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DIY MAINTENANCE IDEAS

Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to do those DIY projects you’ve been putting off all year! Use these simple and effective tricks to help you save costs around your home. TEXT SKYE LAVIS

Staying on top of your home maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your home in good shape, and it can help you avoid even more complex and costly repairs later on. No need to spend money on a contractor when you can complete these easy projects yourself.

1. CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS Tis may not be the frst thing that comes to mind when you think of fun DIY ideas, but it’s important to clean your gutters twice a year. Get up on a ladder and remove debris from your gutters by hand. Use a hose and a plumber’s snake to fush debris from downspouts. 2. FIX YOUR LEAKY TAPS It’s not hard to fx a leaky tap. Usually, it’s just a matter of replacing the rubber washer inside the faucet handle. Turn of the water supply to the tap, remove the leaky handle, and replace the washer.

3. NO MORE FLUSHING MONEY DOWN THE DRAIN A leaking toilet can cause your water bill to spike. Find out if your toilet is leaking from the tank to the bowl by putting some food colouring in the tank and coming back in an hour or so to see if the colour is leaching out into the bowl. If water is leaking from the tank to the bowl, you should replace the fapper inside the tank. If the toilet is leaking around the base, however, you’ll need to replace the toilet.

4. CHECK YOUR WASHING MACHINE HOSES Faulty washing machine supply and drain hoses are a leading cause of water damage. Replace them immediately if you see signs of leaking, damage or rust around the metal ends of the lines. Replace them every three years otherwise.

5. TEST YOUR REFRIGERATOR DOOR SEALS Te seals around your refrigerator doors are responsible for keeping the inside of your refrigerator cold. When they fail, your refrigerator becomes less efcient and can even have a shorter lifespan. To test the door seals, close your refrigerator door on a piece of paper. If you can’t pull it out of the closed door, your seals are good. If not, you might want to replace your refrigerator door seals.

6. VACUUM YOUR REFRIGERATOR CONDENSER COILS Once a year, you should pull your refrigerator away from the wall and vacuum the dust of the condenser coils with a vacuum hose. Tis helps your refrigerator continue to work efciently and extends its life. 7. CAULK YOUR WINDOWS Every spring/summer, you should inspect the outside of your windows and replace any missing caulk. Remove any cracked, dry or otherwise damaged caulk with a sharp knife and replace it with a fresh bead. Tis prevents drafts, helping to keep your energy costs low and your home comfortable. ■

GET YOUR HOME

SUMMER READY!

Spruce up your home and get ready for the summer season with these quick fxes! TEXT SKYE LAVIS

1. GIVE YOUR WEBER A DEEP CLEAN Give your weber a good clean before you begin braaiing regularly again. Soak your grill in boiling water and add a bit of dishwashing liquid to loosen up the grime. When the water is cool enough for you to touch, use a cleaning sponge, scourer, braai brush, or crumpled up aluminium foil and rub the grill for a thorough clean. Bring on Shisa nyama!

2. TIDY UP YOUR GARDEN Clean up your yard by trimming branches, mowing the lawn, degunking the bird bath etc. Spring/ summer is prime time for pruning to keep your trees and shrubs healthy and attractive. If you live in a fat, the same applies. Make sure all your house plants are neat, watered and kept.Need a boost? Plant some seeds or store-bought blooms in pots inside and out or in fower beds for an instant makeover. If you love fresh veggies, fruits and herbs, consider sowing some in planter boxes in your garden. Check what plants thrive in the season and you’ll be eating your very own homegrown summer salads. 3. WASH OUTDOOR UPHOLSTERY Most outdoor fabrics are safe to throw in a warm wash so start with any outdoor cushions. Air-dry, then put the cover back on the insert while it’s still slightly damp to keep it smooth. If the fabric isn’t removable, clean it using a soft scrub brush, dish detergent, and warm water.

4. CLEAN YOUR PATIO FURNITURE Patio furniture is another one of those things that gets hit hard over the winter. Waterblast your set or use one of the spray on solutions, otherwise wipe it down with some cleaners made for outdoor furniture. Once you have your table and chairs sparkling clean again, bring out your newly washed chair cushions and outdoor throw pillows to really punch up the colour and comfort!

5. BOOST YOUR AIRCON Need a little boost of cold air in your home? Turn your ceiling fan counterclockwise to push cool air down to the foor. Tis will reduce the use of the AC in your home and help you with your summer savings. 6. SWITCH TO LIGHTER BEDDING Similar to your clothing, summer is also the time to switch to lighter bedding. Ditch the fannel sheets, thick duvets and wool blankets and opt for breezier cotton. Keep a light throw nearby in case the nights still get chilly! You can even totally switch up the look of your bedroom by trading out decorative pillows or changing up the colour of your bedding.

7. CLEAN THE WINDOWS Cleaning the windows is one of the best feelings when you want your house to feel clean and fresh. Tis is a great time to clean all of your windows inside and out; with a little bit of efort they will be gleaming in no time. While you’re at it, throw open your windows and air out your house. Nothing is as wonderful as breathing in the fresh air and having it permeate your home. ■