I used to think that it took special training or skills to do most home maintenance tasks. My husband is the one who seems to know how to fix stuff, so I leave things like leaky toilets up to him. However, a problem arises when something around the house needs to be done and I don’t want to wait for him to get around to it. Turns out, the solution to that problem is ME! I am learning that a lot of routine home care is easy to do without being a pro.
I am proud to be a 3M-sponsored blogger, and as part of my responsibilities, I get the opportunity to evaluate 3M products such as Filtrete filters. Opinions are my own and additional products used in the project were selected by me. #HealthierHome
I think you will agree that a home is a major investment that requires regular tune-ups to keep it in good condition. Our homes can be a safer and healthier place to live with a little bit of regularly scheduled TLC (Tender Loving Care). Taking care of our homes can also help save money by preventing major repair bills.
*Tip: Set calendar reminders to keep on a schedule for routine home maintenance tasks. I like to use Google Calendar.
Sample Home Maintenance Reminder Schedule
Annually:
- Remove lint from outdoor dryer lint with a long, flexible brush.
Not only do you reduce the risk of fire, you will also improve your dryer’s efficiency.
- Shampoo carpets.
Most carpet manufacturers recommend shampooing carpets at least every 12 months.
Twice a year:
- Check the function on all fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries.
A good time to do this task is when the time changes for Daylight Saving Time.
- Clean the refrigerator coils.
It only takes a few minutes to do this with a coil brush and vacuum cleaner. Clean coils help extend the life of your refrigerator and helps your fridge use less energy.
Every 3 months:
- Change your home’s air filter.
One of the quickest ways to save energy is to replace your air filters. A dirty filter makes your fan motor work harder and use more energy.
The Filtrete Ultra Allergen Reduction Filter (MPR 1500) captures 90% of large airborne allergens like dust, pollen and mold spores from passing through the filter. I use this air filter to help reduce the number of indoor allergens in our home.
It’s a good idea to change Filtrete filters every 3 months, especially before turning on the air conditioner (summer months) or heat (fall months). This is one easy way to create a healthier home and may reduce the amount of energy needed to cool or heat your home.
What tasks are on your Home Maintenance schedule? Have you changed your home air filter recently?
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Grace Quill says
I like your suggestions. Sometimes I do it myself and sometimes I take the help of professionals to clean everything properly.
Kaye says
I follow almost all that you’ve mentioned in your reminder schedule, Nicole! Cleaning the carpets is definitely a hard task..
Nicole says
Hi Kaye! I don’t think cleaning the carpets is hard IF you have the right equipment. It just takes time. My Bissell carpet cleaner is as easy to run as a regular vacuum. Glad that you could stop by, thank you for your comments. –Nicole
Carol says
I only use Filtrete for my unit. They are the best.
Nicole says
Hi Carol. Filtrete filters are our favorite ones to use, too. We have sampled several different types of Filtrete over the past year and have been pleased with all of them. Thanks for stopping by! -Nicole
Maryann D. says
My husband and I are not handy at all. But we do most of the suggestions you mentioned. We just had our carpets professionally cleaned and I am thrilled with the results, they look new!
Julie Wood says
I did most of these things. I cleaned the refrigerator coils. It was hard work. I made sure the Carbon Monoxide Detector had fresh batteries, and I always make sure to clean the furnace filters.