Spring Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home in Top Shape

2/22/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician performing inspection

As winter bids farewell and spring brings in its warmth and sunshine, it's the perfect time to give your home some much-needed attention. Regular maintenance not only keeps your property looking its best but also helps prevent costly repairs down the line. At SERVPRO® of Bay County, we understand the importance of proactive home care, so we've compiled a list of spring maintenance tips to help you keep your home in excellent working order.

Inspect and Clean Your Gutters

Start by inspecting your gutters and downspouts for any debris or blockages caused by leaves, twigs, or other debris that may have accumulated over the winter months. Clean them out thoroughly to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage to your roof, siding, and foundation.

Check Your Roof for Damage

While you're up there, take the opportunity to inspect your roof for any signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, cracked flashing, or loose seals around vents and chimneys. Addressing these issues early can help prevent leaks and water damage inside your home.

Inspect Exterior Walls and Foundation

Walk around the exterior of your home and inspect the walls and foundation for any cracks, gaps, or signs of water damage. Seal any cracks or gaps with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent moisture intrusion and pests from entering your home.

Service Your HVAC System

Spring is the perfect time to service your HVAC system to ensure it's operating efficiently and effectively. Replace the air filters, clean the vents and ducts, and schedule a professional inspection and maintenance service to keep your system running smoothly throughout the warmer months.

Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly. Replace the batteries if needed and consider upgrading to newer models if yours are outdated or not working properly.

Inspect and Clean Your Dryer Vent

Lint buildup in your dryer vent can pose a fire hazard, so be sure to inspect and clean it thoroughly. Remove any lint or debris from the vent and exhaust duct to improve airflow and reduce the risk of fire.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Trim back any overgrown trees and shrubs near your home to prevent them from touching the roof or siding. This not only improves the appearance of your property but also reduces the risk of damage from falling branches during storms.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

Finally, consider scheduling a professional home inspection to identify any potential issues or areas of concern that may require attention. A trained inspector can help you prioritize maintenance tasks and address any issues before they become more significant problems.

By following these spring maintenance tips, you can keep your home in excellent condition and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you've taken proactive steps to protect your investment. Remember, if you ever experience water damage, fire damage, or other emergencies, SERVPRO of Bay County is here to help. Contact us today for all your restoration needs.

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Make your own Green cleaning supplies

4/21/2016 (Permalink)

Make Your Own Green Cleaning Supplies

While there are several great green cleaning supply brands that are safe, healthy, and effective, some people like the option of going “full green” and making their cleaning supplies using simple ingredients. By making your own cleaning supplies, you know exactly what’s in the solution and can reduce waste. Not only will you help the environment, but you can also save money.

You might be surprised to learn what ingredients you can use to clean and which ones might already be sitting in your pantry.

The following are common ingredients that can be used to clean, either alone or with other ingredients:

– Lemon
– Baking soda
– White vinegar
– Cornstarch
– Eucalyptus oil
– Isopropyl alcohol
– Borax
– Citrus extracts
– Hydrogen peroxide
– Castille soap

Here are a few essential cleaning products you can make yourself:

Carpet Cleaner
If your carpet is a little smelly or just needs to be freshened up, simply sprinkle baking soda or corn starch onto the carpet and let it sink in for up to an hour. Then vacuum.

Air Freshener
You can easily make your own air freshener by boiling lavender or citrus extracts in water.

Window Cleaner
Forget common cleaning products that use ammonia. Make your own window cleaner by combining four cups of water to every one cup of vinegar. Add a couple of drops of essential oils for a pleasant smell.

Disinfectant
Behold the wonder of citrus! To disinfect, just use lemon juice. Lemon can even remove oil stains on laundry.

All Purpose Cleaner
Mix a quart of water with four tablespoons of baking soda for a quick and easy all purpose cleaner.

Furniture Polish
For every one cup of vegetable oil, mix in one teaspoon of lemon oil. Mix together and use a dry rag to make your furniture shine like new.

Grout Cleaner
Using a 50-50 mixture of water and white vinegar, clean your grout with a toothbrush. For more hard-to-budge dirt, mix baking soda with water to create a paste and scrub with a toothbrush.

Increase the Shine of Stainless Steel
Simply use olive oil on a dry cloth and buff to make your stainless steel appliances shine bright.

Rust Remover
Have a buildup of rust on a metal pan? Use salt and lime. Sprinkle salt onto the rust and add limejuice over the salt. Let sit for three hours and then use the lime rind to remove the mixture.

 You can also give us a call 24/7 if you are in need of damage restoration services! 850-785-1007.