5 Home Maintenance Tasks to Complete This Winter

These maintenance tasks won’t leave you out in the cold.

A blue house in a snowy landscape, with the title below it in blue text

A home maintenance issue during the holiday season can turn anyone into a Grinch. Avoid an unhappy holiday surprise by prepping your home with the list below.

1. Clean your dishwasher. Periodically cleaning your dishwasher prevents unpleasant smells and keeps it running efficiently. Refer to the user manual for filter cleaning instructions, and run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar to eliminate grime and odors.

2. De-lint your dryer. Lint accumulation can be a fire hazard. Remove all dryer lint from the hose and vent, as well as under and behind the dryer. If your dryer has a long hose, consider hiring a professional to do a thorough end-to-end cleaning.

3. Check fire extinguishers. Speaking of fire, make sure you don’t get caught with a useless fire extinguisher. Check the expiration dates on yours to see if they need to be replaced. And if you have a fireplace, get a small extinguisher you can stash nearby.

4. Monitor your basement. It’s smart to consistently check your basement for leaks or dampness during the winter. Winterize your basement to help reduce damage and total energy costs. Repair any cracks in the foundation, insulate exposed pipes, and regularly clear your gutters and downspouts.

5. Vacuum refrigerator coils. Cleaning the dust off your fridge’s coils helps it last longer and use less energy. Take this opportunity to clean the floor underneath it and wipe down the sides while they’re easier to access.

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5 Home Maintenance Tasks to Complete This Winter

Bookmark this checklist of seasonal tasks to help keep your home maintained all year long.