Home Maintenance Checklist: How Often to Do 66 Household Tasks

Empty it, wash shelves and drawers with warm water and baking soda, and check the door seals.

Unplug it and vacuum the dust off the coils: it uses less energy and lasts longer.

Do it when the ice is thicker than about 5 mm.

Remove it from the bottom, rinse under the tap and brush off any residue.

Run an empty hot cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner; clean the spray arms and seals.

Leave a baking soda paste overnight and wipe it off the next day.

Metal filters go in the dishwasher or hot water with degreaser; charcoal filters must be replaced.

Heat a bowl of water and lemon for 3 minutes; the steam loosens the grime.

Check the manufacturer’s recommendation: many cartridges last 6 months.

Run a full cycle with water and vinegar or citric acid, then rinse twice.

Baking soda, vinegar and hot water; now and then take apart and clean the trap.

Throw out expired items, wipe the shelves and prevent pantry moths.

Grease builds up on handles and top edges.

If the silicone is black or peeling, remove it and apply new anti-mould sealant.

Soak them in white vinegar for a few hours (or tie a bag of vinegar around the showerhead).

Remove hair from the grate and use baking soda with vinegar.

Brush with baking soda paste; for mould, diluted bleach with good ventilation.

Most can go in the washing machine on a warm cycle.

Add food colouring to the tank: if it shows in the bowl without flushing, it’s leaking.

A dirty fan doesn’t remove moisture, and mould appears.

Take expired medicines to a collection point and restock the first-aid kit.

Empty wash at 60–90 °C with vinegar or cleaner, then dry the door seal.

It’s usually at the bottom front. Put a tray underneath — water will come out.

Built-up lint reduces efficiency and is a fire hazard.

Thorough vacuum, then foam clean or a professional service depending on the fabric.

Rotate head-to-foot (and flip if double-sided) to avoid sagging.

Sprinkle baking soda, leave for an hour and vacuum: removes odours and mites.

Check the label; most can be washed on a gentle cycle and dried well in the sun.

Good timing: at the change of season, before storing them.

They collect dust and odours; vacuum them between washes.

Foam clean or professional service; vacuum the back now and then.

Use a brush and vacuum on the tracks before wiping.

Also check the cords and mechanisms.

If you haven’t worn it in a year, donate it.

With the light off and cool; replace any dead bulbs while you’re at it.

Tip: slide an old pillowcase over each blade so dust doesn’t fall.

Include door handles and light switches: they’re touched the most.

Light oil or spray lubricant; use graphite powder for locks.

Monthly during heavy use. Rinse with water and let them dry in the shade.

Before summer: clean the outdoor unit and drain, and check the refrigerant.

Before winter, by a licensed technician: flame, ventilation and carbon monoxide.

Flushing sediment and checking the anode greatly extends its life.

At the start of winter; if they’re only warm at the bottom, they have air.

Before the season: built-up soot can catch fire.

Hold the test button until it beeps.

And replace the whole detector every 10 years.

Check the gauge is in the green and the recharge expiry date.

Soapy water on the joints: bubbles mean a leak. Hoses have an expiry date.

Press the “T” button on the panel: it should cut power immediately.

Best after leaves fall and before the rainy season.

Look for broken tiles, lifted membrane or damp stains on the ceilings inside.

A small crack sealed early prevents big leaks.

Cleaning and disinfecting it every 6 months is recommended.

Most are pruned in late winter.

Most effective in spring and autumn.

Wood benefits from a coat of oil or protector once a season.

Before summer: clean, check the pump and filter, and balance the water.

Backwash when the pressure gauge rises.

Grates, grease tray and ashes; oil the iron so it doesn’t rust.

Leaves and soil block the drain and water gets inside.

Tracks, rollers and hinges; if automatic, test the safety sensor.

Helps keep fleas and odours under control.

Empty fully, hot water and mild soap (no bleach mixed with ammonia).

Hot water and a splash of bleach; let them dry in the sun.

Dirty filters reduce suction and can cause overheating.

Check corners and under counters, seal entry points and treat if needed.