Wash the old filter and leave it to dry in the sun. For disposable filters, buy a replacement filters at you local hardware store.
Clean your garbage cans
To counter the effects of summer heat and humidity, wipe your garbage cans and the area around them with anti-bacterial wipes. Then spray the area with disinfectant spray that will kill lingering bacteria. Place a garbage bag in the can immediately after spraying to keep the cleaning agent trapped in the can.
Clean your bathrooms
Mildew, mold and soap scum build up more quickly in the hot summer months, especially in humid bathrooms. Use a strong soap scum cleaner for your tub, tile and shower glass surfaces. Spray mildew or mold with bleach based killer. Leave clean grout to dry, then repair any cracks with fresh grout, or reseal the area with bath silicone sealant.
Clean Gutters
Gutter debris from the previous winter might clog your spouts and cause gutter overflow when the rain starts.
Vacuum Upholstery
With windows kept open throughout summer and fans circling air, furniture upholstery, pillows and curtains collect more dust than usual. Vacuum pillows and upholstery and also clean your curtains and blinds.
Prepare outdoor furniture for winter
Wash the summer dust off your outdoor furniture and leave it to dry in the sun. If you detect signs of rust or paint chips and cracks, spray paint the furniture with outdoor paint for wood, metal or plastic. Buy a cheap tarp at your home improvement store to cover your furniture if you store it outside in winter.