Opening Words

Hello everyone! As a post-95s generation homeowner, I deeply understand the importance of home maintenance. While buying a house is easy, maintaining it is challenging. After years of exploration and learning, I've discovered that house maintenance isn't actually difficult if you master the right methods. Today, I'll share all the lessons I've learned and experiences I've gathered, hoping to help fellow homeowners who are also concerned about their houses.

Indoor Section

Safety First

When it comes to home maintenance, I believe safety issues are the most important. When I first moved into my new home, I thought safety equipment was optional, until one night when I was awakened by the smoke alarm. I panicked and jumped up to check everywhere, only to find that the battery was running low. This experience made me realize the importance of safety equipment, and since then, I've developed a habit of regular inspections.

Now I have smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and gas leak detectors installed. At the beginning of each month, I press the test button on these devices to ensure they're working properly. Don't think this is too troublesome - it's a matter of life safety. I also mark battery replacement dates in my phone calendar, with reminders three days in advance.

Besides these alarm devices, I pay special attention to electrical safety. Every quarter, I check for aging wires and overheating outlets. I also regularly open and inspect the electrical panel, checking for dust accumulation and switch flexibility. Although these tasks seem tedious, they help me sleep more soundly.

Equipment Maintenance

Speaking of household equipment maintenance, the air conditioner has been my biggest headache. Initially, I was lazy and thought as long as the AC was running, who cares about dirty filters. Until one time when a friend visited and mentioned a strange smell coming from my AC, I realized the severity of the problem.

Now I clean the AC filters monthly, which is actually quite simple: first vacuum off the surface dust, then rinse with clean water, and finally let it dry before reinstalling. If I notice the filter is deformed or damaged, I replace it immediately. Regular filter cleaning not only makes the AC more energy-efficient but also prevents respiratory diseases caused by dust accumulation.

Water heater maintenance is also important. I have an electric water heater, and I have a professional clean its inner tank every six months to remove scale. This not only extends the water heater's lifespan but also saves on electricity bills. For gas water heaters, regular maintenance is even more crucial - annual professional inspections of gas pipes and exhaust pipes are necessary.

As for the water and electrical systems, my advice is to check once too often rather than waiting for problems to arise. Every quarter, I carefully inspect all water pipe connections for signs of leakage. This is especially important in bathrooms and kitchens where water is frequently used. If you notice pipe corrosion or joint seepage, call a professional immediately - don't try to fix it yourself, as you might make things worse.

Daily Cleaning

Honestly, I didn't pay much attention to house cleaning at first, thinking that as long as it looked clean, it was fine. But as time went by, I realized many problems were caused by lack of regular maintenance. Now I've divided my home into several zones, each with its own cleaning schedule.

The bathroom needs the most frequent attention. Due to constant moisture, it's prone to mold growth. I've developed a habit of using a squeegee to remove water from walls and floors after each shower, then running the exhaust fan for half an hour. Every weekend, I do a deep clean of the entire bathroom with mold remover, especially in shower corners and around faucets where dirt easily accumulates.

Kitchen cleaning is equally important. I clean the range hood every two weeks; otherwise, accumulated grease affects ventilation and may drip. The stove and countertops need daily wiping, and tile grout requires regular cleaning with a small brush. The garbage bin needs daily emptying and periodic disinfection.

I've also developed my own method for floor cleaning. For wooden floors, I use a slightly damp mop followed immediately by a dry mop. For tile floors, I use specialized cleaners to remove stains before mopping with clean water.

Windows and curtains are often overlooked cleaning targets. I now clean windows monthly and send curtains for dry cleaning every three months. Screen windows, which many people neglect, actually affect indoor air quality when dusty. I first vacuum the surface dust, then wipe with a cloth dampened with cleaner.

Outdoor Section

Lawn Management

I have a small lawn that really worried me at first as I had no idea how to maintain it. After years of exploration, I've finally found some techniques. First is the mowing issue - during growing season, maintain a weekly mowing schedule. Be careful not to cut too short; keeping the grass at 5-7 centimeters is ideal.

Watering requires technique too - don't water too frequently, allow roots to grow downward. I typically water 2-3 times per week, thoroughly each time, so roots grow deeper and become more drought-resistant. The best watering times are early morning or evening to avoid rapid evaporation.

For fertilizing, I adjust according to seasons. Spring calls for nitrogen fertilizer to promote growth, summer needs compound fertilizer to maintain nutrition, and fall requires potassium fertilizer to enhance cold resistance. Never over-fertilize, as it can burn the roots.

Exterior Wall Maintenance

Exterior wall maintenance is easily overlooked. I learned this the hard way last fall when uncleaned leaves clogged the eaves drainage, causing rainwater to flow down the exterior wall and create mold. It was troublesome and expensive to fix. Since then, I've paid special attention to exterior wall maintenance.

Now I thoroughly clean gutters and downspouts twice yearly, in spring and fall. Safety is crucial during cleaning - always have someone hold the ladder. After cleaning, I flush with water to ensure proper drainage.

Wall cracks need immediate attention, especially before rainy season. Regardless of size, all cracks should be repaired promptly. Small cracks can be filled with waterproof sealant, while larger ones require professional attention.

Seasonal Work

Spring Preparation

Spring is the best season for house inspection and maintenance. I take advantage of warmer weather to conduct a comprehensive inspection. First, check the roof for leaks. Pay special attention to the waterproof layer - repair any damage promptly.

Examine exterior walls for cracks or peeling. Check window seals for aging and replace if necessary. Inspect outdoor pipes and faucets to ensure they weren't damaged by winter frost.

Yard work is substantial too. Clear winter leaves, till and fertilize the garden. Trim dead branches if you have trees. The lawn needs attention - clear dead grass and reseed if necessary.

Winter Protection

Pre-winter preparation is crucial. First, check door and window seals, replacing damaged ones immediately. Fill window gaps with weatherstripping to prevent cold drafts.

Don't forget air conditioner winterization. Clean the outdoor unit and cover it with a dust cover. For wall-mounted units, place foam board under the outdoor unit to reduce thermal bridging.

Pipe freeze protection is paramount. Insulate outdoor pipes with foam covering. Drain rarely-used outdoor faucets to prevent freeze damage. Don't forget pipes in basements or garages - they need insulation too.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, when I first started home maintenance, I found it troublesome and wished I could outsource everything. Gradually, I discovered that maintaining my house myself is actually quite rewarding. Watching your home improve under careful care is truly satisfying.

Maintaining a house is like raising a child - it requires patience and attention to detail. Regular inspection and maintenance not only keep the house in good condition but also avoid unnecessary repair costs. Most importantly, a well-maintained house brings much happiness to our lives.

Everyone has their own experiences and insights about house maintenance. If you have any unique maintenance tips, please share them with me. Let's learn from each other. After all, there's always something new to learn about home maintenance, isn't there?