12 Home Maintenance Tasks You Shouldn’t Skip This Spring
You’ve still got time to cross these chores off of your honey-do list before summer starts.
With May on the way, it sure seems like the season of renewal is flying by—and with it, the chance to get done all those home maintenance tasks you shouldn’t skip this spring. But summer doesn’t officially start until the solstice in late June (unofficially, of course, those lazy, hazy, crazy days kick off Memorial Day weekend). So, you’ve actually got some time to dig into the list of important jobs around the house we’ve gathered below. Because while spring is go-time for cleaning and decluttering, it’s also when you should be focusing some attention on your home’s exterior and garden.
The following rundown of spring chores hits everything from getting the HVAC serviced to clearing out the gutters, as well as more aesthetic concerns, like sprucing up the mailbox and upgrading your garden lighting. Speaking of gardening, this is the time to prep those beds before planting summer-blooming perennials and annuals. Sure, many of these projects you can let slide until summer, but aren’t you going to want to start grilling, for example, sooner rather than later?
So check out our tally of home maintenance tasks you shouldn’t skip this spring. It just might goad you into getting started, and the sooner you start ticking those boxes, the sooner you can kick back, unwind, and while away the hours on your super spiffy deck or front porch. Ahhhh, we feel more relaxed already!
Power wash patios, porches and decks
Before you set up your outdoor living spaces, your first step is to pressure wash winter grime and salt from decks, porches, and patios. Just be sure to use the right setting. Those razor-thin, high-intensity blasts can strip stain and paint off surfaces. While you’re at it, your driveway, sidewalks, and siding could probably use a good spritz, too. After exteriors have been thoroughly cleaned, tackle any painting or staining projects on your to-do list.
Clear the gutters
Whether you take on this chore yourself or hire a pro, it’s important to make sure your home’s gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and other debris that build up over the fall and winter months. Check that everything is free from holes and other damage that will impact their ability to divert spring rains from your foundation.
Scrub the grill
Grill masters know there’s no skipping the barbecue deep clean come springtime. Start by removing and placing the grates in soapy water with degreaser. As they soak, scrub the grill’s interior, including the heat plates. Scrape the drip pan, then place it to soak with the grates. After an hour, scrub the grates and pan with a heavy-duty sponge or plastic brush, then rub the grates with vegetable oil to prevent rusting. Wipe down the grill’s exterior with soapy water, and you’re ready to toss on those burgers and dogs!
Prep the garden
While you’re probably (past) ready to get some posies planted, there are a few gardening chores to focus on first, including pruning, cleaning up the beds, fertilizing, and mulching. Mulching is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because it suppresses weeds, conserves water, and even helps moderate temperatures. Consider using organic rather than dyed mulch, which can contain construction debris and leach toxins into your landscape. Just be sure to keep mulch away from the base of your trees, because it can cause them to decay.
Related: 6 Flowers to Plant Right Now for a Garden That Blooms All Summer
Close up the fireplace
You’re not going to be needing that fireplace ’til fall, so take the time now to remove any leftover ash or debris from the firebox. You should also clean soot or smoke from the surrounding stone or brick, and close the damper to keep warm air (and critters like squirrels) out and air conditioning in. If you have a gas fireplace, shut off the pilot light. This is also the perfect opportunity to schedule a professional chimney cleaning and inspection.
Spruce up the mailbox
One sure way to boost your home’s curb appeal is with a smart-looking mailbox surrounded by pretty plantings. But between getting coated with corrosive road salt and knocked around by stray snowplows, chances are your mailbox took a beating this winter. Whether you splurge on a whole new setup, or just some different greenery, you (and your neighbors) are sure to love the result.
Related: 9 Pretty Flowers to Plant by Your Mailbox That Are Also Easy to Grow
Change out the bedding
Springtime is the right time to freshen up your bed. Flip the mattress and wash the pad, along with any winter blankets and comforters, which you can then stash in the linen closet. Make up the bed with your most colorful, cheerful sheets and a lightweight quilt, and think about replacing worn-out, flat pillows. Your neck and back will thank you.
Check outdoor faucets
After winter’s freezing temps, it’s always a good idea to check that outdoor spigots are still in good working order. Likewise, inspect garden hoses for holes or splits, and give sprinklers the once-over as well. Spring showers should keep your landscape well hydrated, but come summer, you’ll probably need to lend Mother Nature a hand with supplemental watering.
Repair window screens
With warm weather comes mosquitoes and other flying pests. Keep them outside where they belong by repairing any holes or cracks in your window and door screens caused by pets, wicked weather, or just normal wear and tear. You can purchase a patch kit from most home improvement stores, or, in a pinch, household cement should do the trick on metal screens.
Upgrade garden lighting
One of the most important elements in a well-designed landscape is lighting, and yet it is often overlooked by homeowners. Thinking about updating your garden vibe with romantic string lighting or easy-to-install solar lights? At the very least, make sure you replace any broken units, burned-out bulbs, or weak solar lights that don’t hold a charge well.
Related: The 9 Best Outdoor String Lights for a Guaranteed Patio Glow Up
Service the AC unit
Annual maintenance is crucial to keeping your air conditioner in tip-top shape, so it can battle summer’s heat and humidity. Schedule a service appointment with a pro, who will check the coolant, clean the condenser coils, change the filters, and replace any worn or malfunctioning parts.
Clean off the outdoor furniture and décor
Last but not least, give your outdoor furniture a good going over, so you can get to enjoying the great outdoors. You can use a power washer on a gentle setting for the frames and cushions, or do it by hand. Mix a gallon of water to 1/4 cup of dish, and apply with a sponge, then rinse with your garden hose. For mildew stains, add a cup of bleach to the mixture and let it sit for a half hour before rinsing. Stand cushions up in a sunny location and allow them to dry thoroughly.
Related: This Trend Will Change the Way You Think About Outdoor Furniture
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.
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