The Heroes Helpful Household Tips!
Welcome to The Habitat Heroes helpful Household Maintenance and Tips page! Keeping your home in top shape can feel overwhelming, but with regular maintenance and a few handy tips, you can ensure your home remains a safe, comfortable, and efficient space for you and your family. Here, we've compiled some essential tips and tricks to help you tackle common household issues and keep everything running smoothly.
Cleaning hardwood floors with urethane finish
It is best NOT to clean your hardwood floors with things like Murphy's oil soap, Pledge floor cleaner, lemon oil, or anything that is designed to refresh or enhance the floor. These products leave a film and can cause problems when we are adding a clear coat or refinishing the floor. The oils in these product can cause bonding issues and peeling. We buff the floor first with mineral spirits to help avoid this problem, and usually have success, but it's risky.
We recommend hardwood and laminate floor cleaner made by Bruce or Zep. Just spray about half as much as you think you need on a section of the floor, wall to wall, then us a dry mop with a cotton head and go with the grain.
Your floor already has a clear coat so you don't need a product that will add any sheen.
It is best NOT to clean your hardwood floors with things like Murphy's oil soap, Pledge floor cleaner, lemon oil, or anything that is designed to refresh or enhance the floor. These products leave a film and can cause problems when we are adding a clear coat or refinishing the floor. The oils in these product can cause bonding issues and peeling. We buff the floor first with mineral spirits to help avoid this problem, and usually have success, but it's risky.
We recommend hardwood and laminate floor cleaner made by Bruce or Zep. Just spray about half as much as you think you need on a section of the floor, wall to wall, then us a dry mop with a cotton head and go with the grain.
Your floor already has a clear coat so you don't need a product that will add any sheen.
Spring:
- Inspect and Clean Gutters: Clear out leaves and debris from your gutters to prevent water damage.
- Check HVAC Systems: Replace filters and schedule a professional inspection to ensure your air conditioning is ready for the Texas heat.
- Inspect Roof: Look for any signs of damage or wear and repair as needed.
Summer:
- Lawn and Garden Care: Regularly mow, water, and fertilize your lawn. Trim bushes and trees to keep them healthy and looking neat.
- Check Outdoor Lighting: Ensure all outdoor lights are working correctly for added security and safety.
- Inspect Windows and Doors: Check for leaks and drafts. Re-caulk and seal as necessary to keep cool air in and hot air out.
Fall:
- Clean Chimneys and Fireplaces: Have your chimney cleaned and inspected to ensure it’s safe for use.
- Service Heating Systems: Before the cold weather hits, make sure your heating system is in good working order.
- Leaf Removal: Rake and dispose of fallen leaves to prevent lawn damage and keep your yard tidy.
Winter:
- Protect Pipes: Insulate pipes to prevent freezing and bursting during cold snaps.
- Inspect Insulation: Check attic and wall insulation to ensure your home stays warm and energy-efficient.
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Replace batteries and test units to ensure they are functioning properly.
General Household Tips
Regularly Test Safety Devices: Make it a habit to test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Replace batteries annually and ensure all devices are in working order.
Regularly Test Safety Devices: Make it a habit to test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Replace batteries annually and ensure all devices are in working order.
Keep a Maintenance Schedule:
Create a calendar to track regular maintenance tasks like changing HVAC filters, inspecting the roof, and checking plumbing for leaks. Staying organized can prevent small issues from becoming major problems.
Create a calendar to track regular maintenance tasks like changing HVAC filters, inspecting the roof, and checking plumbing for leaks. Staying organized can prevent small issues from becoming major problems.
Declutter and Organize:
A clutter-free home is easier to clean and maintain. Regularly go through your belongings to donate or discard items you no longer need. Invest in storage solutions to keep things tidy.
A clutter-free home is easier to clean and maintain. Regularly go through your belongings to donate or discard items you no longer need. Invest in storage solutions to keep things tidy.
Manage Pests:
Regularly inspect your home for signs of pests. Seal cracks and openings, keep food sealed, and maintain a clean environment to deter unwanted visitors.
Regularly inspect your home for signs of pests. Seal cracks and openings, keep food sealed, and maintain a clean environment to deter unwanted visitors.
Maintain Appliances:
Extend the life of your appliances by performing regular maintenance. Clean refrigerator coils, descale your coffee maker, and run a vinegar cycle through your dishwasher to keep them running efficiently.
Extend the life of your appliances by performing regular maintenance. Clean refrigerator coils, descale your coffee maker, and run a vinegar cycle through your dishwasher to keep them running efficiently.
Handy DIY Fixes
Fixing Leaky Faucets: A dripping faucet can waste a significant amount of water. Most leaks are caused by worn-out washers, which are easy to replace.
Unclogging Drains: Prevent clogs by using a drain guard to catch hair and debris. For minor clogs, a plunger or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can do the trick.
Patching Drywall: Small holes and dents in drywall are easy to fix with a patch kit. Simply sand the area, apply the patch, and paint over it for a seamless repair.
Re-caulking Bathrooms: Over time, caulk can become moldy or crack. Remove old caulk, clean the area thoroughly, and apply a new, smooth bead for a fresh seal.
Lubricating Squeaky Hinges: A few drops of oil or a quick spray of WD-40 can silence squeaky doors and cabinets.
Fixing Leaky Faucets: A dripping faucet can waste a significant amount of water. Most leaks are caused by worn-out washers, which are easy to replace.
Unclogging Drains: Prevent clogs by using a drain guard to catch hair and debris. For minor clogs, a plunger or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can do the trick.
Patching Drywall: Small holes and dents in drywall are easy to fix with a patch kit. Simply sand the area, apply the patch, and paint over it for a seamless repair.
Re-caulking Bathrooms: Over time, caulk can become moldy or crack. Remove old caulk, clean the area thoroughly, and apply a new, smooth bead for a fresh seal.
Lubricating Squeaky Hinges: A few drops of oil or a quick spray of WD-40 can silence squeaky doors and cabinets.
While many maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, some jobs require a professional touch. Don’t hesitate to call Austin TX Handyman for expert help with:
Keeping your home well-maintained is an ongoing process, but with these tips, you can tackle everyday tasks with confidence. For those bigger projects or when you need an extra hand, trust The Habitat Heroes Austin Tx to provide reliable, professional service.
- Electrical repairs and installations
- Plumbing issues
- Major appliance repairs
- HVAC maintenance and repair
- Structural repairs and major renovations
Keeping your home well-maintained is an ongoing process, but with these tips, you can tackle everyday tasks with confidence. For those bigger projects or when you need an extra hand, trust The Habitat Heroes Austin Tx to provide reliable, professional service.