You are finished with spring cleaning and starting yard care, so our checklists are shorter during the summer months.
File tax returns and related information in your archive files. Toss returns from 7 years ago if you no longer need them.
Go through your basement, garage, garden sheds, and other storage areas looking for the waste you cannot throw away in the regular trash. See How to Dispose of Household Products for instructions.
Clean your winter gear-boots, hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters-before storing.
Make plans to prevent, and eliminate common pests in your area-silverfish, ticks, ants, centipedes, etc. Read Spring Cleaning Tips, Advice for a Pest-Free Home for suggestions.
Update or make an emergency preparedness kit.
Finish any Spring Maintenance chores.
Quarterly
Car
(Check the owner’s manual and with a mechanic for recommended maintenance for your vehicle. Do maintenance essential for warranty.)
Shampoo carpets
Shampoo upholstery
Check gas and brake pedals for wear/replacement as needed
Condition leather seats, door panel inserts, dashboard, and wheels
Drain oil and replace the filter.
Clean terminals and cables on battery/ replace fray/cracked cables
Check the electrical connections on the starter/alternator.
Check and adjust the drive belt, air pump, and fan belt.
Clean the radiator of debris.
Check the transfer case and manual transmission lubricant.
Clean condenser grille on A/C.
Check for leaks at connections on A/C.
Check the refrigerant level and transmission fluid.
Degrease engine.
Check the wiper blades.
Check the windshield washer fluid level, check the hose and clean the nozzle.
Wash vinyl interior.
Lubricate suspension front.
Check the rear axle fluid level.
Grease the front end.
Kitchen
Refrigerator
- Remove dust from the top of the refrigerator.
- Empty and clean the drip pan.
- Clean coils.
Apply a wood protectant to kitchen cabinets.
Dishwasher
- Check the dishwasher for leaks.
- Remove the dishwasher spray arm and clean out the holes. This also allows access to the filter for cleaning. Some snap off, while others require you to unscrew a cap on top. Use an open paper clip (never a toothpick) to get under and remove debris. Don’t push into the arm.
- Clean the dishwasher filter. Remove the filter screen if possible. Otherwise, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the debris.
- Clean dishwasher float
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See also:
How to Dispose of Household Products
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