Back in May, I followed my own advice and washed our windows. Then a couple of weeks ago, we were getting ready to have guests over, and I decided to wash them again. I didn’t think they were that dirty—just a few streaks I’d noticed since then—but once I finished, I couldn’t believe how much better the house looked. The exterior was noticeably brighter and felt more welcoming. That one task made a huge difference in how the house looked as people arrived.
It’s funny how small maintenance jobs like that can have a big impact. We often focus on the big projects, but the little ones—like cleaning windows—can dramatically improve the look and feel of your home. And the best part? When you keep up with regular maintenance, those little jobs stay little.
Now that July is here and we’re officially in the second half of the year, here are some timely home maintenance tasks you can knock out. Most of these are easy to handle on your own, but if you'd prefer to call in a pro, I have a great list of local contacts I’d be happy to share. Just don’t expect me to show up with a ladder.
Clean the Dishwasher
Yes, the thing that cleans your dishes also needs to be cleaned. Pull out the bottom rack, scrub the filter, and run a cleaning cycle with either a commercial dishwasher cleaner or a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack. You’ll be amazed at how much fresher it smells—and how much better it works.
Service the Washer and Dryer
If you have a front-load washer, wipe down the rubber door gasket and leave the door open between uses to keep mildew at bay. Run a washing machine cleaner once a month to keep detergent buildup under control. Clean the dryer lint screen thoroughly (not just the surface lint—give it a real scrub) and have a professional clean out the dryer vent to improve efficiency and reduce fire risk.
Clean the In-Sink Disposal
Ice cubes and a lemon wedge go a long way here. Run them through the disposal with cold water to clean and deodorize. If it still smells funky, follow up with baking soda and vinegar, then rinse with hot water.
Replace Water Filters
If you’re on a 6-month filter replacement schedule, midyear is a good reminder to swap out your refrigerator or under-sink water filters. It keeps your water tasting clean and extends the life of your appliances.
Replace the Furnace Filter
If you’re on a 3-month schedule, July is your next changeout. A clean furnace filter helps your HVAC run more efficiently, keeps your indoor air cleaner, and can even lower your energy bill.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Inspect your home’s exterior for gaps around doors, windows, vents, and utility lines. Remove old or cracked caulk, clean the area, and apply fresh caulk that’s made for outdoor use. This helps with energy efficiency and keeps out bugs and moisture.
Inspect and Clean Windows
Yes, I’m circling back to windows. Open and close each one to check for smooth operation, secure locks, and any signs of broken seals or condensation between panes. Clean the glass, frames, and screens. Patch any screen holes and make sure they fit snugly—because the only guests you want coming through your windows are the ones you invited.
As a Broker Associate/REALTOR® at EXIT Realty and Associates, I specialize in buying and selling real estate throughout Central Iowa, including Norwalk, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Cumming, Indianola, Carlisle, Waukee, Urbandale, Grimes, Clive, Johnston, Ankeny, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill. I proudly serve Warren, Polk, Dallas, and Madison Counties.
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Call me, Jon Niemeyer, at 515-490-4675 — no pressure, just perspective.
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