5 Household Chores That Need More of Your Attention
When it comes to doing household chores, some tasks are more obvious and bothersome than others. Many homeowners are diligent about wiping down surfaces in their homes and cleaning the bathroom on a regular basis. However, other routine maintenance tasks are more easily overlooked but just as important. Here are five common household chores that need more of your attention and how to best complete these household maintenance jobs in a quick and affordable way.
1. Cleaning the Refrigerator Drip Pan
Keeping the refrigerator drip pan clean is one of the most often overlooked household chores, but this should really be done about every three months. This is because excess liquid, dirt, and bacteria collect here to create smelly and even unsafe conditions in your kitchen. Wearing rubber gloves, remove your refrigerator’s front grill panel and remove the drip pan. Dump excess water down the sink drain, clean the pan with a solution of one part bleach and two parts warm water, and dry with a towel and air dry before reinstalling it.
2. Flushing the Water Heater
Another overlooked household maintenance task is flushing the water heater. This is important to clear away mineral deposits and dirt that cause your hot waster heater to run less efficiently. Turn the thermostat, the gas to the hot water heater, and the cold water supply all off to get started. Then turn on the hot water in a sink and open the pressure relief valve. Then you can connect a hose to the drainage spigot, turn the spigot on to drain the tank, and let the water run for a few minutes to flush until the water coming out looks clear and not brown.
3. Resealing the Grout
Grout sealant helps prevent moisture from getting under your bathroom floor tiles, and it’s recommended to do this household chore about once per year. Wearing rubber gloves and eye protection, make sure the room is well-ventilated and apply an alkaline tile cleaner. Abrasive scrub pads are great for cleaning grout and tile, and a wet/dry shop vacuum can remove particles and dirty water. After the tile has completely dried, pour sealer onto the grout and tile, spread it using a brush, allow to sit for the manufacturer-recommended time, and remove any remaining sealer with a dry towel.
4. Washing the Dryer Lint Screen
Chances are that you remember to remove the lint from your dryer’s lint screen after each load of laundry. However, this screen also needs to be washed periodically to reduce drying time and maximize the efficiency of your laundry machines. After removing any lint residue, place both sides of the screen under hot water, scrub with a nylon brush and liquid detergent, rinse with hot water, and all the screen to thoroughly dry before putting it back in its place in the utility room.
5. Vacuuming Under Couches and Beds
Heavily trafficked areas of carpet often get plenty of attention from your vacuum, but what about under the couches, chairs, and beds? These are places where dirt, dust, and bacteria collect and can make allergies and asthma conditions worse. While you’re at it, don’t forget to vacuum blinds, curtains, mattresses, and windowsills too.
All of these routine maintenance tasks can extend the lifespan of your household appliances and create better living conditions in your home. But if upon inspection you find that you need to replace certain plumbing supplies or kitchen and bath fixtures, Central Plumbing Specialties is here to help in multiple store locations throughout New York. We offer hand-picked selections of decorative products and plumbing supplies to make every home more beautiful and functional.