The 5 Easy Home Fixes You Can Do Now (To Avoid Problems Later)
While it’s tempting to put things off till tomorrow (or next week, or next month), when it comes to your home, it’s definitely a good idea to take a few small steps to keep things running smoothly. That’s why we’re sharing 5 easy things you can do now to prevent issues at home later.
When looking at the big picture of your home, some things just don’t seem that crucial – especially when there are pressing issues like leaks and repairs. But trust us, taking just 20 minutes out of your day to tackle some small tasks can improve efficiency, keep things running smoothly, and also save you money in the long run by avoiding expensive issues down the road. Ready to see all these simple tips?
Keep scrolling to see the 5 foolproof things you can do to keep your home running efficiently.
And be sure to check out our other home improvement posts: Laundry Room Refresh: 5 Ways To Make Your Space Look (And Work) Better and 36 Affordable Faucets For An Easy Kitchen And Bath Update.
Design: Heidi Callier Design
Soak The Showerhead
If you’ve ever noticed a decrease in water pressure in your shower, take a look at the showerhead. The cause could be as simple as mineral build-up that’s created a blockage. Luckily the solution is a snap! Simply soak the showerhead to remove particles and get it back to good as new – and avoid plumbing issues in the future. You can also do the same thing for kitchen or bathroom faucets too!
BOBBY’S TIPS FOR TACKLING IT:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and pour into a plastic bag
- Tie the bag around the showerhead and secure it with a twist tie or zip tie.
- Allow it to soak for up to an hour, then remove and wipe away any leftover residue
Design: Messana O’Rourke Via Remodelista
Freshen Your FILTERS
Your air conditioner has probably gotten a lot of use this summer. And to help it stay in excellent condition for next year, be sure to regularly clean the filter (at least once a month when in use). A clean filter will not only improve efficiency but also help to properly filter out particles in the air. And don’t forget about the other filters in your home! Air purifiers and the hood above your oven should also be cleaned regularly to avoid any issues.
BOBBY’S TIPS FOR TACKLING IT:
- For a window, min split, or freestanding unit, remove the filter and vacuum with a hose attachment to remove dust and particles.
- If you need a deeper clean, rinse off the filter with a hose or soak in warm water in the sink.
- Once you notice any tears, holes, or excessive grime, it’s probably time to replace the filter.
Thaw YOUR FREEZER
While it might seem contradictory (don’t you want your freezer to be cold?), thawing things out is actually a good thing. A freezer with lots of ice built up doesn’t just cut down on space, it also makes the freezer work harder – and costs you more in energy. So be sure to give your freezer a good thaw once a year (or more if you see lots of ice build-up).
BOBBY’S TIPS FOR TACKLING IT:
- Remove all the contents from the freezer and place in insulated bags or a cooler. (You’ll also want to remove perishable items from the fridge.)
- Place towels around the base to collect any water that may drip from melting ice.
- Unplug the unit and leave the door open to allow ice to melt.
- Scrape off any large ice chunks with a plastic spatula.
- Once all ice is melted, clean the inside of the freezer with a household cleaner and dry thoroughly before plugging back in.
GIVE THE WASHER It’s Own Scrub Down
Even the appliance you use for cleaning needs to be cleaned every so often. And after lots of loads of laundry, there’s bound to be particles of food, fibers, and any other random thing you left in your pants pocket (not to mention mold, mildew, and build-up that could be clogging the mechanisms). So be sure to give your washer a bi-annual cleaning to keep it working at it’s best. (And while you’re at it, give your dryer’s lint trap a thorough vacuuming as well.)
BOBBY’S TIPS FOR TACKLING IT:
- Wipe down all the areas of the drum with a soft rag dipped in white vinegar
- Use a toothbrush or non-abrasive scrubber to get into any tough to reach areas (like the rubber gasket around the door on a front-load model).
- To clean and disinfect the interior components, fill the detergent dispenser with 1 cup of vinegar and run on the hottest cycle (without any clothes in it).
- Once finished, wipe the interior down with a clean rag.
Keep your oven Clean
When baking, roasting, or broiling, it’s inevitable that something is going to overflow – leaving behind dried on residue in your oven. And not only is that leftover grime a potential fire hazard, but it also affects how your food will cook and taste. So before your next batch of cookies, give your oven a quick once over to continue cooking efficiently.
BOBBY’S TIPS FOR TACKLING IT:
- Wipe down all the loose bits of food on the inside with a warm, damp sponge.
- If available, use the self-cleaning setting to ensure that every area gets clean. You can also use a spray oven cleaner and abrasive scrubber to remove all grime and build-up.
- Remove any racks and clean with a scrubber and the same oven cleaner.
Oh all such timely reminders and how to’s. Another great article to read and keep us all loving our homes and taking care of them. Thankyou Bobby. Great stuff xx
Thank you for reading love! xx -B