A home maintenance checklist for every season

Spring home maintenance checklist

As warmer weather arrives, spring offers an opportunity to check your home for wear, complete repairs and prepare living spaces for the season ahead. Taking care of seasonal tasks like inspecting your roof, servicing appliances and refreshing indoor spaces may help support your home’s performance and create a comfortable environment for your family. While it is not exhaustive, try using this spring home maintenance checklist to get started.

1. Inspect your roof and exterior

Winter weather can take a toll on your home’s roof and exterior. Check for missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing or any signs of wear. Inspect fascia and soffit for deterioration and make repairs as needed to help prevent moisture damage. Not everyone can safely check their roof, so be sure to have a professional do this if you are unable, or if your roof is steep or hard to access.

2. Service your air conditioning system

Regular air conditioner maintenance and tune-ups can help minimize issues caused by dirt and debris buildup. When performed by a licensed HVAC technician, these inspections can allow for early identification of longer-term concerns and may help prevent inconvenient breakdowns during the cooling season. Preventive maintenance may also help improve energy efficiency and, in some cases, may be required to maintain your manufacturer warranty.

3. Check your plumbing

Inspect the shutoff valves at each plumbing fixture to ensure they operate properly. This can help you quickly shut off water in case of leaks. Also check your water heater for any signs of wear or leaks.

4. Clean the kitchen exhaust hood 

Remove built-up grease and dust from your kitchen exhaust hood and air filter. This can help maintain proper ventilation while cooking.

5. Wash rugs, curtains and other linens

Spring is a good time to wash or refresh your rugs, curtains, tablecloths, guest room sheets and other household linens to help remove dust and odors that may have built up over the winter months. Always check care tags for recommended cleaning instructions and test fabrics before washing.

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Summer home maintenance checklist

Summer is a good time to focus on seasonal tasks that can help prepare your home for the months ahead. Cleaning appliances, like your refrigerator, can help make room for fresh summer produce and support food storage, while inspecting decks, patios, siding and windows may help keep outdoor spaces ready for summer gatherings.

6. Clean your refrigerator

One task to tackle as you kick off your summer is refrigerator cleaning and organization. Cleaning your refrigerator can help create space for fresh ingredients and support proper food storage and organization.

Begin by unplugging the appliance and removing all food, placing perishables in coolers. Take out shelves and drawers, allowing them to reach room temperature before washing with warm, soapy water. Wipe the interior walls, ceiling and floor with dish soap and water, using baking soda or vinegar for tough stains.

Clean the condenser coils with a vacuum and soft brush to help maintain proper temperature. Finish by wiping the exterior, handles and door seals with mild soap and water. Use a stainless steel cleaner for stainless models to help reduce streaks.

7. Inspect outdoor spaces like decks and patios

Routine inspections of decks and patios may help identify small issues before they become larger concerns. Start by checking wood surfaces for signs of rot, water damage or termite activity. Examine deck supports, posts and footings for stability and deterioration. Inspect floorboards and joists for signs of wear or warping, and check that fasteners and hardware connectors remain secure. Check steps, handrails and guardrails for stability.

For patios, check for loose, cracked or uneven materials that could create trip hazards. Evaluate sloping and drainage to help ensure water moves away from the home and doesn't pool on paved surfaces. Inspect for mold, algae and overgrown vegetation, which can cause further damage if left untreated.

8. Inspect siding and windows

Inspecting your home’s siding and windows can help prevent moisture damage and maintain curb appeal. Check windows for cracks, gaps or loose caulking. Make sure window panes are intact, free of condensation, and that locks and screens are functioning properly.

Examine the siding for cracks, warping or missing sections, and check the flashing around windows, doors and other openings to confirm proper sealing. Inspect exterior trim for peeling paint, rot or loose pieces. Painting and resealing may help protect trim from weather exposure and help maintain the appearance of your home.

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Fall home maintenance checklist

As temperatures cool, fall is a good time to focus on home maintenance tasks that help prepare for the changing weather. Servicing your heating system, inspecting fireplaces and clearing gutters can help support your home’s performance as the weather turns cooler.

9. Service your heating system

It is important to have your heating system serviced by a professional in the fall. Although there are some routine maintenance tasks you can perform yourself, it is also important to have an HVAC professional service your heating system before the cooler temperatures arrive. Energy Star recommends having your heating and cooling systems routinely inspected in the spring and fall.

10. Inspect fireplaces and clean flues  

Fall is a good time to consider having your fireplace inspected and your flue cleaned, because the cooler weather may mean more time around the fire with your family. 

A professional chimney sweep or technician should perform your inspection and cleaning. There are different levels of inspection based on your needs, and your technician should be able to help decide which is right for you.

11. Clear gutters of leaves and debris

When the leaves are falling and before the weather really turns, it is important to remove leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts. There are several methods for cleaning gutters, and not all of them require you to be on the roof. You can use attachments for a leaf blower or hose, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.

12. Clean your dishwasher filter

Keeping the inside of your dishwasher clean may help prevent odors and reduce the buildup of detergent, minerals and debris that can affect cleaning performance. Cleaning your dishwasher before the hustle and bustle of holiday parties and family gatherings can help keep it in good working order.

Start by removing any dishes, then check the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher for food particles or debris. If removable, take out the filter and clean it according to your model specific owner’s manual. Place a dishwasher-safe cup with 2 cups of white vinegar on the lower rack and run a normal cycle with the Heat Dry Option off. After the cycle, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. For tougher buildup, affresh^® Dishwasher Cleaner can help remove limescale and mineral buildup.¹

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Winter home maintenance checklist

Winter is a good time to focus on indoor maintenance tasks that can help protect your appliances and plumbing during colder months. Checking water hoses, cleaning drains and inspecting your water heater can help keep systems running smoothly throughout the season.

13. Clean your oven

To prepare for holiday meals, you may want to consider cleaning your oven as part of your winter home maintenance. You can take advantage of your oven’s Self-Cleaning Cycle, or you can clean your oven yourself. Select Whirlpool^® Ovens have the SteamClean Option, which saturates baked on messes with water and high heat so they wipe up quickly.

If you are self-cleaning, use simple household items, such as baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice. Wipe down both the inside and outside of the appliance with a rag or cloth to help remove buildup. For the oven racks, soak them in warm, soapy water, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush to remove any stuck-on residue. Check your user manual for more information on how to clean your oven or what settings your oven offers to help you.

14. Clean the dryer vent and duct

Cleaning your dryer vent is a task you can typically complete yourself. Be sure to have a second person assist when moving the appliance to help prevent damage. Lint and dust buildup inside the vent can create a potential fire risk if not cleared regularly.

Start by unplugging the power supply and, for gas models, turning off and disconnecting the gas line. Carefully move the dryer away from the wall to access the ventilation hose. Remove any clamps or tape, then clean both the interior and exterior vents using a dryer cleaning brush and vacuum. Once all debris has been cleared, reconnect the ventilation hose, restore power and gas connections, and run an empty cycle for 10-15 minutes to help clear any remaining dust.

15. Clean sink drains

Sink drain maintenance may help prevent odors and clogs. Start by removing pop-up stoppers or drain guards to clear away any debris or buildup, then rinse and replace. For slow drains, you can use a drain snake to remove hair and residue from the drain trap. To help control odors, pour hydrogen peroxide or a biodegradable, non-corrosive pipe cleaner down the drain. Avoid using harsh drain cleaners or bleach, which can damage pipes over time.

16. Help protect pipes from cold weather

Cold temperatures can increase the risk of frozen pipes, but taking a few steps may help reduce the chance of damage. Disconnect, drain and store outdoor hoses inside, then close inside valves and open exterior hose bibs to allow any remaining water to drain. Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces to help maintain warmer temperatures in these areas. Check for water supply lines in unheated spaces, such as garages or under sinks, and add insulation or install products like pipe sleeves, heat tape or heat cables as needed.

Monthly home maintenance checklist

Staying on top of a few simple tasks each month may help keep your home running smoothly and prevent small issues from turning into larger repairs. Use this checklist to help guide your regular monthly maintenance routine.

• Clean your washing machine. Clean your washing machine about once a month or every 30 wash cycles to help prevent buildup. Use your washer’s cleaning cycle, if available, or follow manual cleaning steps recommended in the owner’s manual.

• Wipe kitchen appliance surfaces. Wipe down exterior surfaces, control panels, and seals on your fridge, range and dishwasher to help prevent grime buildup .

• Clean the garbage disposal. Grind ice and flush with hot water to help clear food residue and reduce odors.

• Inspect dishwasher filters and spray arms. Check your dishwasher filter and spray arms for debris or buildup. Review your owner's manual for step-by-step instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month. Press the test button to make sure alarms work properly, and replace batteries as needed.

• Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Press the “test” button to help ensure outlets are functioning properly and providing shock protection.

• Inspect and clean your HVAC filters. Dirty filters can reduce efficiency and air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should replace or clean filters monthly or per manufacturer guidelines.

Explore Whirlpool^® Laundry and Kitchen Appliances

Whirlpool^® laundry and kitchen appliances are designed to help make everyday care and home maintenance easier. Whether you're tackling laundry or keeping your kitchen running smoothly, Whirlpool brand offers thoughtful features and dependable performance to help you manage daily tasks and care for the people who matter most.