Check air conditioner for proper operation every 3 months. Hire a licensed professional to service the unit to ensure proper operation; early check of the system may prevent inconvenience in peak season. Check the air filters and replace or clean as necessary. Remove any debris that has accumulated around the exterior condenser unit and inspect condensate lines for blockage or leaks. Vacuum air supply and air return registers to remove dust and lint and adjust registers for desired air distribution.
The maintenance of your backsplash is determined by the material. For glass and tile backsplashes, clean the tile with a damp cloth or sponge using a mild nonabrasive detergent or glass cleaner. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Clean the grout between tiles using a nylon brush or pad with mild detergent or a neutral pH cleanser as needed.
Keep the surfaces clean and free of debris. Inspect the surfaces for proper drainage, particularly during the rainy season.
Dust baseboards with a dry, soft cloth. Clean painted trim with water and a mild cleanser as needed. Repaint as routine maintenance. For stained woodwork, repair and re-stain wood as needed. Fill minor cracks with caulking or wood filler.
Clean bathroom fixtures (faucets, towel bars, drains, shower heads) with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid scouring pads, abrasive cleansers, and anything that might scratch the finish. Dry completely after cleaning.
Keep your cabinets dry; wipe up spills, splatters, and water spots as they occur. Clean as needed with a soft, lint free cloth. Use a mild detergent or soap and warm water to clean as needed and dry immediately. Avoid using a dish cloth or sponge as they might contain remnants of grease or detergents. Do not use products with bleach, ammonia, or abrasive additives. Never use scoring pads, steel wool, or powdered cleaners. Do not allow oven cleaners to come in contact with wood finishes. Avoid placing small kitchen appliances where heat is directed onto cabinet surfaces. Avoid draping damp cloths or dish towels over cabinet doors; excessive moisture can cause permanent damage. To enhance the look of your cabinets, once or twice a year at most, you can use a nonabrasive polish. It is extremely important that the polish is wiped off thoroughly with a soft terry cloth rag.
Check and test carbon monoxide detector, replace batteries at least once each year. Clean or vacuum as necessary.
Check and repair or replace caulking in your home as needed. Check for cracks or separations in caulking around sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, faucets, countertops and backsplashes, ceramic walls, resilient and ceramic floors, window sills and any other area originally caulked by the builder. Sealing joints that are subject to moisture will prevent leaks, mold and mildew and damage to adjacent surfaces.
Caesarstone is structurally more heat resistant in comparison to other stones. However, any stone material can potentially be damaged by sudden and rapid temperature changes therefore using trivets is always recommended. Do not put hot cookware directly on the Caesarstone surface. Caesarstone is resistant to cracks, scratches and stains but excessive force and/or pressure from objects can damage the surface. Caesarstone surfaces are scratch resistant; however, avoid using sharp objects such as sharp knives or screwdrivers directly on the surface. It’s hard, nonporous surface makes Caesarstone simple to clean. In most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent is all that is required to maintain its luster. If necessary, apply common, non-abrasive household cleaners directly on a damp cloth or sponge and wipe the surface, rinsing thoroughly after cleaning. To remove adhered material such as food, gum, or nail polish, first scrape away the excess material with a plastic putty knife and then clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any marks left behind and any residual dirt. Prolonged exposure to cleaning solutions may cause permanent damage/discoloration to the countertop surface. Avoid exposing Caesarstone to chemicals, such as oven grill cleaners, floor strippers, paint removers/strippers, toilet bowl cleaners, oil soaps, tarnish removers, furniture cleaners, drain products, battery acid, dishwasher detergent, etc. Should your surface accidentally be exposed to any potentially damaging products, rinse immediately with water to neutralize the effect.
To avoid damage caused by tracked-in dirt, place floor mats inside and outside of exterior entryways. Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent loose dirt from abrading your floor; tracked-in dirt is abrasive and can mar the flooring surface. Normal maintenance for glazed floor tile is damp mopping with pH neutral cleaner and warm water. Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing. You should not use a detergent on glazed tile, since soap film will give a dull appearance to the tile. No need to wax, polish or buff. Simply wiping glazed tile with a damp sponge or mop will maintain the luster. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface. Do not use vinegar or any cleaners containing acids or strong alkaline agents. All spills must be cleaned up immediately to avoid possible staining and acid burns from citrus juices or acidic liquids. Use floor protectors on furniture legs. To protect countertop surfaces, use coasters, trivets or placemats. If your ceramic tile becomes broken, chipped or damaged, it is possible to have it repaired. It is highly recommended that you keep extra tiles from original installation stored for future repairs. Check the condition of sealant and grout; repair as needed.
Regular vacuuming is the most important maintenance for your carpet. Spots are inevitable, but they don’t have to be permanent. Remove a spill quickly and there is less chance it will become a stain. Scheduled cleanings in high traffic areas can help retain appearance and performance. However, daily maintenance will still leave some soil behind. Periodic deep cleaning, using hot water extraction, is most effective at removing embedded abrasive soil. Follow manufacturers recommendations.
Check your chimney for loose or missing mortar twice a year. Have your chimney flue professionally cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. Exterior slabs should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
Clean the cooktop/range and cooking areas regularly. Keep the gas burners free of dirt and debris. When cleaning the burners, lift the burner parts only when cool. Do not use a steel wool pad; it will permanently scratch the surface. You can use a plastic scouring pad to remove burned-on food particles. Never spray cleaners directly onto control panel. The oven frame and door, and outside oven seals, should be cleaned by hand. Do not rub or clean the door seal. Occasionally clean the metal filter in warm, sudsy water. Charcoal filters should be replaced once a year. Clean the exhaust fan blades periodically. Always unplug the unit before servicing.
The maintenance of your countertops depends on the product type used on them. Please refer to the countertop material for maintenance tips. And always, refer to the manufacturers recommendations for cleaning and care.
Load dishwasher properly and run only when you have a full load. To clean the interior of your dishwasher, use a dishwasher cleaner. Inspect and clean the filters periodically. This should be done every other month or so depending on usage. If there is a decrease in wash performance or dishes feel gritty, this is also a sign that the filters need to be cleaned. If you experience a lot of spots on your dishes, you may have a hard water issue. Try using a rinse agent to prevent spots. If that doesn’t work, a water softener may be required.
Clean out debris in drain lines by flushing with a hose every 3 months.
Check and maintain drainage swales for positive drainage of surface water away from house, in from fence, and out to the street.
Check dryer vent and remove lint regularly.
Examine the electrical panels, wiring, and electrical components for evidence of overheating annually. Flip the breakers on and off to ensure that they are not sticky. Test and reset the electrical GFCI breakers
Clean and adjust the hardware if door latches, locks, and sliding door rollers are difficult to operate or if the sliding door is not sliding properly. Check the weather stripping at exterior doors annually, and repair or replace as necessary.
Inspect exterior paint, siding, trim and finishes for cracks and voids. Repaint if necessary, using the same color. If your home has a wood exterior or wood trim, expect to repaint every two to four years. You’ll need to repaint more frequently if the walls receive direct sunlight in the morning and mid-afternoon. It is recommended you check these items for necessary maintenance at least twice a year.
The main cause of leaky faucets is worn out washers. The washers inside of the faucet handles are rubber and tend to wear out quickly. Replace them by turning off the main water supply, unscrewing the leaky handle that controls the flow of water to the spout, removing the old washer, and dropping in the new one.
Check the fences and gates for weather or insect damage. Replace or repair any damaged parts. Repaint or refinish as needed and lubricate the hardware to protect from rust.
Have your fireplace and chimney professionally inspected and cleaned annually.
Make a quick inspection of the exterior to check the foundation for cracking. Pull mulch away from foundation walls.
Check Furnaceair filters and replace or clean as necessary. Remove any debris that has accumulated around the exterior condenser unit and inspect condensate lines for blockage or leaks. Vacuum air supply and air return registers to remove dust and lint. Adjust registers for desired air distribution.
We recommend you keep a fire extinguisher(s) in your home as a safety precaution. Check fire extinguishersto ensure that they are fully charged every month and review your fire escape plan with your family.
Clean with a hose and spray nozzle to remove dust and dirt from the garage door. Use a mild detergent to remove stubborn grime from the door if needed. Lubricate and adjust, if necessary, the garage doorhardware to promote smoother operation. Check hinge screw for tightness. Refer to manufactures guidelines.
Turn on cold water then turn on the disposer. Continue running water for several seconds after grinding is complete to flush the drain line. Grind peelings from citrus fruits to freshen up drain smells. Do not pour grease or fat down your disposer or any drain, it will build up and cause blockage. Don’t feel disposal with a lot of vegetable peels at once or grind eggs or a lot of fibrous materials. Don’t turn off garbage disposal until grinding is complete and only sound of motor and water is heard.
Test all GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets monthly. Press the test button and use a voltage tester to make sure the power goes off.
Granite is a natural stone and must be cared for to preserve its natural beauty. Use coasters under all glasses. While many stones can withstand heat, use of trivets and heat mats is recommended. Never use abrasive cleaners including bleach or ammonia products, vinegar, lemon juice on granite surface. Never use scoring pads or wool pads as they may dull the finish of your granite. Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap and warm water. Regarding flooring - dust mop interior floors frequently. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt, and grit that might scratch your floor. If you use a vacuum cleaner, be sure the metal or plastic attachments or the wheels are not worn as they can scratch the surface. Sealing does not make your stone stain proof. Follow manufacturers recommendations.
Clean the grout between tiles using a nylon brush or pad with mild detergent or a neutral pH cleanser as needed.
Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts for proper flow and any cracks at least twice a year. Remove any debris to avoid any water flow blockage.
Sweep regularly with a soft broom or vacuum with a soft floor attachment. Surface dirt can scratch your floor’s finish. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt, and moisture that might damage your floor. Clean with professional wood floor cleaning products. Wipe up spills immediately; moisture can cause discoloration, cupping, and damage the finish. High-heels shoes, cleats, pet toenails, and furniture legs can damage your floor. Maintain the temperature inside your home at “live-in” condition whether occupied or vacant. Check manufacturer’s recommendations for waxing and buffing and maintenance information specific to your flooring type.
Before servicing or cleaning your hood unit, turn off the power. Clean the grease filter periodically. Remove grease filters and wash them with non-abrasive cleaner. To clean the hood surface, use warm sudsy water or a stainless steel cleaner. If your hood is wood or painted, use a mild soap and warm water to clean as needed and dry immediately.
Check the area around the hot water heater tank for leaks once a month. Drain a gallon or two of water from your hot water heater at least twice a year to extend its life expectancy. It is important to keep your hot water heater clean. Turn off and disconnect power before cleaning. This appliance and vent system should be inspected annually by a licensed professional.
Have an HVAC licensed professional service the unit to ensure proper operation annually; early check of the system may prevent inconvenience in peak season. Check the air filters and replace or clean as necessary. Remove any debris that has accumulated around the exterior condenser unit and inspect condensate lines for blockage or leaks. Vacuum air supply and air return registers to remove dust and lint and adjust registers for desired air distribution. Check the air conditioning condensation lines regularly to ensure water is draining from the primary line and not the secondary line. Call a licensed professional to repair if needed.
To avoid common household pests, we recommend you initiate and maintain monthly Insect Control.
Lubricate and clean rollers, moving parts, and faying surfaces (those closely joined) on pocket or sliding doors. Lubricate interior door hinges with a silicone-based lubricant as needed. Avoid oil; it gathers dust. Vacuum thresholds and check strike plates, plungers and latches for proper operation and adjust as needed. Remove smudges with warm water and a mild detergent. Repaint painted doors, according to wear and tear.
Be certain electric current is turned off before cleaning. Wipe clean and buff with a soft, dry cloth. Make sure the power is turned off before you change the light bulb (preferable at the fuse box). Let the light bulb cool off before you unscrew it.
Granite is a natural stone and must be cared for to preserve its natural beauty. Granite is a calcareous stone and many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface. Use coasters under all glasses. While many stones can withstand heat, use of trivets and heat mats is recommended. Never use abrasive cleaners including bleach or ammonia products, vinegar, lemon juice on granite surface. Never use scoring pads or wool pads as they may dull the finish of your granite. Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap and warm water. Regarding flooring - dust mop interior floors frequently. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt, and grit that might scratch your floor. If you use a vacuum cleaner, be sure the metal or plastic attachments or the wheels are not worn as they can scratch the surface. Sealing does not make your stone stain proof. Follow manufacturers recommendations.
Marble is a natural stone and must be cared for to preserve its natural beauty. Marble is a calcareous stone and many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface. Use coasters under all glasses. While many stones can withstand heat, use of trivets and heat mats is recommended. Never use abrasive cleaners including bleach or ammonia products, vinegar, lemon juice on marble surface. Never use scoring pads or wool pads as they may dull the finish of your marble. Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap and warm water. Regarding flooring - dust mop interior floors frequently. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt, and grit that might scratch your floor. If you use a vacuum cleaner, be sure the metal or plastic attachments or the wheels are not worn as they can scratch the surface. Sealing does not make your stone stain proof. Follow manufacturers recommendations.
Regularly clean the inside and removable glass shelves; food residue keeps reheating and can cause the glass shelves to break. Only use a solution of baking soda and water to clean the interior to avoid damaging the lining. Clean the underside of the unit often to prevent grease build-up on the microwave and fan filter. Do not use cleaning sprays or abrasives on the control panel.
Clean with warm water or glass and mirror cleaner and a soft cloth. Dry thoroughly. Avoid getting glass cleaner on wood frames; simply dust those with a soft, dry cloth.
Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
Clean the interior of your oven regularly. If you have a self-cleaning oven, do not use any other method to clean it. The oven frame and door, and outside oven seals, should be cleaned by hand. Do not rub or clean the door seal.
Exterior Paint: it is recommended that you wash the exterior of your house at least once per year. This will remove any dirt, dust, mildew and other contaminants that may exist. If you encounter peeling, simply scrape and sand all loos paint down to bare wood, then prime and re-paint. Interior Paint: Repaint ceilings, walls and trim as routine maintenance. Fill minor cracks with caulking or wood filler and allow to dry before applying paint. To achieve acceptable touch-up results, it is important to use the same method as the original application. Be sure to use paint from the original batch for touch-ups. Allow at least 30 days from painting to clean your painted surfaces.
In order to keep water flowing freely through your pipes, keep these tips in mind. Accumulating fats and oils are the main cause for clogs, so never pour fats or other oils down your drains. Get a hair strainer for the bathtub drain; hair is the primary culprit in the bathroom. This will reduce the amount of hair that finds its way through the strainer and into your plumbing. Skip the Drano. Though the acids it contains can help unclog a drain, they also cause significant damage to your plumbing. If your bathtub or toilet is completely clogged, use a small drain snake to pull the offending clog to the surface. If you cannot remove the clog using a drain snake, call a professional.
Keep a proper water level at all times. Maintain chemical balance. Clean basket strainers regularly.
For every day cleaning use a soft sponge or dishcloth with warm water. For stubborn or greasy clean-ups use a gentle liquid cleaner, such as denatured alcohol. Never use abrasive cleaners, scoring pads, or wool pads as they may dull the finish of your quartz. Do not use natural stone cleaners on quartz. There is no need to seal quartz, as it is impenetrable and sealers will remain on the surface and eventually sealers will wear off unevenly causing the polish to appear inconsistent. Although quartz is scotch resistant under most normal conditions, you should still always use a trivet or hot pad between your quartz and any heat generating device.
Clean the range and oven surfaces and cooking areas regularly. Keep the gas burners free of dirt and debris. When cleaning the burners, lift the burner parts only when cool. Do not use a steel wool pad; it will permanently scratch the surface. You can use a plastic scouring pad to remove burned-on food particles. Never spray cleaners directly onto control panel. The oven frame and door, and outside oven seals, should be cleaned by hand. Do not rub or clean the door seal. Occasionally clean the metal filter in warm, sudsy water. Charcoal filters should be replaced once a year. Clean the exhaust fan blades periodically. Always unplug the unit before servicing.
Clean the interior and exterior surfaces regularly. Clean coils with a condenser coil brush. Once a year slide the refrigerator out and vacuum around and beneath it. Defrost freezers once a year before frost is ½ inch thick on inside walls and clean. When storing items in the door, place the heaviest items closest to the hinge side; this will reduce stress on the door and inner door panel when it is open and shut.
Examine roof shingles to see if any are lost or damaged annually. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
We recommend you check and replace the rubber washers on your exterior hoses and hose bibs bi-annually to avoid any leakage.
Carefully inspect the condition of your shower/tub enclosures and repair or replace any deteriorated grout or caulk. When cleaning, do not allow cleaners to sit and soak. Avoid scouring pads, abrasive cleansers, and anything that might scratch the finish. Wipe down your shower/tub with a soft cloth after each use to prevent a buildup of soap and scum.
Thoroughly clean ceramic tile surfaces and grout with tile cleaner and a brush. Check the condition of sealant and grout; repair as needed. Clean faucet with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid scouring pads, abrasive cleansers, and anything that might scratch the finish.
We recommend you check the shut-off valves at all plumbing fixtures bi-annually to make sure they function properly.
Clean sliding glass door track and apply silicone or other non-oil-based lubricant spray to tracks as necessary.
Change the batteries in your smoke detectors twice a year. Choose family birthdays or holidays as reminders.
Check sprinkler heads to assure they spray away from the house. Adjust sprinkler watering schedule times as needed for season.
Repaint or re-stain railings and banisters as routine maintenance. Clean surfaces with water and a mild cleanser like dish soap.
Clean the cooktop/range, oven surfaces and cooking areas regularly. Keep the gas burners free of dirt and debris. When cleaning the burners, lift the burner parts only when cool. Do not use a steel wool pad; it will permanently scratch the surface. You can use a plastic scouring pad to remove burned-on food particles. Never spray cleaners directly onto control panel. The oven frame and door, and outside oven seals, should be cleaned by hand. Do not rub or clean the door seal. Occasionally clean the metal filter in warm, sudsy water. Charcoal filters should be replaced once a year. Clean the exhaust fan blades periodically. Always unplug the unit before servicing.
Improve appearance and extend the life of stucco. Inspect, touch up and paint as needed. Hairline cracks are normal in stucco, caused by large seasonal temperature and humidity changes. Prompt repair of damaged stucco will extend the life of the stucco.
Use a cleaner that is PH neutral. Do not use wax, oil-based, abrasive cleaners, or sealants. Thoroughly clean ceramic tile surfaces and grout with tile cleaner and a brush. Do not use wool pads because they may scratch the surface. Rinse the tile thoroughly with clean water to remove any left-over detergents. Check the condition of sealant and grout; repair as needed.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are among the easiest flooring materials to clean. Due to their impenetrable glazes, their surfaces are resistant to water, dirt, debris, and even germs and bacteria. Sweep or vacuum your tile floor before you wash it to prevent it from becoming muddy or leaving a residue. Use a cleaner that is PH neutral. Do not use wax, oil-based, abrasive cleaners, or sealants. Thoroughly clean ceramic tile surfaces and grout with tile cleaner and a brush. Do not use wool pads because they may scratch the surface. Rinse the tile thoroughly with clean water to remove any left-over detergents. Check the condition of sealant and grout; repair as needed.
Avoid flushing anything but toilet paper down the toilet. When cleaning your toilet, avoid using aerosol products. Do not allow abrasive chemicals and cosmetics (such as fingernail polish and aftershave) to come in contact with the toilet seat, as they can damage the finish.
To avoid any damage to your home, prune tree branches, bushes, and shrubs that are too close to the house or fence.
Clean painted trim and finishes with water and a mild cleanser like dish soap. Repaint as routine maintenance. For stained woodwork, repair and re-stain wood as needed. Fill minor cracks with caulking or wood filler.
Do not overload washing machine and choose appropriate level for size of load. Heavy clothing such as jeans and towels should be spread out over two or more loads to avoid added strain to the machine. Do not spill laundry products on exterior of washer or dryer. Do not spray stain removers onto garments on top of the washer or dryer as it can corrode painted or plastic parts. Clean dryer lint filter before each load. Clean out exhaust vent system at least once a year. Be sure the vent from the dryer vents outside, ever into the house. Clean the washer and dryer exterior regularly. Wipe the dryer door opening occasionally. Never clean the dryer drum with flammable solvents.
Check the Water Faucet Aerators for the proper flow of water. Clean the aerator screens if the flow is reduced. During the first few months, the faucet aerators could require more frequent cleaning.
Once a year, drain your water heater to remove sediment, and check and replace your anode rods as recommended by the manufacturer, or as needed. It is recommended you have an HVAC contractor check these systems for you annually in the fall.
Routinely check water supply lines for water leakage. Inspect under the kitchen and bathroom cabinets inspect pipes, drains and valves at sinks. Also check valves and lines to the toilets to ensure no leakage. Carefully tighten if loose or leaking.
Check the weather stripping at exterior doors annually, and repair or replace as necessary.
Clean window tracks of any debris to keep the weep holes free of blockage to prevent water from leaking into your home. Always check before rainy season. Also check windows for smooth operation and lubricate as necessary with a non-oil-based lubricant. Inspect window screens to make sure they are properly secured with a tight fit to avoid pests from entering your home.
Low areas in the yard should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in the summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.