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November Home Maintenance Tips
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I am not sure what the weather is like where you live, but the weather here in Central Iowa has been unseasonably warm. Except for the sun rising later and setting earlier in the day, you would never know that it is this late in the year. As I have been doing things around the house this fall to prepare for winter, it seems like I have been way ahead of schedule, but trust me, winter will arrive and we need to be prepared.  
 
  • Check your Fire Extinguishers 
Some of you may actually need to go out and purchase fire extinguishers, but if you already have them like you should, this is a good time to inspect them. Make sure they are properly charged and ready for use. Some are refillable and can be serviced, but others will just need to be replaced.  
 
  • Clean and Cover Your Patio Furniture 
If you are like me, you forget about things when they are not used and patio furniture is one of those things. It seems like every winter I go to shovel snow and realize the patio furniture is still out covered in snow. Take time now to clean them off and store them. Put the cushions somewhere safe where they won’t be damaged by weather or rodents.  
 
  • Clean Your Dishwasher 
It is time to make sure your dishwasher is clean. Remove and clean the filter and run a cycle using a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of vinegar in the top rack. This will allow the water to drain freely and prevent your dishwasher from getting smelly.  
 
  • Service the Garbage Disposal 
While you are in the kitchen cleaning the dishwasher, remove the ice bin from your freezer compartment and dump in the sink. Run water while operating the disposal and the ice cubes will clean the blades as they grind the ice. This will get rid of any old ice cubes you have and allow your ice maker to make a fresh batch.  
Now you can sit back and enjoy winter!  
 
Norwalk IA Real Estate – Jon Niemeyer, Broker/Owner/REALTOR® at EXIT Realty North Star. I list and sell real estate in Central Iowa including Norwalk, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Cumming, Indianola, Carlisle, Waukee, Urbandale, Grimes, Clive, Johnston, Ankeny, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill in the Counties of Warren, Polk, Dallas, and Madison. Call Jon Niemeyer at 515-490-4675.     
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