It’s finally autumn—the season when temperatures start to drop, the days grow shorter, and pumpkin everything is out at the stores! Before you go crazy with the Halloween decorations and settle in for that horror movie binge, take some time to prep your home for winter’s invasion. But don’t fear! We’re here to provide a handy checklist for seven home maintenance tasks to tackle in October.
Clean Your Dryer Vents
This one’s a lot more severe than it sounds. Excess lint can dramatically increase the risk of fire. A dryer vent needs cleaning when clothes aren’t drying as fast as they usually do or if it takes multiple cycles to get them completely dry.
Prevent buildup from the get-go by emptying your lint trap every time you use your dryer. If possible, move your dryer closer to an exterior wall; if your vent pipe is particularly long or has to snake around corners, you’re at a greater risk of a clog.
Seal Your Outdoor Surfaces
Cold temperatures can cause your paint to peel, leading to moisture intrusion and wood rot. Protect your exterior surfaces by applying a stain and sealant.
Clean the surface first—taking care to remove any built-up ickiness between planks or in crevices—using a screwdriver or putty knife. Wait at least 48 hours before sanding the surface using 80-grit sandpaper, then sweep or vacuum, and apply your sealant.
Store Your Yard Furniture
The fastest way to make your outdoor furniture look faded is to leave it out in the elements. Store your grill, deck chairs, and outdoor set in a shed or garage. If you don’t have the storage space, invest in durable covers for your furniture to protect it from snow and rain.
Stow The Hose
If you live where it snows (yes, it’s time for that word again—sigh), it’s a good idea to drain and store your garden hose before temps start significantly dropping.
Unroll your hose on a downslope and then recoil it upslope, so the water drains out, Turner recommends. Remove most of the water so that you can store the hose outside in a shed or underhang. However, it’s best to stash it inside if possible. Next, shut off the water supply to your external faucets. Then drain the line by turning the tap on and letting the residual water drain out. For extra protection from freezing temps, install a foam insulator cover over each external faucet.
Complete a Fall Cleaning
Open windows up and do an expansive and thorough fall cleaning of your home, including dusting areas that don’t always cut. Wash your draperies, dust your bl,” says home organization expert
Feed and Seed the Lawn
After a long, hot summer, your lawn could probably use a bit of extra TLC, and seeding is proven to be the most effective way to repair the damage. Plus, by seeding now—before the first frost of the season—you can allow seeds to begin taking root in the soil and get a jump on spring growth.
Choose a seed for your lawn that’s right for your budget and your geographic region. You can complete a soil test, which will allow you to measure your soil’s health and nutrients using a DIY kit. You’ll then have to prepare your lawn, lay the seeds by hand or using a spreader, and water.
Inspect the Gutters and Downspouts
Maintaining gutters and downspouts, which direct water away from your home, can go a long way toward preventing catastrophic roof leaks—especially if you live in an older home. This maintenance is essential during autumn since it’s prime time for those gutters to get clogged with fallen leaves and twigs.
If you’re comfortable shimmying onto the roof, grab a ladder and go for it. Clear leaves, dirt, and pine needles from gutters, and examine downspouts for damage or loose pieces. Use a hose to flush out tiny bits of debris and check the underside of the drain to ensure no water leaks through. Inspect the downspout to verify that water is running freely through it and away from your home. Then inspect the flashing around your chimney and any openings in the roof (like skylights) for leaks.
Contact Us
We hope you learned a lot from our handy checklist for seven home maintenance tasks to tackle in October. Need help with your autumn cleaning? Give the Clearwater cleaners you can trust a call today! We are here to provide the utmost quality cleaning service in the Tampa Bay area!
