Spring Cleaning ChecklistUncategorizedMay 10, 2016Warmer weather is approaching, bees are buzzing, birds are chirping, flowers are starting to bloom – the long-awaited signs of spring are here! With spring arriving, it is also time for that annual spring-cleaning. Let us at Pacific Insurance Broker Inc. help you get started in freshening up your spring home. We have complied a comprehensive checklist to help you maintain your home and keep it safe for the new blooming season. Spring-cleaning cannot be completed in one day, so set aside generally 1-2 weeks to tackle the job. Before you start, go through your home with a notebook in hand, to jot down the refurbishments and repairs you need/want to do (ie. dusting, paint-jobs, window repairs, floor waxing, alarm replacement, etc). You may choose to clean from room-to-room, from the outside to the inside of the home, or from one task to another. Don’t forget to clean the common neglected areas like the attic, the blinds, under the sink, AC vents and baseboards. On Your Checklist Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors Check that your smoke and/or CO detectors are functioning properly. There should be at least 1 smoke detector on each floor. If you hear the beeping low-battery alarm, you need to change the batteries. It is good habit to change the batteries when the time changes for Daylight Saving. Clean your detectors. Fire Prevention Canada advises that the smoke detectors should be checked monthly and cleaned every 6 months. Windows and Doors Especially after the winter season, the seams and caulking of windows and doors are at risk for water and moisture damage. Check the seams for cracks and replace the caulking if needed. While you’re cleaning your windows, don’t forget to dust and wash the curtains and blinds – areas that are often neglected. For doors, check and replace malfunctioning and broken locks. Lights and Ceiling Fixtures Lights and ceiling fixtures, such as fans, easily collect a lot of dust. You can clean the majority of dusts off ceiling fan blades by using a vacuum and then a damp cloth. For lights, replace broken or malfunctioning light bulbs. Check that your light bulbs match the correct wattage on the fixture as directed by the manufacturer. In addition, consider replacing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs to prevent overheating. Importantly, make sure to turn off all lights and ceiling fixtures before cleaning or replacing them. Floors Dust and vacuum your floors, paying attention to the corner areas and under the furniture, where a majority of dust collects. Wet-clean wooden floors every 1-2 months. Be sure not to mop wooden floors too often or it will ruin the wood. Water heater and air conditioner With the warmer weather, the heater is no longer in much use. This means that is is even easier to overlook any problems with the heater. Run your heater to make sure it is still functioning correctly and check for any leaks and corrosion. Moreover, have your air-conditioning system inspected by a professional. Household Appliances Deep clean your dishwasher with a specialty cleanser or a homemade cleanser of 1 cup white vinegar and 1 cup baking soda leaving it in overnight . Remove the grease in your oven – baking soda and white vinegar works well to clean the bottom. Wipe the inside and the outside of the refrigerator using warm soapy water. Don’t forget to clean under the fridge. Disinfect the washing machine with distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Check and clean the lint from the dryer hose. For all appliances, check for frayed wires or loose plugs which present potential fire hazards. Make sure that fuse boxes and extension cords are not overloaded. Clothes and Clutter Clothes and clutter build up fast through the year. Sort unwanted items and clothes into boxes for donation, selling and garbage. Remove clutter from doors, hallways and emergency exits, which present fire hazards. Emergency Kit and Emergency Plan It’s about that time to check and update your family’s emergency kit. Make sure that first-aid items are in-stock. Check that your fire extinguisher is filled and operable. Review your home’s emergency plan with your family. Car maintenance Clean the inside and the outside of the car. Inspect the lights, signals and fluid levels. Check that the windshield wipers are functioning – it is common for them to be damaged from the winter weather. Yard and Driveway To prevent any accidents, repair uneven and cracked surfaces on the driveway and walkway. Remove dead tree branches. Trim trees and buses away from any utility wires. Check that all and gas for lawn equipment are stored in a locked and vented area. Roof and gutters Examine your roof and tilings for any water or weather damage. Check that gutters are free of debris and that they bring water away from the roof. Review Insurance Policies It’s recommended that you review and update your insurance policies once a year and spring-cleaning is a perfect time to do so. Check for any changes in your coverage. If you’ve made any major purchases or alterations to your home, verify that you are properly covered. Need a new quote? Get an online quote now from one of the professionals at Pacific Insurance Broker Inc. With this checklist in-hand, we at Pacific Insurance Broker Inc. wish you a happy and safe spring-cleaning! The above information is intended to provide a general overview of the subject of interest and should not be a substitution of legal and professional advice. You are encouraged to consult an expert for professional advice specific to your situation.