February might not be the time for a repaint if you can't open your doors and windows but it is a great time to freshen up your current paint job. Magic Erasers are perfect for this, taking off all kinds of spots. Dampen the sponge and run it gently over any dirty areas (don't press too hard or you can remove the paint). The Magic Eraser really is magic, taking off all kinds of dirt and stains. You can also freshen a lackluster paint job by spot painting with a brush. Take a very small amount of paint and scrub it with a sideways motion over areas you want to retouch. You're not painting,only dry brush a very small amount onto the wall. If the fumes from the paint are bothersome you can add a drop of vanilla to the paint to cover the smell.
Clogged dryer vents are a major safety hazard and one of the biggest causes of home fires. Luckily for you cleaning them is a simple (but probably dirty!) task and one you can accomplish in an afternoon. You will need a vacuum with a long thin attachment, a broom and dustpan and a dryer vent cleaning kit that you can purchase at any hardware or home improvement store. Start by removing the lint trap filter from the dryer and thoroughly clean it (we all know this should be cleaned every time you remove a load of clothes but I think we all forget sometimes). Then, with the vacuum attachment, clean out the lint trap, reaching as far in as you can. When you've gotten all you can with the vacuum switch to the small lint brush that came with the cleaning kit. Reach down to the bottom of the lint trap, twist the brush and sweep up. Continue this until the brush comes up clean. Now you're ready to pull the dryer out. Unplug the dryer and disconnect the gas lines for a gas dryer. Disconnect the venting and gently pull the dry out from the wall. Take the round duct cleaning brush that came with the kit and gently clean the duct work, spinning the brush and pulling out lint as you go. Again,continue this until the brush comes out clean. The kit should come with sections of a flexible shaft that you can add to the brush to make the length you need to reach the entirety of the venting. That's it, you're done! Reattach the venting, push the dryer back and plug back in, replace the lint filter and you're ready to go. You've saved time and money by making your dryer more efficient and you have made your home safer!
Note: Some brush kits can be connected to a portable drill to spin the brush inside the duct. If you use this option, run the drill at slow speed and advance the brush gradually through the duct.
This one is self explanatory, mattresses should be rotated top to bottom and front to back at least once a year. This is also a good time to dust bed frames,vacuum under the bed and wash pillows and duvet covers,
While your washing those pillows and blankets,take some time to organize your linen closet. Match up sets of sheets and put whole sets into one of the pillowcases so that you can easily grab a whole set when you need it. Take stock of what you have and what you need (or don't need!). Make a list of what needs to be replaced. Check with your local animal shelters to see if they are in need of old blankets and sheets.
Organize bookshelves - Another good spot to organize in February are your bookshelves. We've still got some cold snowy weather coming so good books that you can easily find are a must. Bookshelves can be ordered by genre or author (or both like mine!). I have two shelves - one for my old favorites and one for books I haven't read yet. Once you've organized your local library is a great place to take books that you don't want. This is also a good time to make a list of books or series that you want to read and check your library for them while you're there donating. Stock up on some good books for those last few months of winter.
The USFA (U.S Fire Administration) suggests including the following steps in your inspection:
Documenting your checks on the extinguisher’s inspection tag may help you keep track of its maintenance history.
If you are thinking of putting your house on the market this Spring or Summer,now is a great time to talk to a Real Estate agent. The Catskill Country Living Team can