Maintaining your home can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task, especially when you break it down into all its individual parts. But what if we told you that there were DIY home maintenance tasks you can do in an hour or less? Yes – it’s entirely possible! As a busy homeowner (or real estate agent!), you don’t have time to waste – and we’ve got your back with this complete guide to improving the functioning, longevity and look of your house in just one hour or less.
From dusting the lights, and checking smoke alarms and vent covers to cleaning carpets, counters, and floors – read on for the ultimate guide to completing simple maintenance tasks quickly so you can move on to THAT NEXT BIG PROJECT!
Clean and Dust Your Ceiling Fans
Have you been avoiding cleaning your ceiling fans? We know, it can be a daunting task. But take heart—you can get that chore checked off the list easily, and in an hour or less. First, turn off the fan so it won’t start spinning while you’re dusting away. Next, use a quality microfiber cloth to carefully wipe away dust on the blades… and don’t forget to give the motor housing a good dusting too! If you want to spruce them up even more, you can polish the blades if they need it. After you’re done, just turn them back on—your room will be both cleaner and cooler in no time!
Replace Your Smoke Detector Batteries
Are your smoke detector batteries guzzling up too much of your household energy? Don’t wait for the beeping to kick in, replace those batteries before you forget! Luckily, the task only takes an hour or less and is a vital step in protecting you and your family from unseen dangers. A quick trip to the store for fresh batteries can save you from a lot of vexation when that low battery warning starts chirping. Being prepared for unexpected circumstances will also allow you to get back to taking care of more fun home improvement tasks with confidence.
Freshen Up Your Furniture or Make Your Own
Has your furniture seen better days? Refresh it in an hour or less with some simple DIY maintenance. Any fabric-covered furniture, such as sofas or chairs, should start by being vacuumed or cleaned with a mild cleaning solution and water. For wooden furniture, use a gentle cleanser to keep the finish looking like new.
Reinvigorate your space further by re-dusting shelves and other surfaces and rearranging things to give your home a facelift. If you’re feeling ambitious, try restoring old wood pieces by sanding them down and re-varnishing them. You may want to get the right bolts and screws for the job, but it’s a great way to bring new life to old furniture! Even building things like your own wooden bench or birdhouse can be done in a short time with the right tools. So flex your DIY muscles and give your home a spark of personality.
Unclog Drains and Toilets
One of the most dreaded home maintenance tasks is unclogging drains and toilets, which can be tricky and time-consuming. But never fear—with some basic tools, a great attitude, and a little elbow grease, you can do it yourself in an hour or less! Start by running boiling water down the drain to help loosen any stubborn blockages such as grease buildup or hair. If that doesn’t work, try using a plunger before moving on to more complicated solutions like a drain snake or, if needed, taking the pipes apart.
Switch Out Old Light Fixtures
Changing out your old light fixtures can make a huge change in the aesthetics of any room. Installing new light fixtures is also cheap and easy to do in an hour or less. Not only is it quick, but it also adds value to your home. When you’re finished, you’ll be able to take pride in your awesome handiwork while enjoying the newly refreshed look of your living space. With so much to gain in such a short amount of time, why not give DIY home maintenance tasks a try?
With a little bit of effort and planning, you can easily complete some home maintenance tasks in an hour or less. From cleaning and dusting your ceiling fan and switching out old light fixtures to freshening up furniture and painting the front door, it’s easy to find simple DIY tasks that everyone can do. Just remember to always take safety precautions, especially when changing smoke detector batteries and dealing with electrical wiring.
