Taking care of your Waterloo Region home this season isn’t just about getting in on all those trending summer looks and beautifying the backyard. It’s also about getting all those dreaded seasonal maintenance tasks done and out of the way before cold weather arrives.
We know, we know, summer is barely here yet, so it’s hard to imagine another fall and winter ahead. But formulating your summer to-do list now will ensure you can space things out and still enjoy plenty of lazy days off.
In order to help you organize your summer maintenance schedule, we’ve compiled this list with input from the experts—including details on which tasks to do yourself and which are best left to the professionals, especially if you're undertaking this work to get ready to sell your Waterloo Region home.
With all this in mind, here are seven summer maintenance musts for you to start checking off this season
Check Your Outdoor AC Units
Having a clean and dust-free outdoor AC unit is an often overlooked summer maintenance must. Keeping your HVAC system clean and tuned up will not only save you money on your electric bill, but also ensure the unit is performing at its best capacity.
At a minimum, air-conditioning condenser coils should be cleaned at least twice a year. It’s best to clean them before starting the system for the season and again when the weather starts to get hot for prolonged periods of time—that is, right now.
While you might be tempted to break out your scrub brush, this job is best left to the professionals though, to avoid doing more harm than good!
Clean Your Outdoor Cooking Space
Your outdoor grill and cooking area are the heart of summer entertaining. However, a greasy grill or a dingy patio can quickly dampen the party vibe. Getting this area sparkling clean is a must-do before firing up the BBQ for your next gathering.
First, tackle your grill. Whether you have a trusty charcoal kettle grill or a deluxe gas model, a thorough cleaning is key to both delicious food and a good impression. Here's the process:
Prep for Cleaning: Let the grill cool completely after use. Disconnect the gas or remove any charcoal remnants.
Degreasing Power: Use a commercial grill cleaner or a DIY solution of baking soda and water to scrub down grates, drip trays, and other surfaces.
Brush & Scrape: A sturdy grill brush works wonders for removing stubborn debris. Don't forget those nooks and crannies where grease can accumulate!
Rinse & Dry: Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to air dry completely before using again.
For a deeper clean, especially if your grill is heavily used, consider a pressure washer. It can blast away stuck-on grease and grime with minimal effort. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid directing the spray at sensitive components. Once this done, make a habit of wiping down your grill after each barbecue session to prevent grease buildup.
By taking the time to clean your outdoor cooking space, you'll ensure a safer, more enjoyable grilling experience for you and your guests. Plus, if you're considering selling your home, a well-maintained outdoor cooking area adds significant appeal and potential value.
Check Your Deck for Damage
Winter and even spring in our region can be harsh on our outdoor spaces—particularly wooden decks and surfaces. The long, bright days of summer are a good time to scope out whether they need any repairs.
Checking whether a deck needs repair usually involves three tests: stability, rust, and rot. To properly inspect your deck, walk up and down each board, and grab each post to see if anything is loose. Next, check the metal fasteners and connectors for rust.
While surface rust can be removed, you’ll want to replace anything that looks like it’s been compromised. Finally, use a screwdriver to gently poke various boards and posts. If the wood is soft and doesn’t splinter, that’s usually an indicator of rot—and it should be replaced.
Pest Prevention: Protecting Your Outdoor Oasis (and Your Indoor Peace!)
As the Waterloo Region comes to life in spring and summer, so do those pesky insects. While we all want to enjoy our outdoor spaces, no one wants ants marching across the patio or mosquitos crashing the BBQ. Let's tackle pest prevention in a way that keeps your home enjoyable, whether you're enjoying summer nights or prepping to sell:
Proactive Prevention:
Seal It Up: Inspect your home's exterior for cracks or gaps where pests can enter. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these entry points.
Cleanliness is Key: Keep your kitchen and dining areas tidy. Wipe up spills promptly, store food in sealed containers, and take out the trash regularly.
Yard Maintenance: Trim overgrown shrubs, remove standing water, and keep your lawn well-maintained. This eliminates hiding places and breeding grounds for pests.
Natural Deterrents: Plant herbs like mint, basil, or lavender around your home's perimeter. Their scents can deter some pests.
If Pests Invade:
Identify the Culprit: Determine what kind of pest you're dealing with (ants, mosquitoes, etc.) to choose the most effective solution.
Natural Solutions: Try diatomaceous earth, essential oils (like peppermint or citronella), or even a simple mixture of dish soap and water to deter or eliminate pests.
Targeted Traps: For specific pests, deploy ant traps, mosquito zappers, or sticky traps to catch them.
Professional Help: If DIY solutions don't work, don't hesitate to call a pest control professional. They have access to more powerful treatments and can identify underlying causes of infestations.
Home Staging Considerations:
Remember, if you're selling your home, a pest problem can be a major red flag for buyers. Even if you've addressed the issue, evidence of pests can create a negative impression. Take the following steps:
Thorough Cleaning: Remove any visible signs of pests, such as droppings or dead insects.
Fresh Air: Open windows and doors to air out your home before showings, ensuring it smells fresh and clean.
Discreet Prevention: If using traps or deterrents, place them out of sight or opt for less noticeable options.
By taking proactive measures and acting swiftly when needed, you can keep your home pest-free and create a more enjoyable outdoor experience for yourself, your family, and potential buyers.
Dust Hard-to-Reach Places
Don't underestimate the impact of a layer of dust! Beyond aesthetics, those tiny particles can wreak havoc on your home's air quality and even stress your appliances.
Here's the lowdown:
Air Quality Enemy: Dust is a sneaky allergen, carrying pollen, pet dander, and other irritants that can trigger allergies and asthma. Regularly dusting keeps the air cleaner and healthier for you and your family.
Appliance Killer: When dust infiltrates the inner workings of your appliances, it can clog vents, motors, and filters. This not only makes them less efficient but also causes them to work harder, increasing wear and tear and shortening their lifespan.
Energy Bill Buster: Dust buildup on coils and heat exchangers forces appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners to consume more energy to maintain desired temperatures. This spike in energy usage directly translates into higher utility bills.
Take Action:
Top-Down Approach: Start with the highest surfaces and work your way down. Grab an extendable duster to tackle those ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, and the tops of tall cabinets.
Furniture & Electronics: Use a microfiber cloth or dusting spray to gently wipe down furniture surfaces, electronics, and other frequently used items.
Don't Forget the Details: Baseboards, door frames, and windowsills are dust magnets. Pay attention to these often-overlooked areas.
Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular dusting sessions into your routine, especially during high-pollen seasons or if you have pets.
A little effort now can save you headaches (and expenses) later. Plus, a dust-free home feels fresher and more welcoming
Deep-clean Mattresses, Pillows, and Rugs
With all the warm, sunny days ahead, it’s the perfect time of year to give your mattresses, pillows, and even rugs the deep cleaning they need.
Sunlight kills dust mites, so pillows, rugs, and mattresses can all be brought outside and placed in direct sunlight. Just be mindful of the weather and pollen in the air, so you aren’t trading one allergen for another.
Hand- or machine-wash your pillows, vacuum those carpets, and deep-clean your mattress—then take them all outside to dry in the sun.
Get Your Landscaping Under Control
A well-maintained garden can feel like an oasis, but overgrown plants and unkempt trees quickly become eyesores. The key is to get ahead of the game and stay on top of regular pruning and trimming.
Why does this matter? Here's what you'll gain:
Lush and Healthy Growth: Regular trimming encourages bushier growth in hedges and stimulates more flowers and fruit production in trees. It's like a haircut for your plants – it keeps them looking their best!
Improved Airflow and Sunlight: Overgrown branches can block sunlight and restrict airflow, leading to unhealthy plants and potential pest problems. Strategic pruning promotes healthier growth and a more vibrant landscape.
Enhanced Curb Appeal: Overgrown shrubs and unruly trees detract from your home's overall appeal. Regular maintenance ensures your home looks polished and well-cared for, which is crucial if you're considering selling.
Safety First: Overhanging branches can be a hazard, especially in windy conditions. Proper trimming keeps your property safe for your family and visitors.
Ready to sell your Waterloo Region home? Want to ensure your outdoor spaces are at their best? Team Pinto is here to help! We've seen countless gardens in the course of our work, and we know what features appeal most to buyers.
Whether you need advice on landscaping updates that enhance your home's value or want expert guidance throughout the selling process, Team Pinto has your back. Our deep understanding of the local market and our commitment to personalized service will ensure your home shines its brightest.
Contact Team Pinto today for a free consultation! Let's turn your real estate goals into reality and achieve a successful sale together.