Blog Highlights:
- When cleaning the ceiling fan blades, you can use a baseball cap to avoid dust from getting into your hair, as well as a pillowcase so you can clean the blades without making a mess
- You can clean the garbage disposal once a month using ice cubes
- When checking the fire extinguisher, you need to see if it has any signs of damage and if it still contains the right amount of pressure
- Use a vacuum cleaner when removing dirt and debris from the refrigerator coils
- Clamp the lawnmower blades into a vise and use a file to carefully sharpen the blades
Being pressed for time is no longer an excuse when it comes to cleaning the house. But just in case you only have a few minutes to spare, you can still cross-off some of your to-do list at home.
A few minutes can actually make a huge difference when it comes to home improvement. You need to understand that you can spend your time wisely by focusing on your household maintenance tasks instead of your social media updates. So stop putting off your chores and get ready to make the most out of your time!
Here’s a list of 10 chores that you can accomplish in just a few minutes:
1. Cleaning the ceiling fan blades
When to clean it: You should clean the fan’s blades at least 2 times per year.
How do you clean it: You need to use a baseball cap if you don’t want to get dust on your hair, and a stepladder. Wipe each blade using a ceiling fan duster, with an extension rod. You can also use a pillow case if you want to clean the fan without the mess.
2. The garbage disposal
When to clean it: You should clean the disposal at least once per month.
How do you clean it: Use ice cubes. Run the disposal and let cold water flow down the drain. Feed the ice cubes into the disposal as quickly as the disposal will allow. After putting the last cube in, you should let the water run for one minute.
3. Changing the air filters on the HVAC
When to do it: You need to change the filters once every month or every three months depending on the product guidelines.
How do you do it: Get rid of the old furnace filter, then replace it with the new, clean one by sliding it into place. Put the filter in the right direction, use the colors or the arrows on the surface of the filter as a guide.
4. Fire extinguisher maintenance check
When to do it: You need to check your fire extinguishers at least once a month.
How do you do it: Know where the fire extinguisher is located. Check its safety and tamper seals if they are still intact. Read the pressure gauge and find out if it is still in the correct range. Check it for any signs of wear and tear or damage, if you find one, replace the extinguisher right away.
5. Smoke alarm maintenance check
When to do it: You have to do the test monthly. Battery replacements must be done every six months even if the test shows that it is still working.
How to do it: Check the manufacturer’s instruction on how you can do the test. You can light a match and blow it out directly under the detector just to see if the device is working properly.
6. Dealing with the refrigerator coils
When to do it: Clean the coils 2-4 times per year.
How to do it: Access the refrigerator coils by unplugging the appliance and unsnapping the grill. Clean this area with a vacuum or use coil-cleaning brushes that you can buy at the hardware store so you can get rid of the debris.
7. Disposing of the vacuum bag
When to do it: You need to have a clean vacuum bag each month especially if you have pets or kids around, and if you use the vacuum often.
How to do it: You need to run the vacuum for 30 seconds and make sure that all the dirt goes into the bag. If the bag has any holes, you can put duct tape over it. Replace the bag with a new one if it is disposable. Otherwise, you can empty the vacuum bag into the trash and rinse it with hot water before putting it back inside the vacuum.
8. Making the lawnmower blade sharp
When to do it: You need to sharpen the blades at least once per year before the start of the mowing season.
How to do it: Remove the mower’s spark plug before removing the lawnmower blade. Put the blade in a vise and use a file to sharpen the blade’s cutting edge. Run the file along the edge in one direction. You can also use a sharpening stone.
9. Dealing with the mattresses
How to do it: Get rid of the bed sheets and bedding, and then do a quick vacuum on the top surface of your mattress. You should then rotate the mattress so it will have an even wear.
10. Maintenance check on the GFCI outlets
How to do it: With a circuit tester that has its own GFCI test button on hand, plug the device into an outlet and press the test button. If the power goes off, then the GCFI is in good condition. You can then press the reset button to restore the power. If it does not, then the GCFI is no longer working properly.
