[Herald futures Line] Home cleaning Column

Spring Home Care

Merry`s Home Cleaning Diary⑧

Spring is the perfect time for home maintenance. The weather is warmer, the birds are singing, and most importantly, spending a little time now can save you a lot of money later.

Inside the HomeBegin with a general furnace inspection. Look for rust and scale. Listen for odd sounds and have any strange smells checked. If something seems wrong, call in a qualified professional. In order to insure efficiency of your a/c system, clean or replace air filters and vacuum the outside of all vents and registers throughout the house. Change the batteries in all smoke, radon and carbon monoxide detectors; and while you`re at it, vacuum the outside of these detectors to remove any dust that could hinder their effectiveness.

Next, inspect your plumbing systems. Check all water supply lines for drips or leaks. In the kitchen and bathrooms, check for leaks under the sinks. During the cold winter weather, pipes can contract which may create improper seals or connections. A simple turn of the wrench or a 50-cent washer can save a lot of money later. Put a couple of drops of food coloring in your toilet tank and check back about an hour later. If the water in the bowl is the same color you put in the tank, it`s time to replace the bowl flap valve.If your drains have begun to slow down, flush them with a 50/50 baking soda and vinegar mix. If that doesn`t work, use a lye product. But make sure you follow the instructions if you use lye, because it can be dangerous.

Don`t forget your water herter. Test the pressure relief valve. The owner`s manual will give you instructions. It`s also a good idea to drain a few gallons from the bottom of the tank to help reduce scale build-up. You`ll increase the efficiency and longevity of your water heater this way.

By spending less than a day on all of these inspections, the savings could be substantial. Additionally, you can`t put a price on increasing the safety of your home.

On the OutsideStart by hosing down the outside walls. During the wet winter season, a lot of dirt can accumulate, especially near the base of the exterior walls. Trim any trees or shrubs that touch the house.

Next, walk around the roof to see if it feels sound under your feet. Any sign of sponginess should be checked from the underside. It could be a sign of damage. Be careful, but look at every square foot of your roof. Shingles may have been lifted or damaged during the winter. Check the flashing around chimneys for any damage or cracks. And don`t forget to free the gutters of any debris.

Keeping your house sealed to the elements is one of the most important measures you can take to save money later. During the cold winter months, many cracks can develop that were not previously present. In general, look for places where wood meets concentrate, or glass meets wood should all be sealed. You`ll use caulk, glazing compound, weather stripping or a foam type product to seal these joints. Utilize your nearby hardware or home improvement store professional to help you select the correct material for the job.

By ignoring even a small crack, your procrastination can allow water to seep into your home and create a major problem later. Remember, your goal is to spend a little time now tracking inexpensive measures in order to prevent big bills down the road.(merrymaids Korea, 1577-9944)

PUT YOUR WINTER WARDROBE TO REST

As you clean and organize your home preparing for the spring season, don`t forget to store your winter clothes so they don`t fall prey to moths or mildew. Here are some suggestions on how to properly store your winter wardrobe.

○ Clean garments prior to storage. Many insects, especially moths, thrive on greasy food stains. Uncleaned clothes may also contain "invisible" stains. If these stains contain sugar, they will oxidize over the summer months, causing a yellow or brownish stain.

○ Don`t use starch because it can serve as food for some insects.

○ Store items in a cool, well-ventilated area away from artificial or natural light.

○ Avoid plastic dry cleaning bags. They can trap moisture and cause mildew.

○ Hang coats and heavy suits on padded or wood hangers.

○ Store furs professionally.○ Seal storage containers as tightly as possible.○ Hang plastic resin insecticide strips in closets.(merrymaids Korea, 1577-9944)

HOME EXTERIOR PAINTING TIPS

Spring is a great time to put a fresh coat of paint on the outside of your home. With new flowers and budding trees in the yard, why not give your house a bright new look as well? Here are a few easy steps to ensure the best results and a longer lasting paint job.

1. Power wash the surface. Keep the spray wand at least 12 in. from the siding to prevent surface gouging. Don`t use it to clean windows; it will break glass. Always wear eye protection.

2. Scrape off loose paint. After washing , scrape loose and flaking paint down to the bare wood. If the paint cannot be removed, it`s most likely bonded to the wood, so it can be painted over. After scraping, sand the wood until it`s smooth.

3. Fill Nicks and Gouges. To fix surface imperfections, fill areas with an exterior-grade surfacing compound. After drying, sand smooth with medium(100-grit) sandpaper.

4. Caulk Joints and Gaps. To ensure a good-looking paint job and to prevent water penetration and indoor drafts, caulk all joints where the siding meets the windows, door trim and other openings. Use a paintable acrylic latex or silicone acrylic caulk, but be sure to remove old caulk first. Don`t forget to caulk around outdoor electrical boxes, water faucets, lights, under door thresholds and window sills.

5. Re-putty Window Glass. Re-putty any windows where the glazing compound is cracked or missing. Remove old putty (try to get down to the bare wood of the sash.) Use an artist`s brush and an oil-based primer dries, apply a new bead of glazing compound. Follow directions on the container for specific drying times.

6. Prime All Bare Wood. New paint will not adhere without proper priming. So prime all bare wood, scraped/sanded areas. and all areas filled with surfacing compound. When in doubt about a surface, prime.(merrymaids Korea, 1577-9944)

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