Sure, you're probably looking forward to that extra hour of sleep you get each fall when we turn the clocks back. But a little more shut-eye (and the threat of being an hour early to work on Monday) aren't the only things Daylight Saving Time should signal. Use this time to take care of these important biannual tasks around your home.
1. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
You've likely heard this one before, but it's worth repeating. Take the time to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and have fresh batteries. Flames can consume a home in as little as five minutes, and the risk of dying in a fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.
2. Flip your mattress.
To make sure your mattress wears evenly, you should flip it every six months. Got a pillowtop? Just rotate it instead of turning it over. Call in reinforcements if you need help maneuvering a heavy mattress; evening out the wear will help prolong its life.
3. Wash your pillows.
Oils from your face, dead skin and dust mites accumulate in your pillow over time, so they need a good cleaning twice a year. If you have fiberfill, your pillows can likely go right in the machine. Down needs to be dry cleaned, and foam can be spot-cleaned so it smells fresh for holiday company. Owned a pillow for more than two years? Replace it.
4. Take stock of your medicine cabinet and pantry.
Now is a great time to declutter your stash of food and medical supplies. Toss anything that has expired.
5. Clean your fridge's coils.
To keep your unit running efficiently, use your vacuum's wand to suck away layers of dirt and dust.
6. Vacuum out your dryer's vent and ducts.
We've all heard about the horror of dryer fires. Lint lodged in the vent pipes, the space behind the dryer and ducts outside your home is often the cause of dryer fires. Your vacuum's crevice tool can help you get the job done.
7. Replace or clean filters around your house.
You should inspect the filters in your heating and air-conditioning units to make your systems are still running well, but also check the water filter in your fridge and HEPA filter in your vacuum.
8. Clean the oven.
In preparation for holiday parties, make sure your kitchen is in tip-top shape by running your oven's self-cleaning function — or getting on your hands and knees and doing some old-fashioned scrubbing. Also, be sure to clean the filter in your range hood.
9. Check your emergency kit.
If you've depleted your supply of flashlight batteries, bandage and other just-in-case items over the past six months, use this time to restock.
Now, of course, if you're feeling ambitious, this is certainly a great time to do the fall version of spring cleaning and take on tasks like descaling your coffeemaker and deep cleaning carpets in high-traffic areas (or calling in the pros for a little help).
