# How to maintain a home Every home needs basic housekeeping routines to maintain it. ## Weekly Depending on use, they don't have to be done *every* week. [ ] Clean out all food preparation appliances used in the last week (toaster, blender, stove/oven, microwave, grill). [ ] Clean the outside of the refrigerator. [ ] Wipe down all kitchen and bathroom surfaces. [ ] Vacuum, sweep, and mop all indoor flooring. [ ] Clean bathroom toilets, sinks, showers, and shower curtains. ## Monthly Cleaning [ ] Clear out the refrigerator and wipe it down inside. [ ] Wash the trash cans and sprinkle baking soda at the bottom. [ ] Clean the kitchen sink garbage disposal. [ ] Dust the furniture and tops of surfaces. [ ] Wash the [autos](autos.md). [ ] Prune all foliage. [ ] Pull the hair out of the vacuum's spinning brush to prevent it from damaging the motor. [ ] Water all indoor plants. [ ] Clean range hood filters. [ ] Clean the dishwasher. [ ] Pour treatment down to the septic tank. Checking/Replacing [ ] Organize the [budget](money-3_budget.md) and pay the bills. [ ] Check the air filters for the heater and air conditioner. ## Seasonally (every 3-4 months) [ ] Clean the inside and outside of all windows and mirrors. [ ] Clean the stove underneath by popping off the top. [ ] Polish all furniture. [ ] If you have a dryer, clean the duct that runs from the dryer to the vent. [ ] Run the water and flush the toilets in unused spaces. Checking/Replacing [ ] Check air conditioner and fan filters. [ ] Change the water filter, if you have one. [ ] Check for termites, mice, and other pests. [ ] Test garage door auto-reverse feature (trip the sensor). [ ] Check the water softener and add salt if needed. ## Twice a year Cleaning [ ] Vacuum the couches. [ ] Clean out any air conditioner and fan filters. [ ] Drain the water heater tank to reduce sediment. [ ] Pressure wash the decks, driveways, and walkways. [ ] Clean all appliances. [ ] Vacuum refrigerator coils. Checking/Replacing [ ] Check and clean the refrigerator gasket and replace it if necessary. [ ] Replace the refrigerator's water filter. [ ] Place a new container of baking soda in the refrigerator. [ ] Test and replace the batteries for for carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. [ ] Test the water heater's pressure relief valve. ## Once a year ### Anytime Cleaning [ ] Clean and seal indoor tile and grout. [ ] Recaulk joints between tiling and other materials. [ ] Check for masonry holes or cracks and tuckpoint as needed. [ ] Seal drives and walks. [ ] Pressure wash walls and siding. [ ] Vacuum and clean the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. [ ] Wash all curtains and shower curtains. Checking/Replacing [ ] Visually inspect the fire extinguisher (i.e., gauge shows pressure, no signs of wear, accessible in home) or have a professional inspect it. [ ] Check window wells and cellar ways for debris and damage. [ ] Walk the exterior perimeter of the home and check for potential entry points for bugs and vermin. [ ] Inspect all power plugs and replace them as needed. [ ] Check wood surfaces for paint failure and damage. [ ] If you have a septic tank, pump it and inspect it. [ ] Check for wasp and hornet nests around the property. [ ] Check for leaks in toilets and sinks. ### The start of spring Cleaning [ ] Clean the window screens. [ ] Clear dead plants and shrubs from the house. Checking/Replacing [ ] Inspect the entire exterior of the home, especially where the elements may have affected it. [ ] Inspect the status of decorative vines on the exterior. [ ] Check the air conditioner's condensate drain hose. [ ] Have a professional inspect the air conditioner. [ ] Check the exterior drainage. [ ] Prepare receipts for taxes. [ ] When you start using the air conditioner more than the heating unit, adjust the ceiling fan blades to push downward. ### The start of summer Cleaning [ ] Clean the roof's gutters and downspouts. Checking/Replacing [ ] Inspect the roof for damages or leaks. ### The start of fall Cleaning [ ] Trim the trees and shrubs. Checking/Replacing [ ] Have a professional inspect and clean the fireplace [ ] Have a professional check the heating unit [ ] Check trees for interference with electric lines. ### The start of winter Cleaning [ ] Clean the roof's gutters and downspouts. Checking/Replacing [ ] When you start using the heating unit more than the air conditioner, adjust the ceiling fan blades to push upward. [ ] Check water lines, insulation, and anything else vulnerable to cold. [ ] Disconnect all hoses from hose bibs, drain, and store. [ ] Drain all exterior faucets and protect them with covers. [ ] Confirm access to all water supply cutoff valves in case of burst pipes. [ ] Turn off and drain the irrigation systems. ## Every other year or as needed [ ] Shampoo the couches and carpet. [ ] Get any required [vehicle](autos.md) smog checks. [ ] Change out furniture to accommodate new lifestyles. ## Fixing and improving Upkeep of a house simply involves making steady, consistent [decorations and renovations](home-decorations.md), along with repairs. - Prioritize survival-based and structural needs (e.g., roof, plumbing) over conveniences (e.g., internet) or luxury/cosmetic (e.g., carpet, smart doorbell): 1. Roof 2. Foundation 3. Outside siding and paint 4. Gutter and downspout water management 5. Plumbing 6. Electrical 7. Inside paneling and paint - If it's a nice house, your work is relatively easy, but homes in disrepair will need *many* projects until you can feel comfortable. - Make sure to [set reasonable goals](success-3_goals.md) and pace it according to your [budget](money-3_budget.md) and [time](success-4_routine.md). Try to [address](https://adequate.life/fix/) small problems *before* they become large ones. - Most of the problems will revolve around water, in the bathroom and the kitchen. - Sewage plumbing blockage is comparatively easier to fix when you have *some* running water through it (e.g., using a drain cleaner). - If your plumbing system becomes unpredictable, either flush the toilet paper on a second flush or place it in a trash can. - Electrical shorts are less miserable to fix than blackouts. - Fix most leaks as soon as you know of them, which typically comes from old roofing or an insufficient drainage system. - Improve the drain system with a reliable downspout termination: - Send it downhill on at least a 5% slope, which may need a splash block to prevent buildup. - A rain barrel catchment system is very convenient for water-based hobbies (e.g., [gardening](horticulture.md)), but needs regular observation. The issues in your house will be *heavily* defined by the [technologies](technology.md) legally available during its initial construction: - until 1931: lead or galvanized water main - until 1940: knob and tube wiring - 1920-1940: stucco-covered chimneys - 1949-1955: transite gas vents - until 1960: galvanized drain lines and water pipes - until 1962: ungrounded outlets - until 1980: 9x9 floor tiles - 1960-1980: transite ductwork - 1965-1975: aluminum branch circuit wiring - until 1985: buried fuel oil tanks - 1970-1988: Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels - 1920-1990: vermiculite insulation - until 1992: attic bypasses - until 2000: asbestos - 1989 onward: problematic stucco and stone veneer siding Even then, some things like radon and sewer problems can *always* arise. The maintenance of your home will add to the [quality of your life](goodlife.md), provide [meaning](meaning.md), and can be a significant [investment return](money-investing.md) when you choose to sell it. - Carpentry requires a steady hand, but is typically *much* more affordable and customizable than paying for work if you become skilled at it, especially furniture and finish carpentry. - Masonry and stonework is simple enough to do, if you have the strength for it. - [Pet](fun-pets.md) projects often give extra opportunities to have fun with your pet. - Custom shelves and built-in organization can *dramatically* help with [organization](organization.md). - Greenhouses can help with [gardening](horticulture.md). - Projects that improve life for [children](parenting-children.md) (e.g., treehouses, swing sets) can profoundly improve on their childhood. - Building a workshop can make *all* the above, as well as [fixing](https://adequate.life/fix/), much easier. ## More information [EPA Mold Course](https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-introduction)