12 Simple Home Spring Cleaning Tasks

If you are looking for a focused list of things to do to protect your home against Springtim elements, here's a simple list of the top twelve tasks you should tackle.

Outside

1. Check your roof and chimney for damage and hire someone to make any necessary repairs as soon as you can.

2. Clean your gutters and check your downspout direction to steer water away from your foundation.

3. Wash your windows and screens, and fix any tears or holes in your screens. Click here for a screen patch tape that works well.

4. Check your outdoor outlets to make sure they are clear of debris and/or wasp nests (they love nesting under the covers).

5. Check the grade of the land around your foundation and make sure it moves water away from your home.

Inside

1. Wash your windows inside, check caulking/seals and repair if needed.

2. Clean showers and tubs and make sure caulking is in good shape.

3. Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors for dust and cobwebs, and test batteries.

4. Vacuum lint from your dryer hose. Here is an infographic with 8 simple steps for cleaning your dryer vent thoroughly.

5. Change your furnace filters.

6. Test your ground fault circuit interrupter outlets (GFCI) to make sure they are working properly. Plug in a radio, turn it on, then push the test button on the outlet to see if the radio turns off and then on again.

7. Check the caulking at your doors and reseal if needed.