Maintenance Tips
We know that home maintenance can be tricky, especially for our first-time homeowners.
Please review these maintenance tips to keep your home in tip-top shape.
Cabinets
frequencyAs Needed
For everyday cleaning use a clean, soft cotton cloth (microfiber cloth for laminate and high gloss cabinetry) dampened with warm water. For deep cleaning us a mild solution of dishwashing liquid (5%) mixed with fresh, clean, warm water (95%). After cleaning your stained or painted cabinets, wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth and be sure to dry wet/damp surfaces with another clean soft cloth.Carpet
frequencyWeekly/Yearly
For a softer carpet, make sure to choose a carpet-friendly vacuum and use highest setting where appropriate. Vacuum your carpet regularly to prevent soil from embedding itself in the pile. Professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months.Countertop Caulking
frequencyAs Needed
Re-caulk any areas where adjacent surfaces are coming together in order to keep them sealed and avoid water damage.Dishwasher
frequencyAs Needed
Run dishwasher cleaner through a cycle every so often to clean the components inside. Also by using rinse aid it will dry the kitchen ware better and leave less water in the dishwasher after a cycle.Disposal
frequencyAs Needed
To freshen up the disposal run lemon peels through it. Also to clean the blades run ice through it.Door Locks
frequencyAs Needed
Adjust locks as needed so they latch correctly. Tighten screws overtime they will loosen.Dryer
frequencyYearly
It is recommended to have the dryer vent cleaned as it can collect lint in the pipe and can be a potential fire hazard as well as decrease the drying efficiency of the dryer.Electric Glass Cooktop
frequencyAs Needed
Clean the glass regularly but do not use anything abrasive to clean it. It will scratch the glass.Exterior Penetrations
frequencyBi-Annually
Walk around your home looking for any penetrations and seal as needed.Exterior Siding
frequencyYearly
Pressure wash the exterior siding to prevent the build up of mold and mildew. For Hardie Board siding, “soft wash” with a regular hose.Faucets and Shower Heads
frequencyAs Needed
Check for sediment build up. Clean as needed.Fireplaces
frequencyAs Needed
Over time moisture can build up inside the firebox. Turn on the quarterly to ensure proper functionality and to help control the moisture in the firebox. Do not use any ammonia base products to clean the glass on the firebox.Floor Tile
frequencyBi-Annually
To keep the grout lines clean use a grout sealer to seal them. Regular dust mopping, sweeping, or vacuuming is recommended prior to cleaning with liquid products. Glazed tile products should be cleaned routinely with an all-purpose, low VOC, household or commercial cleaner.Fromica Laminate Countertops
frequencyAs Needed
Use a clean, damp, nonabrasive cotton cloth and a mild liquid detergent or household cleaner.Garage Door
frequencyAs Needed
Keep the door and chain lubricated to avoid squeaky parts.Gas Cooktop
frequencyAs Needed
The grates on the cooktop are cast iron and should not be washed with soap. It will dry the oils out of the cast iron. As the cast iron gets older you can recondition the cast iron grates by rubbing them with cooking oil and cooking it in the oven at 350°F for an hour.Gas Oven
frequencyAs Needed
The bottom of the oven should be cleaned often. Do not use foil on the bottom of the oven as the flame from the gas can melt the foil and damage the oven.Granite Countertops
frequencyBi-Annually
Granite is porous and can be stained. For everyday cleaning, use a soft cloth to dust the surface, or wipe it down with plain water or a mild soap. If your countertop needs extra cleaning, use a specially-formulated stone cleaner with a neutral pH. Granite requires a protective sealant to be applied annually, unless a permanent sealant has been applied by manufacturer.Gutters
frequencyBi-Annually
Clear your gutters of any collected debris or leaves to prevent water from creeping under the roof and ice damming in the winter.HVAC Filters
frequencyMonthly
Replace air filters every 2-3 months to keep the unit running efficiently and to prevent the unit from malfunctioning.HVAC Unit
frequencyBi-Annually
It is recommended to have an authorized HVAC technician inspect and service the unit twice a year. Once before the AC is turned on and once before the heat is turned on.Hardwood Floors
frequencyAs Needed
Never use a wet mop to clean as the moisture will damage the floor. For scratches a furniture stain pen works great to hide them away. Use protective mats at all exterior entrances. Vacuum or sweep the floor regularly. Warning: Vacuums with a beater bar or power rotary brush head can damage a wood floor and should never be used. Remove spills promptly using Mohawk Floor Care Essentials Hardwood Cleaner and a clean white cloth.LVP Flooring
frequencyWeekly
When cleaning vinyl flooring, use a soft bristle broom to remove loose dirt. Damp-mop as needed with clean water and a nonabrasive floor cleaner. Harsh cleaning chemicals should not be used on vinyl flooring.Laminate Floors
frequencyWeekly
It is recommended to remove any wet spills immediately to avoid liquid penetration into the joints. Use any non-abrasive, soap free cleaner suitable for laminate flooring on a regular basis.Landscaping
frequencySeasonally
Make sure you water your sod regularly when you move into your new home. Trim back bushes and trees as needed, plus seed and aerate..Microwave/Range Hood
frequencyMonthly
Clean or replace the filters as they can build up grease.Plumbing Fixtures
frequencyAs Needed
A damp cloth and mild liquid dishwashing soap may be used for a limited amount of time, followed by rinsing with water and drying with a soft cloth. Most common household cleaners can be used. All cleaners should be rinsed off thoroughly with water immediately after cleaning your faucet. Avoid using any harsh cleansers or pads/sponges that are unsafe for polished metallic surfaces.Quartz Countertops
frequencyBi-Annually
For cleanup with ease, all you need is warm water, a soft cotton cloth, and mild soap, if desired. For stains, apply neutral soap to the affected area and gently rub in a circular motion with a damp microfiber cloth.Refrigerator
frequencyAs Needed
Replace the water filter when noted to keep the water clean and the flow consistent.Roof
frequencyWeekly/Yearly
Have a roofing professional inspect the roof as needed. Trim away any hanging branches near your roofline. Replace caulk around flashings as needed.Sliding Glass Door
frequencyAs Needed
Keep the track of the door clean and clear of debris to ensure the door rolls smoothly.Smoke Detectors
frequencyYearly
Replace backup batteries once a year. Test the smoke detecters once a month to ensure proper functionality.Tile Backsplash
frequencyBi-Annually
Seal the grout lines to keep them protected especially around the cooking surfaces.Trim Caulking
frequencyAs Needed
As the trim expands and contracts with the humidity levels, the caulking is bound to crack. Re-caulk these areas to keep the trim looking fresh and new.Vinyl Sheet Flooring
frequencyWeekly
For everyday maintenance, a mop moistened with warm water will suffice. To wash the floor us a non-abrasive, neutral PH floor cleaner. Prevent indentations and scratches by using non-staining floor protectors on the legs of chairs, appliances and all heavy furniture.Wall Tile
frequencyAs Needed
Keep an eye on corners and edges in showers. If they become cracked or open, re-seal them with a siliconized color matched caulk that matches the grout.Washer
frequencyYearly
Keep an eye on the water lines feeding the washer. Over time, they can start to go bad and start to leak. If they are showing signs of being brittle or cracking, go ahead and replace them.Water Heater
frequencyYearly
Contact a licensed plumber to drain the water heater once a year to prevent the build up of minerals in the bottom of the tank. This causes tanks to rest out and leak.Weather Stripping
frequencyAs Needed
Replace the weather stripping on any exterior door if it becomes damaged. This can prevent air leakage and help keep critters out.Windows
frequencyAs Needed
Keep the windows locked not only for security reasons, but it also creates a sound and moisture barrier. Check for any caulking or weather-stripping needs.