Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibility and, while you might be aware of what you need to do regularly, you might not be thinking about hidden tasks that make a big impact. In actuality, you may slowly be incurring damage to your home if you don’t do these little-known maintenance tasks recommended by expert repairmen, roofers, contractors, and more. The good news is that you can avoid these costly problems by investing in some super budget-friendly fixes on Amazon.
According to Paige Warrington, project manager at ASAP Restoration LLC, “Your dryer vent ducting can get clogged with lint and particulate just like the screen does. The difference is that when this happens in the ducting, it can cause a fire that spreads to the rest of the home.” So, she recommends this best-selling dryer vent cleaning kit that includes two durable, synthetic brushes with flexible nylon rods that extend up to 30 feet. You can attach the rods to a power drill or use them solo to clean out the lint from your dryer’s gaps and exhaust port.
“It isn’t difficult to pull out your dryer and use a duct cleaning tool to extract any runaway lint that might clog your vents and cause a structure fire if left unaccounted for,” says Warrington. “Do this once a year or so for peace of mind and better energy efficiency too!” If you want to speed up the removal process, try this dryer vent cleaning kit that will help you remove lint buildup with your vacuum cleaner. The hose attaches to your vacuum via an adapter and is slim and flexible enough to fit inside hard-to-reach gaps and behind the dryer. It also fits into the dryer catch when you remove the lint catcher.
“Overloading your appliances is a common mistake that some homeowners make, as this puts a strain on all the moving parts of an appliance and makes them wear out faster,” says Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly Company. Try these cable labels to keep track of which appliances you have plugged in. A pack features nine color labels to help you differentiate (or color-code) your devices, plus each label has a spacious writing surface. And a reusable hook-and-loop closure means these won’t leave sticky residue behind on your cables.
Lewis also emphasizes the costly price of undone home maintenance. “Neglecting regular maintenance is another issue — all machines need proper maintenance to live long and productive lives,” he explains. In line with his advice are these washing machine cleaning tablets. They’re crafted to break down quickly into a deep-scrubbing powder — thoroughly cleaning your washing machine’s drum, tub seal, and pipes. Simply drop a tablet in the tub, run a cycle, and wipe the inside clean when the cycle is done.
Per Lewis’s advice, your dishwasher is another machine that might get neglected. To keep it running smoothly, use these dishwasher cleaning tablets formulated to clean and deodorize. They will remove limescale, invisible buildup, and hard water stains, targeting hard-to-reach interior areas, including the pipes, filter, and spray arms. They’re super easy to use, too — just place a tablet in the detergent tray and run an empty cycle.
Since it’s easy to forget about the regular home maintenance that Lewis recommends, make it easier on yourself with these magnetic dry-erase calendars. A set comes with three handy calendars to stick on your fridge, including a daily, weekly, and monthly planner. Use the six dry-erase markers to write down chores and the eraser to clean and reuse them.
“Using improper cleaning methods or products can damage the surfaces [of appliances],” says Lewis, who adds that avoiding “harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and overly acidic or alkaline solutions” will prevent unwanted damage. One such cleaner option is this stainless steel cleaning kit. Its coconut oil-based formula will leave a streak-free shine on your fridge, dishwasher, and other stainless steel appliances while protecting against scratches, fingerprints, and smudges. Use the gentle microfiber cloth to buff it in, and enjoy the fresh scent of lavender, citrus, and eucalyptus.
As for a cleaner on your washing machine and other surfaces, try this mold remover gel. Its gentle, bleach-free formula aligns with Lewis’s advice and is safe for your washing machine’s seal, tile grout, and stainless steel sinks. It applies in seconds via the applicator tip. Then, wait at least five hours. Rinse to reveal a clean, mold-free surface.
Tyler Hull, Co-Owner of Bubblegum Flooring, says it’s essential to test your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. “Non-functional detectors can fail to alert you to dangerous conditions, risking safety,” he says. “Test detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed.” This carbon monoxide detector simply plugs right into an AC outlet (and has backup power via AA batteries). Press the “Test/Reset” button to test. A loud alarm will sound if it detects CO. It also has memory settings that log the last time you tested, so you can stay on a schedule.
“Leaks under sinks or behind appliances can grow mold and cause water damage if left in place,” says Hull.........